Chemical Engineering at Louisiana Tech University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Louisiana Tech's chemical engineering program shows strong first-year earnings at $79,157—beating the national median by $6,000 and ranking in the 76th percentile nationally. Within Louisiana, it's the highest-earning chemical engineering program among the five schools offering this degree, outpacing LSU's $74,786 and significantly ahead of UL Lafayette's $63,886. The relatively low debt load of $18,342 creates a favorable 0.23 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than three months of their first-year salary.
The caveat here is sample size: with fewer than 30 graduates in the data, these numbers could shift substantially with a different cohort. That said, the combination of above-average earnings, manageable debt, and Louisiana Tech's reasonable admission profile (73% acceptance rate, 1190 average SAT) suggests an accessible program that delivers solid outcomes for chemical engineering students.
For families weighing in-state options, Louisiana Tech appears to outperform its Louisiana competitors while keeping debt well below the state median of $20,500. The engineering job market in Louisiana—with its petrochemical industry presence—provides natural career pathways, and these graduates enter that market with minimal financial burden. Just remember the small sample limitation when projecting your own student's likely outcome.
Where Louisiana Tech University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
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 $79k, placing them in the 76th percentile of all chemical engineering bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana
Chemical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (5 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Tech University | $79,157 | — | $18,342 | 0.23 |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | $74,786 | $99,522 | $20,500 | 0.27 |
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette | $63,886 | $78,642 | $22,000 | 0.34 |
| National Median | $72,974 | — | $23,250 | 0.32 |
Other Chemical Engineering Programs in Louisiana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Louisiana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge | $11,954 | $74,786 | $20,500 |
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette | $10,418 | $63,886 | $22,000 |
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 27 graduates with reported earnings and 28 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.