University of Louisiana at Lafayette's published cost of attendance is $24,631 per year, including $24,146 in out-of-state tuition, $11,988 for room and board, and $1,300 for books and supplies. In-state students pay $10,418 in tuition, making attendance significantly more affordable for Louisiana residents.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $24,884 |
| Tuition and Fees | $24,146 |
| Room and Board | $12,108 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,326 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$11,354 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $13,530 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $11,157 |
| $30–48k | $11,283 |
| $48–75k | $13,692 |
| $75–110k | $17,079 |
| $110k+ | $18,562 |
University of Louisiana at Lafayette's published cost of attendance is $24,631 per year, including $24,146 in out-of-state tuition, $11,988 for room and board, and $1,300 for books and supplies. In-state students pay $10,418 in tuition, making attendance significantly more affordable for Louisiana residents. However, the average student pays $14,118 after financial aid, representing savings of $10,513 from the sticker price.
This net price of $14,118 compares favorably to the peer median of $15,590, making University of Louisiana at Lafayette $1,472 more expensive than similar institutions but still competitive within the public university landscape. The financial aid system effectively reduces costs for most families, with net prices varying significantly by income level. The university's approach to pricing and aid reflects its mission to provide accessible higher education while managing operational costs.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette graduates carry median debt of $22,902, positioned around the national average at the 50th percentile for debt levels. Debt ranges from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $23,262 at the 75th percentile, indicating that most students borrow moderate amounts.
Compared to the peer median debt of $20,000, University of Louisiana at Lafayette graduates carry $2,902 more debt than similar institutions. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 indicates that graduates typically borrow about half of their first-year post-graduation income, representing manageable borrowing relative to career earnings.
Parent PLUS borrowers carry median debt of $13,114 with monthly payments of $173, adding to family financial obligations. The debt levels reflect the university's moderate pricing and the financial needs of its student population, with 38.8% Pell-eligible students often requiring additional borrowing to cover educational and living expenses.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette provides strong return on investment through earnings that exceed expectations by $5,946, ranking at the 76.9th percentile nationally for value-added performance. While median earnings of $47,089 fall below the peer median of $60,543, the university's effectiveness in producing earnings beyond predictions demonstrates institutional value.
The combination of $22,902 median debt and $47,089 median earnings creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49, indicating sustainable borrowing levels. Compared to peer institutions, graduates earn $13,454 less annually but carry only $2,902 more debt, suggesting reasonable cost-benefit alignment.
The university's value proposition centers on accessibility, controlled costs, and earnings uplift rather than absolute earnings levels. This investment profile particularly benefits students from backgrounds with limited college access, where the earnings beyond expectations performance translates into meaningful economic mobility.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette's financial aid approach prioritizes access for lower-income students while managing costs across income levels. The $10,513 average financial aid savings represents substantial assistance, reducing the published cost by 42.7%.
With 38.8% of students receiving Pell grants, the university serves a significant population of lower-income students who benefit from federal and institutional aid programs. The progressive net price structure, ranging from $11,226 for the lowest-income families to $18,398 for the highest, demonstrates effective aid targeting.
The university's aid strategy supports its mission as a comprehensive public institution, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent access for qualified students from diverse economic backgrounds. The combination of reasonable sticker prices and targeted aid creates sustainable pathways for students across the income spectrum.
