Compare 5 Mechanical Engineering. programs in Louisiana. Average earnings: $83,240.
Mechanical Engineering programs produce graduates earning between $75,611 and $92,171—a $16K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 5 ranked programs in Louisiana, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Louisiana State University And Agricultural & Mechanical College's Mechanical Engineering program leads with graduates earning $92,171, well above the state average of $83,240. Southern University And A & M College follows at $89,645, proving that program-level factors drive success more than overall school rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. LSU graduates borrow $20,500 and face just a 4.0% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. University Of New Orleans offers the best family value with an 8.8% combined burden, showing that the optimal choice depends on who's paying.
Highest program earnings: $92,171
Strong outcomes ($92,171) with 74% acceptance
4.0% payment burden | Excellent
8.8% family burden | Good
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $92,171 | 163 | $20,500 | Excellent | $25,645 | Good | |
| #2 | $89,645 | 18 | $29,251 | Excellent | $16,237 | Good | |
| #3 | $80,330 | 132 | $22,902 | Excellent | $13,655 | Good | |
| #4 | $78,444 | 60 | $18,750 | Excellent | $15,048 | Good | |
| #5 | $75,611 | 78 | $22,135 | Excellent | $18,071 | Good |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
