Est. Earnings (1yr)Estimated
$41,942
Est. from TX median (4 programs)
Est. Median DebtEstimated
$22,600
Est. from TX median (4 programs)

Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.

Analysis

Lamar's interior architecture program sits near the middle of the Texas pack, with comparable programs in the state suggesting first-year earnings around $42,000—roughly $3,000 below the national median for this field. That gap matters when you're carrying $22,600 in debt, though the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 stays within manageable territory for a bachelor's degree.

Looking at Texas programs with reported outcomes reveals significant variation: University of North Texas grads earn over $50,000 while UT San Antonio sits closer to $36,500. Where Lamar falls within that range depends on factors these estimates can't capture—whether students land jobs in Houston's stronger design market versus smaller East Texas cities, and how well the program's particular curriculum and industry connections translate to job placement. The modest debt figure provides some cushion if earnings trend toward the lower end of that spectrum.

For families weighing this program, the key issue is how Lamar's actual outcomes compare to these statewide estimates. With only four reference programs generating these numbers, and considerable spread among Texas schools with reported data, you're making a bet on limited information. The debt load won't crush you either way, but confirming where graduates actually end up working and what they're earning would help determine if this represents solid value or if the stronger programs justify their cost premium.

Where Lamar University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all interior architecture bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Interior Architecture bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (8 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Lamar UniversityBeaumont$8,690$41,942*$22,600*
University of North TexasDenton$11,164$50,681*$56,839$18,250*0.36
Texas Tech UniversityLubbock$11,852$45,345*$53,906$21,950*0.48
Stephen F Austin State UniversityNacogdoches$10,600$38,538*$23,250*0.60
The University of Texas at San AntonioSan Antonio$8,991$36,513*$30,525*0.84
National Median$44,811*$23,250*0.52
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with interior architecture graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in architecture and architectural design, such as architectural environmental design, interior architecture/design, and landscape architecture. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Interior Designers

Plan, design, and furnish the internal space of rooms or buildings. Design interior environments or create physical layouts that are practical, aesthetic, and conducive to the intended purposes. May specialize in a particular field, style, or phase of interior design.

$63,490/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Lamar University, approximately 44% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 4 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.