Louisiana Tech University
Louisiana Tech University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Louisiana Tech University at a Glance
Louisiana Tech University is a public research university in Ruston, Louisiana, United States. It is part of the University of Louisiana System and classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity".
1894
132 years old
$118M
$117.9 million (2021)
11,084
10,183 undergrad · 990 grad
1,774 acres
Identity
Is Louisiana Tech University Worth It?
Louisiana Tech University delivers solid financial returns for its graduates. At $11,864/year, it's priced 42% below average, while graduates go on to earn $52,279 — near the national average.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 61% graduation rate means roughly 39% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Louisiana Tech University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #20 of 144 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 | California State University-Bakersfield | 100 | $5,652 | $59,009 |
| #2 | Foothill College | 100 | $7,653 | $57,072 |
| #3 | Skyline College | 100 | $1,738 | $55,702 |
| #4 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #5 | University of California-Merced | 93 | $11,983 | $64,368 |
| #6 | Oakland University | 92 | $9,120 | $58,612 |
| #20 | Louisiana Tech University | 67 | $11,864 | $52,279 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Louisiana Tech University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in LA.
Best Programs at Louisiana Tech University
The highest-earning program at Louisiana Tech University is Mechanical Engineering at $62,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services at $25,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Mechanical Engineering graduate from Louisiana Tech University earns $62,700, while a Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services graduate earns $25,600. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Mechanical Engineering graduates carry $18,607 in median debt vs. $19,120 for Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $11,864/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 | $62,700 | $62,700 | $18,607 |
| Air Transportation | $42,100 | $42,100 | $19,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $39,300 | $39,300 | $19,839 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $38,500 | $38,500 | $22,313 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $28,100 | $28,100 | $20,203 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $25,600 | $25,600 | $19,120 |
Similar Colleges in LA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Ruston, LA
- Student Body
- 8,312 students
- Admission Rate
- 86%
- Graduation Rate
- 61%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $11,864
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $52,279
- Median Student Debt
- $22,135