At $20,015/yr net price, Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College graduates earn $61,251/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $27,251/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,015 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $80,060 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,251/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$27,251/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 71.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,035/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,014/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,261/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,140/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,244/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
71.0% of students at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 29% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Louisiana State University delivers solid financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $61,251 placing graduates well above the national average for public universities. The $20,015 annual net price creates a manageable debt load that typically pays off within a reasonable timeframe.
Engineering programs at LSU represent your best financial bet. Chemical engineering graduates earn $76,460 annually while carrying just $20,500 in debt, creating an excellent earnings-to-debt ratio. Industrial and mechanical engineering programs similarly outperform with starting salaries above $70,000. Veterinary medicine tops the earnings charts at $78,029, though admission remains highly competitive.
Your biggest financial risk at LSU is choosing the wrong major. While engineering and veterinary programs deliver strong returns, liberal arts and social science majors may struggle to justify the investment given Louisiana's limited job market for these fields. The state's economy heavily favors technical skills and petrochemical industry knowledge.
LSU works best financially for Louisiana residents planning careers in engineering, agriculture, or veterinary medicine. Out-of-state students face higher costs that may not justify the investment unless targeting these high-earning programs. The 71% graduation rate means nearly three in ten students leave without degrees, making program selection and academic preparation critical.
Financial aid reaches only 26% of students, suggesting limited need-based assistance. Merit scholarships target high-achieving students, particularly those entering STEM fields. Your best cost strategy involves staying in-state, choosing a high-earning major, and graduating within four years to minimize debt accumulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College worth the cost?
LSU offers solid value with a net price of $20,015 and graduates earning $61,251 after 10 years. The engineering and veterinary programs deliver strong returns, though the 71% graduation rate means nearly 3 in 10 students don't finish.
What are the highest paying majors at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College?
Veterinary Medicine leads at $78,029, followed by Chemical Engineering at $76,460 and Industrial Engineering at $73,949. These programs justify the cost better than most other majors at LSU.
How much debt do Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College graduates have?
LSU graduates carry a median debt of $20,500, which is manageable given the $61,251 average earnings. The debt-to-income ratio works out to about one-third of first-year salary.
Does Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College have good financial aid?
LSU's net price of $20,015 represents decent financial aid for a flagship state university. In-state students typically pay less, while out-of-state students face higher costs that may not justify the investment.