Students at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette earn nearly $6,000 more than similar students at other institutions, reflecting meaningful earnings advantages that exceed expectations.
The university combines this strong return on investment with above-average affordability and exceptional mobility outcomes for students from all income backgrounds.
Azimuth ranks the University of Louisiana at Lafayette 258th out of 527 public four-year institutions nationwide, placing it in the 51st percentile for overall value. What distinguishes UL Lafayette is its combination of reasonable affordability with solid long-term outcomes, particularly for students who choose high-return programs like nursing and engineering. Nearly 39% of students receive Pell Grants and 38% are first-generation college students, yet the university maintains strong graduation rates and delivers meaningful earnings growth over time.
The university's strength lies in its professional programs and career-focused approach. Graduates earn a median of $47,089 ten years after enrollment, with the institution delivering nearly $6,000 in earnings beyond expectations compared with similar students at other institutions. This performance reflects UL Lafayette's emphasis on practical, workforce-ready programs that connect directly to Louisiana's economy and beyond.
As a large public research university in Louisiana's Acadiana region, UL Lafayette offers comprehensive academic options with particular strength in nursing, petroleum engineering, and other professional fields. The university provides the scale and resources of a major institution while maintaining the accessibility and affordability that make higher education attainable for working families throughout Louisiana and the Gulf South.
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette's program portfolio reflects its mission as a comprehensive public university with particular strength in professional and technical fields. Adult Health Nursing dominates both enrollment and aggregate returns, graduating 462 students annually with strong median earnings of $65,856, making it the economic engine of the university. This program's success reflects Louisiana's healthcare workforce needs and UL Lafayette's established connections to regional medical systems.
Petroleum Engineering represents the university's highest-earning individual program at $61,888, though with more selective enrollment of 47 graduates annually. This program capitalizes on Louisiana's energy sector expertise and provides graduates with access to high-paying positions in oil, gas, and related industries. The contrast between nursing's broad enrollment and petroleum engineering's specialized focus illustrates UL Lafayette's dual approach of serving both mass-market professional needs and niche technical specialties.
General Studies, with 325 graduates, represents the university's largest single program but shows more modest earnings outcomes at $25,812. This pattern underscores how program selection significantly impacts financial returns at UL Lafayette, with professional and technical programs consistently outperforming general education tracks. Students who choose career-focused majors benefit from the university's industry connections and practical curriculum approach, while those in broader programs may need to supplement their education with additional skills or credentials to maximize their earning potential.
Graduates of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $47,089, with the university delivering approximately $5,946 in earnings beyond expectations compared with similar students at other institutions. This performance places UL Lafayette above average nationally for helping students achieve stronger financial outcomes than their backgrounds and academic preparation might predict.
The university's strongest returns come from its professional and technical programs. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the highest aggregate return program and largest professional program, graduating 462 students with median earnings of $65,856. Petroleum Engineering delivers some of the highest individual earnings at $61,888, though with smaller enrollment of 47 graduates. These programs reflect UL Lafayette's connection to Louisiana's healthcare systems and energy sector, providing clear pathways to stable, well-paying careers.
General Studies represents the university's largest program by enrollment with 325 graduates, though earnings outcomes are more modest at $25,812. This pattern shows how program choice significantly impacts financial outcomes at UL Lafayette, with professional programs in nursing, engineering, and technical fields consistently delivering stronger returns than general or liberal arts tracks. The university's ability to channel students into high-return career paths helps explain its above-expected earnings performance.
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette delivers strong affordability across income levels, ranking in the 70th percentile nationally for keeping costs manageable. Low-income students pay approximately $11,226 per year after aid, well below national averages for public universities. Middle-income families see annual costs around $15,448, while higher-income families pay about $18,398 annually, creating a predictable cost structure that helps families plan effectively.
The university's debt levels remain reasonable for most students. Typical graduates leave with about $22,902 in federal student loan debt, a manageable amount given the institution's solid earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $13,114, reflecting moderate family contributions that don't create excessive burden for parents. With a 0% federal loan default rate, UL Lafayette demonstrates that its graduates can successfully manage their educational debt obligations.
What makes UL Lafayette particularly sustainable financially is the relationship between what students pay and what they ultimately earn. The combination of moderate net prices, reasonable debt levels, and above-expected earnings creates a financial equation that works for most families. Students can pursue their education without taking on excessive risk, while still accessing programs that lead to meaningful career advancement and financial stability.
University Of Louisiana At Lafayette Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
