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 38 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.
#9 nationally
$103K 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. | #9 |
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
| $102,594★ |
| — |
| 21 |
| Chemical Engineering. | #40 | $102,119 | — | 45 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #105 | $91,187 | — | 85 |
| Civil Engineering. | #63 | $86,128 | — | 30 |
| Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering. | #185 | $84,883 | — | 30 |
| Computer Science. | #150 | $83,527 | — | 85 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | #155 | $77,087 | — | 43 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | #20 | $69,334 | — | 59 |
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 and Related Services. | #233 | $60,241★ | — | 73 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | #187 | $59,315 | — | 66 |
| Marketing. | #193 | $53,685 | — | 48 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | #297 | $53,473 | — | 137 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management.Small sample | #79 | $43,178 | — | 12 |
| Business/Managerial Economics.Small sample | #55 | $32,382 | — | 14 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | #63 | $91,270★ | $12,353 | 383 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | #101 | $51,531 | — | 68 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | #79 | $50,001 | — | 33 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics.Small sample | #207 | $54,004★ | — | 14 |
| Chemistry. | #156 | $42,715 | — | 27 |
| Biology, General. | #337 | $41,323 | — | 118 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Political Science and Government. | #259 | $48,378★ | — | 38 |
| Psychology, General. | #261 | $44,574 | $24,136 | 121 |
| Sociology.Small sample | #223 | $43,316 | — | 15 |
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. leads communications with 51K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | #66 | $51,082★ | — | 64 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | #242 | $44,432 | — | 20 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | #75 | $45,010★ | $12,268 | 297 |
| Design and Applied Arts.Small sample | #118 | $42,867 | — | 14 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #227 | $41,936 | — | 35 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | #177 | $36,472 | — | 46 |
| History. | #280 | $29,685 | — | 20 |
| Music. | #148 | $29,175 | — | 37 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts.Small sample | #82 | $25,967 | — | 11 |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General.Small sample | #32 | $16,871 | — | 14 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | #27 | $53,265★ | $22,900 | 137 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | #134 | $46,313 | $9,250 | 98 |
Criminal Justice and Corrections. leads criminal justice with 49K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | #159 | $49,201 | — | 49 |
Architecture and Related Services, Other. leads other & interdisciplinary with 52K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture and Related Services, Other. | — | $51,546★ | — | 30 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | #71 | $41,274 | — | 47 |
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.
