Reasons To Love Lamar University Online

Top-ranked online programs

Independent rankings highlight program quality and graduates’ return on investment:

• Ranked among the top performers for social mobility by U.S. News & World Report (2025)
• Online criminal justice and nursing master’s programs rank among the best in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report (2025) 
• Ranked #2 among the “Best Online MBA Criminal Justice Programs” by University HQ (2025)
• Ranked #4 among the “Best Online Master’s in Clinical Psychology Degrees” by University HQ (2025)
• Ranked #12 among the “Best Human Resources Programs in Texas” by University HQ (2025)
• Ranked #18 among the “Best Online Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship Programs” by University HQ (2025)
• Among the top 10% MBA ROI in Texas, according to MBAGuide (2025)
• Ranked among the “50 Online Colleges with the best ROI” by College Consensus (2025)

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Excellence in education, counseling, and principal leadership

Lamar is a longtime leader in educator preparation and professional advancement. Our flexible, outcomes-focused online degree and certificate programs prepare educators and counselors to succeed at every stage of their career:

• Ranked #2 among the “Best Master’s in Gifted and Talented Education Degree Programs” by Intelligent.com (2025)
• Ranked #8 among the “Most Popular Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology Master’s Degree Schools” by Course Advisor (2023)
• Ranked #16 among the best value online master’s in education programs by Top Master’s in Education (2025)
• The Educator Preparation Program (EPP) is accredited by the Texas State Board of Educator Certification and routinely has a 96% summary pass rate for all certification tests

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Nursing outcomes and licensure success

Lamar’s ACEN-accredited online nursing programs prepare graduates to succeed:

• Lamar University’s graduates from the JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing achieved a pass rate (first attempt) on the NCLEX-RN of 97.56% in 2024

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Research reputation and university designations

Lamar’s research profile continues to grow, benefiting online learners and expanding access to cutting-edge curriculum and educational opportunities:

Lamar University is one of 27 institutions nationwide to hold both the Doctoral Research (R2) and Opportunity College and University (OCU) designations from the Carnegie Foundation. This distinction highlights LU’s leadership in advancing opportunity and innovation, expanding access for first-generation and low-income students while preparing graduates for meaningful careers and long-term success.