Analysis
Louisiana accounting programs typically produce graduates earning in the mid-$40,000s their first year, and LSU-Alexandria appears to track with that statewide pattern. Based on comparable programs across Louisiana, you're looking at estimated first-year earnings around $46,500 against roughly $22,600 in debtβa manageable ratio that suggests graduates can handle their loan payments without undue strain. The challenge is that these state-level figures lag the national median for accounting bachelor's degrees by about $7,000, meaning Louisiana accounting graduates generally start at a disadvantage compared to peers elsewhere.
The estimated debt load here is actually lower than the national median for accounting programs, which helps offset the earnings gap somewhat. Similar programs at larger Louisiana State campuses like LSU's Baton Rouge flagship report substantially higher outcomes (nearly $57,000), but those involve different competitive admissions and potentially different job market access. For students committed to staying in Louisiana and seeking an accessible accounting programβLSU-Alexandria admits 93% of applicantsβthese estimated figures suggest a degree that pays for itself without crushing debt, even if it doesn't position graduates at the top of the regional market.
The real question is whether the pathway matters more than the starting point. Accounting offers clear professional credentials and advancement potential, and starting with moderate debt provides flexibility to pursue those opportunities. Just recognize you're working from peer-program estimates here, not this specific campus's track record.
Where Louisiana State University-Alexandria Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (22 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,050 | $46,458* | β | $22,620* | β | |
| $11,954 | $56,910* | $71,624 | $19,600* | 0.34 | |
| $13,420 | $49,538* | $54,212 | β* | β | |
| $8,864 | $48,895* | $38,761 | $29,371* | 0.60 | |
| $9,190 | $47,974* | $61,900 | $12,834* | 0.27 | |
| $8,373 | $47,395* | $50,807 | $21,250* | 0.45 | |
| National Median | β | $53,694* | β | $25,000* | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Louisiana State University-Alexandria, approximately 36% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 13 similar programs in LA. Actual outcomes may vary.