Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at University of Louisiana at Lafayette vary significantly by field of study, with engineering and health programs substantially outperforming liberal arts and education fields. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than reputation or prestige.
Use this data to compare career outcomes across different academic pathways.
Analyzing 39 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that demonstrate exceptional performance in national rankings, graduate earnings, or enrollment scale at University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
#3 nationally
$100K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, national ranking, debt levels, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at University Of Louisiana At Lafayette.
Engineering programs consistently produce the highest earnings at University of Louisiana at Lafayette, with Mechanical Engineering graduates earning $80,330 and ranking #104 nationally. Chemical Engineering Technology ranks exceptionally at #13 nationally and #1 in Louisiana, while Computer Science ranks #149 nationally.
These programs suit students prioritizing high earnings potential and technical career paths, though some show lower value scores due to competitive national landscapes.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petroleum Engineering. | #3 |
These rankings reflect labor-market outcomes for bachelor's degree recipients, not program prestige or academic reputation. Programs at the same institution produce different earnings because graduates enter distinct career fields with varying compensation levels, advancement timelines, and geographic employment patterns. Engineering and health graduates typically command higher starting salaries than education or liberal arts graduates, regardless of institution quality. Data comes from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, tracking graduates 6-10 years after enrollment with minimum cohort sizes of 10 students for reliable reporting. Rankings compare programs nationally within the same field of study, helping students understand how University of Louisiana at Lafayette programs perform relative to peer institutions.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| $100,443★ |
| — |
| 47 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #88 | $85,554 | — | 44 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #106 | $80,330 | — | 132 |
| Chemical Engineering, Other. | #108 | $78,642 | — | 66 |
| Computer Science. | #153 | $74,787 | — | 60 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #126 | $71,223 | — | 39 |
| Chemical Engineering Technology/Technician. | #14 | $61,953 | — | 92 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | #208 | $57,417 | — | 37 |
Business programs show mixed outcomes, with Business Administration graduates earning $41,995 despite large enrollment of 144 students. Banking and Financial Support Services performs better at $46,582, while Accounting Technology graduates earn $51,014.
These programs generally rank lower nationally but provide practical career preparation for students entering commercial and financial sectors in the regional economy.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #235 | $51,014★ | — | 82 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #196 | $46,582 | — | 88 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #319 | $41,995 | — | 144 |
| Digital Marketing. | #204 | $40,501 | — | 80 |
| Brewery/Brewpub Operations/Management.Small sample | #71 | $38,783 | — | 12 |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other.Small sample | — | $33,993 | — | 7 |
| Business/Managerial Economics.Small sample | #65 | $32,382 | — | 13 |
Health programs at University of Louisiana at Lafayette deliver exceptional outcomes, led by Adult Health Nurse/Nursing which ranks #59 nationally and #1 in Louisiana. With 462 graduates earning $74,756 annually, nursing represents both the highest enrollment and strong career outcomes.
The program's value score of 78.8 reflects excellent return on investment, making it ideal for students seeking stable, well-compensated healthcare careers with substantial job security.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #65 | $74,756★ | $12,353 | 462 |
| Clinical Research Coordinator. | #69 | $44,856 | — | 35 |
| Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist. | #124 | $40,057 | — | 63 |
Biology represents the primary science program, ranking #127 nationally and #2 in Louisiana with 115 graduates earning $51,956 annually. The program's value score of 65.8 indicates solid return on investment, particularly for students planning graduate or professional school continuation.
This field works well for students seeking research-oriented careers or preparation for health professional programs.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | #127 | $51,956★ | — | 115 |
| Analytical Chemistry. | #153 | $42,715 | — | 20 |
| Algebra and Number Theory.Small sample | #222 | $42,475 | — | 18 |
Psychology represents the primary social science program with 126 graduates earning $36,916, though carrying higher debt of $24,136. The program ranks #292 nationally with a modest value score of 15.9.
These fields typically serve students planning graduate education or careers in counseling, social services, and human services where advanced degrees enhance earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #268 | $38,948★ | — | 54 |
| Psychology, General. | #302 | $36,916 | $24,136 | 126 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #284 | $22,846 | — | 25 |
Advertising. leads communications with 39K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising. | #72 | $38,556★ | — | 52 |
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #250 | $37,718 | — | 38 |
General Studies leads this category with 325 graduates earning $35,108, representing the second-largest program by enrollment at University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Despite ranking #101 nationally, the program serves diverse student pathways and career transitions.
This field benefits students seeking broad educational foundation, career flexibility, or completing degrees while managing other life responsibilities.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | #208 | $37,808★ | — | 38 |
| American History (United States). | #268 | $37,425 | — | 26 |
| General Studies. | #108 | $35,108 | $12,268 | 325 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #198 | $30,006 | — | 51 |
| Commercial Photography.Small sample | #126 | $28,206 | — | 15 |
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production.Small sample | #76 | $25,967 | — | 12 |
| Digital Arts.Small sample | #34 | $16,871 | — | 13 |
| Brass Instruments. | #178 | $13,479 | — | 28 |
Education programs demonstrate strong value despite moderate earnings, with Agricultural Teacher Education ranking #55 nationally and earning $42,221. Adult and Continuing Education graduates earn $40,742 with manageable debt of $9,250.
These programs excel in value scores, particularly benefiting students committed to teaching careers and public service, where loan forgiveness programs may apply.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #61 | $42,221★ | $22,900 | 123 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #101 | $40,742 | $9,250 | 143 |
Corrections Administration. leads criminal justice with 39K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #175 | $39,037 | — | 53 |
Architecture and Related Services, Other. leads other & interdisciplinary with 49K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture and Related Services, Other. | — | $48,689★ | — | 28 |
| Adult Development and Aging. | #80 | $33,195 | — | 54 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
