Median Earnings (1yr)
$44,846
17th percentile
40th percentile in Louisiana
Median Debt
$22,000
12% below national median

Analysis

Louisiana Tech's accounting program starts slower than mostβ€”first-year earnings of $44,846 land in just the 17th percentile nationallyβ€”but the trajectory tells a different story. By year four, graduates earn $64,452, representing 44% growth that outpaces typical accounting programs. The manageable $22,000 debt load (slightly below Louisiana's median) means new graduates face monthly payments around $240, roughly 6.5% of take-home pay in that crucial first year.

The state comparison reveals this program's positioning: it sits right at Louisiana's median for first-year earnings but charges less debt than most state competitors. While top programs like LSU start graduates $12,000 higher, Louisiana Tech's stronger mid-career trajectory narrows that gap considerably. The 40th percentile state ranking reflects the conservative first-year figure, but the year-four numbers suggest graduates catch up as they gain experience and CPA credentials.

For families prioritizing low debt and strong earning potential over immediate salary, this program delivers. The early earnings lag matters less when you're carrying minimal debt, and the growth curve indicates graduates land in roles with clear advancement paths. This isn't the flashiest option for Louisiana accounting students, but it's one of the more financially sensible ones, particularly for students who don't want to start their careers with heavy loan burdens.

Where Louisiana Tech University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Louisiana Tech University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Louisiana Tech University$44,846$64,452+44%
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College$56,910$71,624+26%
University of Louisiana at Monroe$47,974$61,900+29%
Louisiana State University-Shreveport$37,466$58,461+56%
University of New Orleans$41,540$56,582+36%

Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (22 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Louisiana Tech UniversityRuston$10,125$44,846$64,452$22,0000.49
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeBaton Rouge$11,954$56,910$71,624$19,6000.34
Herzing University-New OrleansMetairie$13,420$49,538$54,212β€”β€”
Northwestern State University of LouisianaNatchitoches$8,864$48,895$38,761$29,3710.60
University of Louisiana at MonroeMonroe$9,190$47,974$61,900$12,8340.27
Southeastern Louisiana UniversityHammond$8,373$47,395$50,807$21,2500.45
National Medianβ€”$53,694β€”$25,0000.47

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

$59,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

$49,210/yrJobs growth:Some college, no degree

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
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 Tech University, approximately 21% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 33 graduates with reported earnings and 37 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.