Compare 9 Public Finance. programs in Louisiana. Average earnings: $54,635.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Public Finance tells a different story. Across 9 programs, earnings range from $32,925 to $89,537—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Tulane University Of Louisiana's Public Finance program leads with graduates earning $89,537, well above the $54,635 average across all programs. Louisiana State University follows at $71,935, proving that strong outcomes aren't limited to the most selective programs—LSU accepts 74% of applicants while delivering substantial career returns.
For families, the math changes. Tulane offers a 4.2% student burden, but when parent loans are included, Southeastern Louisiana University leads with an 11.5% family burden—proof that the best choice depends on who's paying. Both schools earn 'Excellent' and 'Good' affordability ratings respectively.
Highest program earnings: $89,537
Strong outcomes ($71,935) with 74% acceptance
4.2% payment burden | Excellent
11.5% family burden | Good
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $89,537 | 286 | $20,500 | Excellent | $33,574 | Manageable | |
| #2 | $71,935 | 143 | $20,500 | Excellent | $25,645 | Manageable | |
| #3 | $63,542 | 27 | $22,113 | Excellent | $10,611 | Good | |
| #4 | $62,932 | 44 | $22,135 | Excellent | $18,071 | Manageable | |
| #5 | $46,582 | 88 | $22,902 | Manageable | $13,655 | Challenging | |
| #6 | Mcneese State UniversityPublic | $42,641 | 24 | $23,000 | Manageable | $13,410 | High |
| #7 | $41,132 | 39 | $18,750 | Manageable | $15,048 | High | |
| #8 | $40,485 | 22 | $26,000 | Challenging | $27,371 | High | |
| #9 | $32,925 | 8 | $21,500 | High | $10,174 | High |
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 →
