Est. Earnings (1yr)
$76,715
Est. from LA median (4 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$24,059
Est. from LA median (4 programs)

Analysis

The financial profile here looks solid on paper, though it's worth noting these figures come from other electrical engineering programs in Louisiana rather than Southern University Law Center's specific track record. Based on comparable programs across the state, graduates typically start around $77,000 with roughly $24,000 in debt—a ratio that suggests paying off loans shouldn't consume their early career. That first-year salary estimate aligns almost exactly with both state and national medians for this degree, and the debt load is manageable for an engineering credential.

What makes this situation unusual is the institutional context. Southern University Law Center is primarily known as a law school, which raises questions about the scope and resources behind this engineering program. The small graduate cohort—small enough that the Department of Education can't publish actual outcomes—suggests this isn't a flagship program at the institution. Engineering degrees typically benefit from strong lab facilities, industry connections, and a critical mass of faculty and students, factors that may be more challenging at a specialized law-focused institution.

For families considering this program, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value if they materialize, but the lack of reported data and the institutional focus make this a higher-uncertainty choice. You'd want to dig into specifics: faculty credentials, lab access, accreditation status, and where their handful of graduates actually end up working. Other Louisiana schools like UNO and LSU offer engineering programs with proven track records and similar earnings outcomes.

Where Southern University Law Center Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical, electronics and communications engineering bachelors's 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)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Southern University Law CenterBaton Rouge—$76,715*—$24,059*—
University of New OrleansNew Orleans$9,172$78,215*—$29,312*0.37
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeBaton Rouge$11,954$77,238*$99,262$22,368*0.29
University of Louisiana at LafayetteLafayette$10,418$76,191*$85,554$25,750*0.34
Louisiana Tech UniversityRuston$10,125$71,994*—$21,000*0.29
National Median—$77,710*—$24,989*0.32
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical, electronics and communications engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Hardware Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

$155,020/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Aerospace Engineers

Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

$134,830/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Electrical Engineers

Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Electronics Engineers, Except Computer

Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists

Design and implement radio frequency identification device (RFID) systems used to track shipments or goods.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Engineers, All Other

All engineers not listed separately.

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Mechatronics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

Microsystems Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

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). 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 4 similar programs in LA. Actual outcomes may vary.