Analysis
Louisiana Tech's finance program comes with an important caveat—the sample size is small enough that these numbers could shift significantly with more data. That said, the story they tell is intriguing: graduates start behind the curve at $42,000 but surge to nearly $63,000 by year four, representing 50% growth that outpaces typical finance trajectories.
What's particularly interesting is the state context. While this program ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally, it hits the 60th percentile among Louisiana schools—right at the state median. This suggests Louisiana Tech isn't underperforming; rather, Louisiana finance salaries generally lag the national market. The debt picture reinforces this value: at $17,500, graduates carry roughly $4,000 less than the state median and $6,000 less than national benchmarks, making the debt-to-earnings ratio manageable even in that slower first year.
The real question is geographic: if your child plans to stay in Louisiana, where this program performs solidly among state options, the modest debt load makes sense. If they're eyeing finance hubs like Charlotte or New York, starting $12,000 behind the national median matters more. The strong earnings growth suggests graduates do find their footing, but remember these numbers come from a small cohort—ask the department how many students actually complete this major and where recent grads have landed.
Where Louisiana Tech University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services 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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Tech University | $42,018 | $62,932 | +50% |
| Tulane University of Louisiana | $77,806 | $89,537 | +15% |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | $54,408 | $71,935 | +32% |
| Southeastern Louisiana University | $40,704 | $63,542 | +56% |
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette | $40,495 | $46,582 | +15% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,125 | $42,018 | $62,932 | $17,500 | 0.42 | |
| $65,538 | $77,806 | $89,537 | $21,500 | 0.28 | |
| $11,954 | $54,408 | $71,935 | $19,500 | 0.36 | |
| $8,460 | $49,216 | $42,641 | $27,860 | 0.57 | |
| $8,373 | $40,704 | $63,542 | $15,438 | 0.38 | |
| $10,418 | $40,495 | $46,582 | $26,400 | 0.65 | |
| National Median | — | $53,590 | — | $23,332 | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Personal Financial Advisors
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Insurance Underwriters
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 29 graduates with reported earnings and 34 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.