Lone Star College vs San Jac

Lone Star College System and San Jacinto Community College, both esteemed institutions in Texas, offer diverse educational opportunities to students seeking higher education. While they share a commitment to academic excellence and affordability, they also possess distinct characteristics that cater to different student needs. Lone Star College System boasts an open-door admissions policy, welcoming a broader range of students, while San Jacinto Community College maintains a more selective admissions process. In terms of student demographics, Lone Star College System enrolls a larger and more diverse student body, reflecting the region's cultural tapestry. San Jacinto Community College, on the other hand, has a smaller student population with a higher percentage of full-time students. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details regarding acceptance rates, popular majors, graduation rates, and other key factors that will help you make an informed decision about your educational journey.

	Lone Star College System	San Jacinto Community College
Overview
Location	The Woodlands, Texas	Pasadena, Texas
Campus setting	City: Midsize	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	Open Admission	Open Admission
Application fees
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants
Total number of admissions given out
Admitted students who chose to enroll
Yield rate
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	Not required	Not required
High school GPA	N/A	N/A
Recommendation letters	N/A	N/A
High school transcript	N/A	N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	N/A	N/A

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $24,994 Out of state: $26,314	In state: $18,258 Out of state: $20,058
Average net price	$9,036	$10,391
Tuition	In state: $4,800 Out of state: $6,120	In state: $3,240 Out of state: $5,040
Room & board
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	69.0% Average amount $5,244	54.0% Average amount $5,308
Students receiving federal student loan	11.0% Average amount $5,394	2.0% Average amount $3,171
Students taking out private loans	0.0% Average amount $0	0.0% Average amount $7,500

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	68,653 Men 39.6% Women 60.4%	31,577 Men 40.1% Women 59.9%
Graduate students	N/A	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	0.2%	0.7%
International students	4.3%	0.5%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	N/A	N/A
First year students are required to live on campus?	N/A	N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Texas California Louisiana Georgia New York	Texas California Florida Louisiana Puerto Rico

Academics
Popular study areas	Liberal Arts Health Professions Business Precision Production Automotive Technology	Liberal Arts Health Professions Business Multidisciplinary Studies Engineering Technologies
Students to faculty ratio	21:1	23:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	17.9%	31.8%
Dropout rate	39.8%	34.6%
Transferred out	21.1%	14.8%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $66,942 Year 2: $65,362 Year 3: $69,169 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $60,667 Year 2: $57,920 Year 3: $62,186 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $47,856 Year 2: $51,707 Year 3: $55,015 Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $39,434 Year 2: $47,686 Year 3: $52,085 Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $38,516 Year 2: $38,829 Year 3: $49,879 Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $39,158 Year 2: $36,185 Year 3: $43,718 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $32,720 Year 2: $44,170 Year 3: $43,479 Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $45,181 Year 2: $41,789 Year 3: $42,429 Precision Metal Working (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $39,095 Year 2: $42,682 Year 3: $39,113 Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $34,938 Year 2: $27,669 Year 3: $38,961	Physical Science Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $54,753 Year 2: $62,260 Year 3: $82,989 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $64,000 Year 2: $65,066 Year 3: $71,677 Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $46,726 Year 2: $53,608 Year 3: $58,474 Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $55,461 Year 2: $39,009 Year 3: $58,024 Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $42,323 Year 2: $39,523 Year 3: $50,147 Precision Metal Working (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $44,796 Year 2: $30,771 Year 3: $49,266 Precision Metal Working (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $34,797 Year 2: $35,416 Year 3: $48,784 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $47,335 Year 2: $45,852 Year 3: $47,492 Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $32,599 Year 2: $41,193 Year 3: $45,784 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $33,281 Year 3: $43,858

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Lone Star College System and San Jacinto College?

Lone Star College System (LSCS) is a larger system with multiple campuses spread across a wider geographic area in the northern and western parts of the Houston metropolitan area. San Jacinto College (SJC) primarily serves the eastern side of Houston, including Pasadena, Baytown, and surrounding communities. LSCS generally offers a broader range of programs and a larger student population compared to SJC.
Which college is better for specific academic programs like nursing or engineering?

Both Lone Star College and San Jacinto College offer strong programs in nursing and engineering technology. San Jacinto College is particularly well-regarded for its maritime and aerospace programs, benefiting from its proximity to the Houston Ship Channel and NASA's Johnson Space Center. Lone Star College has a wider variety of engineering technology specializations. It's best to research the specific curriculum, faculty, and facilities for your desired program at each college to determine the best fit.
How do the tuition costs compare between Lone Star College and San Jacinto College?

Tuition rates at both Lone Star College and San Jacinto College are generally comparable for in-district students. However, out-of-district and out-of-state tuition will differ. It's recommended to check the official websites of both colleges for the most up-to-date tuition and fee schedules, as well as information on financial aid and scholarships.
What are the campus environments like at Lone Star College and San Jacinto College?

Lone Star College, with its multiple campuses, offers a diverse range of campus environments, from smaller, community-focused centers to larger, more comprehensive campuses. San Jacinto College's campuses also vary, but generally offer a close-knit community feel with strong ties to local industries. Consider visiting the campuses of both colleges that are convenient for you to get a feel for the atmosphere and facilities.
Which college has better student support services, such as tutoring and career counseling?

Both Lone Star College and San Jacinto College are committed to providing comprehensive student support services. You'll find tutoring centers, advising services, career counseling, disability services, and libraries at both institutions. The quality and availability of specific services may vary by campus, so it's advisable to explore the resources offered at the campus you plan to attend.
How do the transfer options to four-year universities differ between Lone Star College and San Jacinto College?

Both Lone Star College and San Jacinto College have established transfer agreements with numerous four-year universities in Texas and beyond. These agreements are designed to ensure a smooth transition for students pursuing a bachelor's degree. Check with the advising departments at both colleges to understand the specific transfer pathways available for your intended major and university.
What types of extracurricular activities and student organizations are available at each college?

Both Lone Star College and San Jacinto College offer a variety of extracurricular activities and student organizations, including clubs, sports, and honor societies. Lone Star College, being a larger system, may have a wider selection of options. San Jacinto College often has strong participation in activities related to its specialized programs, such as maritime or aerospace clubs. Check each college's website or student activities office for a current list of organizations and events.
Which college is more convenient in terms of location and accessibility?

Convenience depends entirely on your location and transportation options. Lone Star College has campuses spread across northern and western Houston suburbs, while San Jacinto College primarily serves the eastern side. Consider the proximity of each college's campuses to your home, work, and public transportation routes when making your decision.
Do both colleges offer online courses?

Yes, both Lone Star College and San Jacinto College offer a wide range of online courses, providing flexibility for students who prefer to learn remotely. The availability of specific courses online may vary, so check the course schedules for each college to see what's offered.
How do the faculty and instructors compare at Lone Star College and San Jacinto College?

Both Lone Star College and San Jacinto College employ qualified and experienced faculty members. Many instructors have industry experience, bringing real-world knowledge to the classroom. Researching the faculty in your specific program of interest at each college can provide further insight.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.

Lone Star College

Miami Dade College