At $12,209/yr net price, Louisiana Tech University graduates earn $52,279/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,279/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,209 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $48,836 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,279/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,279/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 57.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,135 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,529/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,010/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,846/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,442/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,634/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $84,653 | $17,100 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $82,440 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,600 | $26,216 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,318 | $19,334 |
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services. | Master | $56,415 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $53,810 | $22,732 |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Bachelor | $53,108 | $21,500 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $52,107 | |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $49,214 | $39,967 |
| Architecture. | Master | $47,260 |
The Risk Factor
57.6% of students at Louisiana Tech University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Louisiana Tech delivers solid financial returns despite a modest graduation rate, with engineering and business programs driving strong earning potential in a region where your dollar stretches further. The low net price of $12,209 annually makes the moderate median debt load of $22,135 manageable for most graduates.
Business Administration stands out with graduates earning $84,653 while carrying just $17,100 in debt. Engineering fields also perform well, though Mechanical Engineering graduates face higher debt at $26,216 for $63,600 in earnings. Nursing offers reliable middle-income prospects at $57,318 with reasonable debt levels.
The biggest financial risk is the 57% graduation rate, meaning two out of five students leave without a degree but potentially with debt. If you struggle academically or lack strong support systems, this risk becomes more serious at Louisiana Tech than at schools with higher completion rates.
You get the best value if you can handle STEM coursework and plan to work in Louisiana or the broader South, where Louisiana Tech's alumni network and regional employer relationships provide advantages. The school works well for first-generation college students who need affordable access to quality engineering and business programs.
Avoid Louisiana Tech if you want liberal arts programs with strong earning potential or plan to work in expensive coastal markets where the median earnings may not translate as well. Only 20% of students receive need-based aid, so middle-income families should verify actual costs before assuming affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Louisiana Tech University worth the cost?
Louisiana Tech offers solid value with a net price of $12,209 and median debt of $22,135, both below national averages. Engineering and business graduates earn $82,000-$84,000 starting salaries, making the investment worthwhile for these programs.
What are the highest paying majors at Louisiana Tech University?
Business administration and engineering-related fields lead with starting salaries around $82,000-$84,000. Mechanical engineering graduates earn $63,600, while nursing and dietetics programs start around $56,000-$57,000.
How much student debt do Louisiana Tech University graduates have?
The median debt is $22,135, which is manageable compared to the national average of around $30,000. Given the relatively low net price of $12,209 per year, most students can graduate without excessive debt.
Does Louisiana Tech University have a good graduation rate?
The graduation rate is 57.6%, which is below the national average of about 65%. This means many students take longer to finish or don't complete their degrees, which can impact the return on investment.