Enrollment: 91
Average GMAT: 473.00
GMAT Range (25-75%): 400-550
Regular Application Deadline: 07/01
Rolling Admission: Yes
School Type: Public
Average Age: 28.00
Student Faculty Ratio: 3:1

Part Time Program: Yes
Evening Program: Yes
Executive MBA Program Offered: No
Total Faculty: 31

Hired Finance: 29%

Out-of-State Tuition: $11,424.00
In-State Tuition: $4,680.00
Financial Aid Deadline: 04/01
Students Receiving Some Aid: 74%
Average Annual Total Financial Aid: $2,670.00

Students Say - Academics
The MBA program at Lamar University's College of Business serves a predominantly local population drawn to the school by "convenience, affordability, and the reputation of the program." Small class sizes providing a "personal" feel, and lots of "access to professors" creates "opportunities for individuals to get involved and shine." Two of Lamar's greatest assets are its "faculty-to-student ratio and the individualized attention that the school provides," one student writes.
Lamar offers a Cohort MBA, a full-time evening program that includes several experiential learning opportunities. The program is intense; classes meet 4 nights a week, and the curriculum goes pretty much nonstop for 16 months, but those who tough it out are rewarded with an MBA earned in a relatively short time for relatively little money. Cohort MBA participants must have earned an undergraduate degree in business. The school also offers a traditional MBA, which also meets in the evenings, but it allows for part-time attendance. The traditional MBA program is open to all college graduates; those who lack the requisite academic business background must complete a series of leveling courses before commencing the MBA proper.
Both programs earn praise for "being convenient to professionals in the area and working to meet the needs of the students." University staffers "make a point to know each student personally" and the administration "is very accommodating. Schedules and special circumstances result in solutions, not brick walls. This attitude of working together applies in class and administration." One MBA adds, "The Dean encourages all of the faculty to be available to students for questions. They are always available when I need them either by their office hours, e-mail, or special appointment." Students also appreciate that "this is a growing program. As a student, I can see many opportunities for future MBA students." As for now, students are already enjoying a great "hometown feeling" that helps students manage "the stress of returning to school while raising a family and performing at work."

Students Say - Admissions
Lamar University requires all applicants to provide GMAT scores, undergraduate transcripts, essays, and TOEFL scores (for students whose native language is not English). An interview, letters of recommendation, personal statement, resume, and evidence of computer experience are all recommended but not required; all are taken into account in rendering an admissions decision. Applicants must earn a score of at least 950 under the formula (200 multiplied by GPA plus GMAT) or a score of 1000 under the formula (200 multiplied by GPA for final 60 semester hours of undergraduate work plus GMAT). In both cases, a minimum GMAT score of 450 is required for unconditional admission; students with scores between 400 and 450 qualify for conditional admission. International applicants must provide proof of financial support.

Students Say - Campus Life
"There are a lot of events to participate in around the Lamar campus," and "With the campus being smaller it is actually easier to be involved in several different groups. There are tons of leadership opportunities." Administrators and student groups "are working to involve students in networking opportunities such as socials, a mentoring program with alumni, and through guest speakers." How many MBAs get involved is another question entirely; most attend classes in the evenings and have little time to spare. One student writes, "I work 50 to 60 hours a week and attend class at night, study when I can during the week, and commit most of the weekend to school other than coaching a soccer team. As a father of four, this commitment takes time away from my family, but with an understanding wife, we are managing. The long and short of it is I don't have time for a social life on campus."
Regardless of how many hours students spend there, the Lamar campus "offers a great atmosphere for learning. This campus has traditionally been a commuter school, but it is now transitioning to a campus-centered institution. There is campus day care and increasing opportunity for extracurricular and social participation." Lamar "is adding new state-of-the-art facilities such as the dining facility, residence halls, and recreational sports facilities" in its effort to make the campus more homey and accommodating. A student adds, "The school is also working to clean up the surrounding area by buying vacant property surrounding the campus." Hometown Beaumont is "a wonderful place to raise a family. The economy is booming, and the university contributes by providing a skilled workforce to meet the expanding labor force in the area."

Students Say - Careers
The Career Center at Lamar has "great resources," but because the MBA program is relatively small, "MBA students must work hard to get career placement advice. More recruiters for MBA students would be a great help. The school brings in many speakers and alumni specifically for MBA students, and that is a great help." Students are satisfied that "the school is working on and needs to continue working on developing the Placement Office and networking for MBA students." Students who can get to the school during the day have a more positive outlook on the office, as many of its services and events-such as lunchtime Executive in Residence seminars-are available primarily during standard business hours. The Career Center offers one-on-one career advising, personal assessments, and online job search resources.
Employers who most frequently hire graduates include: Ernst & Young, Melton & Melton LLP, Merrill Lynch, and Chase.

Texas Tech University
The University of Texas at Dallas

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