Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 70.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 71.0%
- Retention Rate
- 84.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $61,251
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,500
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 72.4%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $217/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Medicine. | Bachelor | $78,029 | |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $76,460 | $20,500 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $73,949 | $21,500 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,402 | $18,500 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $71,015 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,965 | $20,218 |
| Veterinary Medicine. | Doctoral | $67,660 | $162,000 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $67,101 | $23,037 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,915 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $63,005 | $20,500 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $61,330 | $21,312 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $60,523 | $21,500 |
| Petroleum Engineering. | Bachelor | $60,099 | $24,211 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $57,705 | $19,500 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $18,500 |
Outcomes Overview
LSU graduates earn a median of $61,251 ten years after graduation, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 33% based on the typical $20,500 in loans. Monthly payments of $217 consume about 4.3% of graduates' income, which remains manageable for most. The university's strong alumni network in Louisiana politics, business, and sports opens doors throughout the South. Many graduates enter petroleum engineering, agriculture, and government roles that capitalize on Louisiana's key industries. With 94.2% of graduates finding employment and a 72.36% loan repayment rate, LSU delivers solid financial outcomes. The combination of reasonable debt levels and strong earning potential makes this a solid return on investment.