Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at Louisiana Tech University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Louisiana Tech's engineering graduates start $6,000 below the national median at $71,994, landing them in just the 20th percentile nationally—meaning 80% of similar programs produce higher earners. Within Louisiana's small field of six engineering programs, this places near the middle (40th percentile), trailing UNO, LSU, and UL Lafayette by $5,000-$6,000 annually. That's a meaningful gap when these competitors offer similar accessibility and in-state tuition.
The $21,000 debt load is manageable, translating to a 0.29 debt-to-earnings ratio that won't strain most budgets. However, this lower debt reflects Louisiana's generally affordable public university system rather than exceptional value at Louisiana Tech specifically. The modest debt advantage doesn't offset the earnings shortfall—starting $6,000 behind compounds significantly over a career, potentially costing hundreds of thousands in lifetime earnings compared to peer programs.
For Louisiana families, this creates a straightforward calculation: LSU and UL Lafayette deliver stronger earning power at comparable cost and accessibility. Unless location in Ruston provides specific advantages, the larger state programs offer better return on investment in a field where starting salary differences tend to persist throughout careers.
Where Louisiana Tech University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical, electronics and communications 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 $72k, placing them in the 20th percentile of all electrical, electronics and communications engineering bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (6 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Tech University | $71,994 | — | $21,000 | 0.29 |
| University of New Orleans | $78,215 | — | $29,312 | 0.37 |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | $77,238 | $99,262 | $22,368 | 0.29 |
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette | $76,191 | $85,554 | $25,750 | 0.34 |
| National Median | $77,710 | — | $24,989 | 0.32 |
Other Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering Programs in Louisiana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Louisiana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of New Orleans New Orleans | $9,172 | $78,215 | $29,312 |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge | $11,954 | $77,238 | $22,368 |
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette | $10,418 | $76,191 | $25,750 |
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 32 graduates with reported earnings and 28 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.