LeTourneau University
LeTourneau University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
LeTourneau University at a Glance
LeTourneau University is a private, interdenominational evangelical Christian university in Longview, Texas. Founded as LeTourneau Technical Institute in February 1946 by R. G. LeTourneau with his wife, Evelyn, the school initially educated veterans returning from World War II. Total annual enrollment is nearly 3,000.
1946
80 years old
$38M
$37.5 million (2024)
3,003
1,846 undergrad · 392 grad
325
Identity
Is LeTourneau University Worth It?
At a value score of 30/100, LeTourneau University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $57,103 — 6% above average — while paying $28,185/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 60% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at LeTourneau University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How LeTourneau University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in TX
Ranked #18 of 27 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science | 54 | $19,622 | $66,111 |
| #2 | Illinois Wesleyan University | 49 | $28,199 | $70,871 |
| #3 | Austin College | 49 | $21,107 | $61,296 |
| #4 | Hampden-Sydney College | 48 | $22,400 | $67,640 |
| #5 | Bob Jones University | 45 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
| #6 | St. Francis College | 43 | $18,129 | $58,099 |
| #18 | LeTourneau University | 30 | $28,185 | $57,103 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of LeTourneau University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in TX.
Best Programs at LeTourneau University
The highest-earning program at LeTourneau University is Mechanical Engineering at $59,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $31,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Mechanical Engineering graduate from LeTourneau University earns $59,200, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate earns $31,000. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Mechanical Engineering graduates carry $26,801 in median debt vs. $31,334 for Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $28,185/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | $59,200 | $59,200 | $26,801 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $52,400 | $52,400 | $30,199 |
| Air Transportation | $40,500 | $40,500 | $25,000 |
| Psychology, General | $31,100 | $31,100 | $31,918 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $31,000 | $31,000 | $31,334 |
Similar Colleges in TX
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Longview, TX
- Student Body
- 1,468 students
- Admission Rate
- 38%
- Graduation Rate
- 60%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $28,185
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $57,103
- Median Student Debt
- $26,000