Analysis
For parents weighing an insurance degree, the key numbers tell a reassuring story. Based on comparable programs nationally, graduates typically earn around $56,000 in their first year—putting them in solid financial position with an estimated debt load of about $22,400. That 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio means roughly five months of gross salary to cover what's borrowed, which falls comfortably within the range most financial advisors consider manageable for bachelor's degree holders.
Insurance remains one of those unglamorous fields where steady employment matters more than starting salary fireworks. The national data shows relatively tight clustering among programs—the 75th percentile earns about $64,000, suggesting limited upside variation but also reliable outcomes. Louisiana's insurance job market appears slightly softer than the national average (the state median sits around $49,000), though ULL's access to Lafayette's concentration of energy and financial services companies may provide networking advantages that regional estimates don't fully capture.
The practical question is whether this specific career path fits your child's temperament. Insurance combines analytical work with relationship management—not everyone thrives in a role balancing actuarial precision with sales targets. But for students seeking financial stability without graduate school requirements, the estimated numbers suggest this program delivers reasonable value, especially given ULL's 89% admission rate makes it accessible to students who might struggle to enter more selective business programs.
Where University of Louisiana at Lafayette Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all insurance bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana
Insurance bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (2 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,418 | $55,819* | — | $22,394* | — | |
| $9,190 | $49,294* | — | $22,957* | 0.47 | |
| National Median | — | $55,819* | — | $22,728* | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with insurance graduates
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Insurance Underwriters
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage
Insurance Sales Agents
Appraisers of Personal and Business Property
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 University of Louisiana at Lafayette, approximately 39% 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.
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 national median of 20 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.