Median Earnings (1yr)
$44,846
17th percentile (40th in LA)
Median Debt
$22,000
12% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.49
Manageable
Sample Size
33
Adequate data

Analysis

Louisiana Tech's accounting program starts slower than most—first-year earnings of $44,846 land in just the 17th percentile nationally—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

Louisiana Tech UniversityOther accounting programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Louisiana Tech University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Louisiana Tech University graduates earn $45k, placing them in the 17th percentile of all accounting bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana

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

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Louisiana Tech University$44,846$64,452$22,0000.49
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College$56,910$71,624$19,6000.34
Herzing University-New Orleans$49,538$54,212——
Northwestern State University of Louisiana$48,895$38,761$29,3710.60
University of Louisiana at Monroe$47,974$61,900$12,8340.27
Southeastern Louisiana University$47,395$50,807$21,2500.45
National Median$53,694—$25,0000.47

Other Accounting Programs in Louisiana

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Louisiana schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Baton Rouge
$11,954$56,910$19,600
Herzing University-New Orleans
Metairie
$13,420$49,538—
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches
$8,864$48,895$29,371
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe
$9,190$47,974$12,834
Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond
$8,373$47,395$21,250

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.