Landscape Architecture at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

LSU's landscape architecture program produces first-year earnings of $60,668—well above the national median of $52,841 for this degree. While the debt figure of $25,735 is estimated from similar programs nationally (the school's graduate sample was too small to report), this debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 suggests manageable repayment under typical federal loan terms.

What makes this program particularly interesting is its strong national performance—ranking in the 95th percentile for earnings—despite serving a state market where landscape architecture positions may pay differently than coastal metropolitan areas. The modest 3% earnings growth from year one to year four hints that graduates reach their earning potential quickly, though it also means limited upward mobility in early career years. For a specialized design field, this pattern isn't unusual; landscape architects often command steady rather than rapidly escalating salaries.

The practical calculation here: based on peer program data, your child would likely graduate with debt equal to about five months of first-year salary. That's a favorable position for a professional degree that leads to licensure opportunities. The caveat is that these figures are estimates—LSU's actual outcomes could be higher or lower. Still, the program's strong national standing and relatively accessible debt load make it worth serious consideration if your child is committed to this specific career path.