Industrial Engineering at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

LSU's Industrial Engineering program produces graduates earning about $10,000 less than the national median for the field, which should concern parents given that industrial engineering typically commands strong starting salaries. At $65,285, graduates here fall in just the 12th percentile nationally—meaning 88% of similar programs produce better first-year outcomes. Within Louisiana, the picture is slightly better but still mediocre: this program sits at the 40th percentile, essentially tied with Louisiana Tech, the only other in-state option.

The one bright spot is relatively manageable debt. At $21,500, LSU graduates carry about $5,000 less than the typical Louisiana industrial engineering graduate and roughly $3,400 less than the national average. The 0.33 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe about four months' salary, which is reasonable though not exceptional given the lower starting earnings.

For Louisiana families, this program represents a safe but unspectacular choice. You're getting predictable debt levels at a well-known state flagship, but your child will likely start their career at a financial disadvantage compared to industrial engineering graduates nationally. If staying in-state for tuition reasons, LSU and Louisiana Tech are essentially equivalent options. If out-of-state programs are financially feasible, however, the national percentile ranking suggests there's significant room for better outcomes elsewhere.