At $14,118/yr net price, University of Louisiana at Lafayette graduates earn $47,089/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,089/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,118 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $56,472 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,089/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,089/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,902 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,226/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,427/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,448/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,180/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,398/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $95,739 | $51,250 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. | Master | $76,460 | $20,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $65,856 | $15,494 |
| Petroleum Engineering. | Bachelor | $61,888 | $20,500 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $60,161 | $61,500 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $59,124 | $20,927 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $58,402 | $22,175 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $21,500 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $56,505 | $22,750 |
| Engineering, General. | Master | $52,607 |
The Risk Factor
52.0% of students at University of Louisiana at Lafayette 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
University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers solid financial returns for students who choose the right majors, but your program selection makes all the difference. The nursing programs dominate the earnings charts, with registered nurses earning up to $95,739 annually, making the higher debt loads worthwhile in this field. Geology and petroleum engineering also deliver strong returns given Louisiana's energy sector presence, with geosciences graduates earning $76,460 while carrying manageable debt of $20,500.
The school's low net price of $14,118 gives you significant cost advantages compared to most universities, but the 52% graduation rate poses real completion risk. You face a coin-flip chance of finishing your degree, which makes program selection even more critical. Educational administration carries concerning debt levels at $61,500 for earnings of $60,161, creating a problematic debt-to-income ratio.
UL Lafayette works best if you target high-demand regional industries like healthcare, energy, or education and can handle the retention challenges. The school's location in Louisiana's oil and healthcare corridors creates natural job pipeline advantages for relevant majors. However, you should seriously consider alternatives if you struggle academically or want programs outside the school's strengths, given the graduation rate concerns.
Louisiana residents get strong value here due to in-state pricing, while out-of-state students should carefully evaluate whether the premium justifies attendance over home-state options. The relatively low percentage receiving aid suggests limited need-based support, making upfront affordability important for your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Louisiana at Lafayette worth the cost?
UL Lafayette offers decent value with a low net price of $14,118 annually and manageable debt levels around $22,902. However, the 52% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish, which significantly hurts ROI for those who don't complete their degree.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Louisiana at Lafayette?
Nursing programs lead with earnings up to $95,739, followed by geological sciences at $76,460 and petroleum engineering at $61,888. These programs justify the cost better than most other majors at the university.
How much debt do University of Louisiana at Lafayette graduates have?
Graduates typically leave with $22,902 in debt, which is reasonable given the low annual cost. With median earnings of $47,089 ten years after graduation, most graduates can manage this debt load.
Does University of Louisiana at Lafayette have a good return on investment?
The ROI depends heavily on your major and whether you graduate. Strong programs like nursing and engineering offer solid returns, but the low 52% graduation rate creates significant risk for students who may not complete their degree.