Lamar Institute of Technology | Cost and Admission
General Information
Overview
Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT) is a public two-year technical institution located in Beaumont, Texas, dedicated to providing workforce-ready education through applied learning and career-oriented academic programs. As part of the Texas State University System, the Institute focuses on practical training that prepares students for immediate employment in industries such as healthcare, business, information technology, public safety, energy, and industrial trades. What distinguishes LIT from traditional community colleges is its deeply integrated relationship with industry partners and its emphasis on real-world skill development through laboratories, hands-on training, and technical simulations.
The Institute offers a modern curriculum responsive to evolving workforce needs, ensuring that graduates enter the job market with qualifications that match employer expectations. LIT serves a diverse population ranging from recent high school graduates to adult learners seeking skills enhancement or career change, and the flexible scheduling options—day, evening, hybrid, and online formats—allow students to balance education with personal and professional responsibilities. By focusing on accessibility, career mobility, and high job placement outcomes, Lamar Institute of Technology continues to fulfill its mission of offering technical education that leads directly to meaningful employment opportunities.
Contact Information
Address: 855 East Lavaca Street, Beaumont, Texas 77705
Mailing: P.O. Box 10043, Beaumont, Texas 77710
Phone Number: 1-800-950-6989 or (409) 880-8321
Email Address: admissions@lit.edu
School Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Institution Name | Lamar Institute of Technology |
| Type | Public technical institute |
| Established | 1995 (current structure); name adopted 1999 |
| Motto | Get a Degree that Works! |
| School Colors | Blue and Red |
| President | Sidney E. Valentine |
| Student Population | Approximately 5,300 students |
| Faculty Count | Approximately 260 faculty and staff |
| Accreditation | Accredited by SACSCOC |
Lamar Institute of Technology Rankings
| Ranking Type | Standing |
|---|---|
| National Rankings | Not formally listed in major national rankings due to being a two-year technical institution |
| Global Rankings | Not included in global ranking systems focused on research universities |
Lamar Institute of Technology Academics
Faculties / Departments
- Healthcare and Sciences
- Business Technologies
- Industrial, Engineering, and Technology Programs
- Public Service and Safety
- Workforce Training and Continuing Education
- General Education and Academic Transfer
Courses Offered and Programs / Majors
- Associate of Applied Science Degrees
- Academic Transfer Associate Degrees
- Technical Certificates
- Industrial Trades Programs
- Health Sciences Programs
- Information Technology and Cybersecurity Programs
- Public Safety and Emergency Services Programs
- Business and Office Administration Programs
- Manufacturing and Energy Sector Programs
Online Learning
Lamar Institute of Technology offers a growing selection of online courses and hybrid learning opportunities designed to accommodate students who require flexibility in their academic schedules. Online learning at the Institute is structured to maintain the same academic standards as on-campus courses while allowing students to complete coursework from home or their workplace. Many students enroll partly or fully online, making virtual learning an essential component of LIT’s educational model. Programs that are well suited for remote delivery include business administration, information technology, general education courses, and select technical subjects that integrate virtual labs or simulation-based assignments. Online learning expands access for working adults, parents, and individuals who live outside commuting distance, enabling them to pursue new skills or credentials without sacrificing professional or personal commitments. The Institute continues to invest in online instructional tools and services to ensure that digital learners receive the support, interaction, and academic quality necessary for successful degree completion.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Average Score Requirement |
|---|---|
| SAT | Not required |
| ACT | Not required |
| GRE | Not required |
| TSI Placement | Required for degree-seeking students |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Lamar Institute of Technology maintains student achievement data that reflects the progress of first-time, full-time learners as well as part-time and nontraditional students. Graduation rates for students completing programs within 150 percent of the normal time frame average around the mid-20-percent range, with retention rates hovering near the mid-40-percent mark for new enrollees. These numbers reflect the reality of a student body composed heavily of working adults, part-time learners, and students balancing career or family obligations. Transfer-out rates also play a role in the overall picture, as many students complete initial coursework at LIT before continuing their studies at four-year universities within the state. The Institute’s hands-on, job-focused curriculum contributes to strong employment outcomes even for learners who do not complete an entire degree program but earn certifications or industry credentials along the way.
Lamar Institute of Technology Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
LIT follows an open-admissions model, meaning students are not required to meet a minimum GPA or provide SAT or ACT scores. Applicants must have completed high school or earned a GED. Placement assessments may be required for course placement and program eligibility.
Acceptance Rate
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Open admission; most applicants are admitted |
Application Requirements
Applicants to Lamar Institute of Technology are expected to submit a completed application form, official high school transcripts or proof of GED completion, and college transcripts if transferring from another institution. Some students may need to complete placement assessments to determine appropriate course levels in reading, writing, and mathematics. Those under the age of 22 must provide documentation of a bacterial meningitis vaccination prior to enrollment. Students seeking financial aid must also complete federal financial aid forms and provide any relevant verification documentation, ensuring they meet eligibility standards for grants, scholarships, or loans. The application process is intentionally streamlined to support accessibility and to encourage individuals from a variety of backgrounds to pursue technical education and career advancement at LIT.
