Computer Science at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

LSU's computer science graduates start below the national median at $59K but see strong 26% earnings growth to reach $74K by year four—a trajectory that helps offset the lower starting point. While first-year earnings land in just the 22nd percentile nationally, the program performs closer to Louisiana's median ($60K) and sits in the middle of the pack among state CS programs. The debt load of $21,562 is reasonable, translating to a manageable 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio that most graduates should handle comfortably.

The gap between LSU and Louisiana's top programs is notable: Tulane CS grads earn $90K while Louisiana Tech and UNO both surpass LSU by $10-15K in starting salary. For in-state students paying significantly less tuition at LSU versus private Tulane, this difference matters less. But families should recognize that other public Louisiana schools are producing stronger early-career outcomes in computer science.

The value proposition here depends heavily on net cost. If your student is paying in-state rates at LSU, the solid earnings growth and modest debt make this workable—you're looking at a CS degree that launches careers even if it doesn't match elite program outcomes. But if comparable financial aid makes Louisiana Tech or ULL cost-competitive, those programs deliver better starting salaries without materially different debt burdens.