Computer Science at Louisiana Tech University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Louisiana Tech's Computer Science program delivers solid value for Louisiana families, particularly when compared to in-state alternatives. While first-year earnings of $68,023 trail the national median by a modest amount, they significantly outpace most Louisiana CS programs—landing at the 60th percentile statewide. Only Tulane and UNO graduates earn more in-state, and both come with substantially different price tags and admission profiles. With debt around $22,875, the 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly four months of their first year's salary, a manageable starting point for a field with strong income growth potential.
The practical advantage here is straightforward: your child gets above-average Louisiana outcomes at a school with 73% acceptance and reasonable debt levels. Computer science careers typically see significant salary progression beyond that first year, and Louisiana Tech's track record suggests graduates are positioned competitively for those opportunities. The moderate sample size confirms this isn't a fluke—the program consistently places graduates in solid tech roles.
For families planning to stay in Louisiana or the broader South, this represents a smart financial choice. You're paying in-state tuition for results that beat most regional competitors, and the debt burden won't constrain early-career decisions like taking a startup role or relocating for the right opportunity.
Where Louisiana Tech University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science 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 $68k, placing them in the 43th percentile of all computer science bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (15 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Tech University | $68,023 | — | $22,875 | 0.34 |
| Tulane University of Louisiana | $90,828 | — | $19,000 | 0.21 |
| University of New Orleans | $69,204 | $77,985 | $16,604 | 0.24 |
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette | $62,452 | $74,787 | $23,000 | 0.37 |
| University of Louisiana at Monroe | $60,714 | — | — | — |
| Louisiana State University-Shreveport | $60,259 | $67,383 | $28,992 | 0.48 |
| National Median | $70,950 | — | $23,374 | 0.33 |
Other Computer Science Programs in Louisiana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Louisiana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans | $65,538 | $90,828 | $19,000 |
| University of New Orleans New Orleans | $9,172 | $69,204 | $16,604 |
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette | $10,418 | $62,452 | $23,000 |
| University of Louisiana at Monroe Monroe | $9,190 | $60,714 | — |
| Louisiana State University-Shreveport Shreveport | $7,327 | $60,259 | $28,992 |
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 69 graduates with reported earnings and 65 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.