Application Process
- Submit the official admissions application
- Provide high school transcript or GED verification
- Submit college transcripts if applicable
- Complete placement testing if required
- Provide meningitis vaccination documentation
- Submit financial aid applications if needed
Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Term | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall, Spring, Summer | Rolling admissions; applications accepted year-round |
Essay Prompt
No admission essay is required for applicants.
Lamar Institute of Technology Scholarships
Lamar Institute of Technology offers a range of institutional scholarships, workforce-related awards, external funding opportunities, and financial aid programs designed to support students based on academic achievement, financial need, program of study, or community affiliation. Many students receive financial assistance through grants, federal aid, and state programs, and the Institute works to ensure that career-focused students can pursue education without excessive financial barriers.
Lamar Institute of Technology Tuition Fees (Costs)
| Student Type | Cost Per Credit Hour |
|---|---|
| Texas Resident | $80 |
| Non-Resident | $485 |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
The student population at Lamar Institute of Technology represents a broad cross-section of the community. Gender distribution is slightly majority female, with nearly equal representation across age groups ranging from traditional college-age students to adults returning for retraining or career advancement. The racial and ethnic composition is diverse, including White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian, Native American, and multiracial students. This variety contributes to an inclusive educational environment that draws from the cultural, professional, and social experiences of its student body.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
LIT serves a significant number of low-income students who rely on financial aid, grant programs, and workforce scholarships to support their education. The Institute is committed to accessibility and provides advising, support services, and accommodations for students with disabilities to ensure equal opportunity in academic participation and campus engagement. Many programs are structured to meet the needs of students balancing financial responsibilities or personal challenges while pursuing career advancement.
Student Body
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | Approximately 5,300 |
| Full-Time Students | About 1,400 |
| Part-Time Students | About 3,800 |
| Online-Only Students | Approximately 1,400 |
| International Students | Minimal to none |
University Diversity
Lamar Institute of Technology is recognized for offering a highly diverse and inclusive campus environment where students of various cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds come together to pursue their career goals. The Institute embraces diversity not only in racial and ethnic representation but also in terms of age, life experience, and academic preparedness. Many students at LIT are working adults, parents, first-generation college attendees, or individuals seeking a new professional path. This creates a dynamic learning atmosphere where perspectives are shaped by real-world experience as much as academic inquiry. The Institute actively supports diversity through accessible tuition, financial aid programs, academic advising, and resources designed to help underrepresented populations succeed. With its mission rooted in community empowerment and career advancement, LIT fosters a supportive environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive and gain the technical skills needed for meaningful employment.
Average Earnings
Graduates of Lamar Institute of Technology typically achieve strong employment outcomes thanks to the school’s industry-aligned programs and emphasis on hands-on technical training. Alumni earnings often exceed those of graduates from similar two-year institutions, especially in high-demand fields such as energy, industrial maintenance, healthcare, and information technology. Many students enter the workforce soon after completing their degree or certificate, resulting in earlier career earnings and long-term upward mobility. Employers in the surrounding region highly value LIT graduates due to their job-ready skills, professional certifications, and practical experience gained through lab-based coursework. These career-ready competencies contribute to competitive salaries, steady career progression, and strong labor-market alignment across multiple technical sectors.
Lamar Institute of Technology Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Lamar Institute of Technology employs a dedicated team of instructors, support personnel, and administrative staff who work collaboratively to provide students with quality education and services. Faculty members bring professional experience from industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, public safety, and information technology, and many continue to participate in professional development to maintain relevant technical credentials. Staff members support student services, academic success, financial aid processing, campus operations, and advising to ensure learners receive well-rounded support throughout their academic journey.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at LIT are distinguished by their strong technical backgrounds and direct experience in the fields they teach. Their expertise spans healthcare, industrial technology, engineering support, cybersecurity, emergency services, and various skilled trades, ensuring that students learn from professionals who understand real industry practices. Many faculty members also maintain industry certifications and contribute to high program pass rates for licensure and credentialing exams. Their achievements reinforce LIT’s emphasis on practical education and help prepare students to transition smoothly into the workforce with confidence and competence.
Lamar Institute of Technology Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
LIT’s campus in Beaumont offers students access to modern training facilities, laboratories, and industry-specific equipment that simulate real workplace environments. While the Institute does not emphasize on-campus housing due to its large commuter and part-time student population, the surrounding area provides ample off-campus living options suited to a variety of budgets. Campus life at LIT revolves around academic engagement, student support services, and access to career development resources. Students benefit from tutoring centers, advising services, study spaces, and opportunities to participate in student organizations or community-focused events that enrich their educational experience.
Transportation
The campus is easily accessible by car and is located near major roadways that serve the Beaumont area, making commuting straightforward for most students. Parking is available on campus, accommodating the commuter-based student population. Public transportation availability may vary depending on the area, but many students rely on personal vehicles or carpooling to reach campus. Additionally, online learning options allow students to participate in courses without daily travel requirements, offering further flexibility for those managing work or family responsibilities.