Students from low-income backgrounds at Louisiana State University achieve exceptional earnings outcomes, ranking in the top 10% nationally for economic mobility among flagship institutions.
Graduates across income levels see strong long-term financial returns that reflect LSU's academic quality and powerful alumni network throughout the South.
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College stands as Louisiana's flagship research institution, delivering strong long-term value for graduates. Azimuth ranks LSU among the top public universities nationally for overall outcomes, reflecting the institution's ability to combine academic breadth with meaningful career preparation. The university serves over 30,000 students on its Baton Rouge campus, offering the full flagship experience with Division I athletics, extensive research opportunities, and a powerful alumni network throughout the South.
What distinguishes LSU is its consistent delivery of above-average earnings outcomes across a diverse academic portfolio. Graduates earn a median of $61,251 ten years after enrollment, placing the university well above typical public institutions for long-term financial returns. This performance spans multiple fields, from LSU's nationally recognized engineering programs to its strong business, agriculture, and liberal arts offerings.
As Louisiana's premier public research university, LSU provides the scale, resources, and recognition that open doors throughout the region and beyond. The combination of flagship prestige, solid affordability, and proven career outcomes makes LSU a compelling choice for students seeking both the traditional college experience and strong professional preparation in the competitive Louisiana and Gulf Coast job markets.
Louisiana State University's program portfolio reflects both its comprehensive research mission and Louisiana's economic landscape. Engineering programs consistently deliver the strongest financial returns, with Chemical Engineering graduates earning around $76,460 and Mechanical Engineering majors reaching $71,402 early in their careers. These technical programs benefit from LSU's research infrastructure and strong relationships with Louisiana's petrochemical, energy, and manufacturing sectors.
The university's largest program, Agricultural Teacher Education with 351 graduates annually, demonstrates LSU's commitment to serving Louisiana's agricultural heritage and educational needs. While earnings are more moderate at $31,205, these graduates enter stable, meaningful careers in education and agricultural extension that serve communities throughout the state. This balance between high-earning technical fields and mission-driven programs reflects LSU's role as both an economic engine and a public service institution.
LSU's comprehensive program mix, from engineering and business to agriculture and liberal arts, provides students with diverse pathways to career success. The university's flagship status creates advantages across all fields through employer recognition, alumni networks, and research opportunities that enhance graduates' competitiveness in regional and national job markets.
Louisiana State University graduates achieve strong long-term earnings that reflect the institution's academic quality and employer recognition. Ten years after enrollment, LSU alumni earn a median of $61,251, positioning the university well above average among public institutions nationwide. This solid performance spans multiple career paths, with graduates consistently finding opportunities in Louisiana's diverse economy and beyond, from petrochemical and energy sectors to healthcare, education, and emerging technology fields.
Engineering programs drive much of LSU's earnings strength. Mechanical Engineering, the university's highest aggregate-return program, graduates 163 students annually who earn around $71,402 early in their careers. Chemical Engineering delivers even stronger individual outcomes at roughly $76,460, while the university's large Agricultural Teacher Education program, with 351 graduates, provides solid middle-class earnings around $31,205 for students entering education and agricultural extension roles. This mix reflects LSU's comprehensive mission, balancing high-earning technical fields with programs that serve Louisiana's agricultural heritage and educational needs.
The university's position as Louisiana's flagship creates meaningful advantages for career development. LSU's extensive alumni network, particularly strong throughout the South, provides graduates with connections across industries from energy and manufacturing to finance and government. The combination of academic reputation, regional employer relationships, and program diversity helps explain why LSU graduates consistently achieve earnings that exceed what many peer institutions deliver.
Louisiana State University offers predictable and manageable pricing for families across income levels. Low-income students pay approximately $14,035 annually after aid, while middle-income families see net costs around $21,261 per year. Even higher-income families face reasonable expenses at roughly $26,244 annually, making LSU accessible to a broad range of Louisiana families and competitive with other flagship universities for out-of-state students.
Debt levels remain within reasonable bounds for most LSU graduates. Typical federal student loan debt is about $20,500, a moderate level that aligns well with the university's strong earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $21,466, reflecting families' willingness to invest in LSU's flagship value proposition. The university's zero percent federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations, supported by LSU's solid career preparation and alumni network.
What makes LSU particularly sustainable financially is the relationship between what students pay and what they ultimately earn. With median earnings approaching $61,251 ten years out, most graduates can comfortably handle standard loan repayment while building wealth over time. The combination of reasonable upfront costs, manageable debt levels, and strong long-term earnings creates a financial pathway that works for many Louisiana families seeking flagship-quality education without excessive financial risk.
Louisiana State University And Agricultural & Mechanical College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
