Median Earnings (1yr)
$42,018
5th percentile (60th in LA)
Median Debt
$17,500
25% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.42
Manageable
Sample Size
29
Limited data

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

Louisiana Tech UniversityOther finance and financial management services 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 $42k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all finance and financial management services 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

Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (13 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Louisiana Tech University$42,018$62,932$17,5000.42
Tulane University of Louisiana$77,806$89,537$21,5000.28
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College$54,408$71,935$19,5000.36
McNeese State University$49,216$42,641$27,8600.57
Southeastern Louisiana University$40,704$63,542$15,4380.38
University of Louisiana at Lafayette$40,495$46,582$26,4000.65
National Median$53,590—$23,3320.44

Other Finance and Financial Management Services Programs in Louisiana

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Louisiana schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans
$65,538$77,806$21,500
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Baton Rouge
$11,954$54,408$19,500
McNeese State University
Lake Charles
$8,460$49,216$27,860
Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond
$8,373$40,704$15,438
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Lafayette
$10,418$40,495$26,400

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.