Analysis
At $42,475 first-year, UL Lafayette's mathematics graduates earn less than the typical Louisiana math major ($44,136) and trail the national median by about $6,300. Within Louisiana's 21 math programs, this lands in the 40th percentile—meaning three out of five programs produce better outcomes. The gap with Tulane ($55,916) is striking, though LSU's flagship program matches the state median exactly.
The positive here is manageable debt: $24,200 sits below the national norm for math degrees, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 that most financial advisors would consider reasonable. Graduates could theoretically pay this off within five years on a standard repayment plan. The admission rate of 89% also means access is straightforward for students who might not gain entry to more selective Louisiana programs.
The caveat matters: this data reflects fewer than 30 recent graduates, so one exceptional year or a few outliers could skew these numbers significantly. That said, the consistent positioning—below-average earnings both statewide and nationally—suggests a pattern worth noting. For families seeking a math degree in Louisiana, this represents an accessible but middling option financially. If your child can access LSU's program or secure merit aid elsewhere, the comparison is worth making before committing.
Where University of Louisiana at Lafayette Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Louisiana at Lafayette graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,418 | $42,475 | — | $24,200 | 0.57 | |
| $65,538 | $55,916 | — | $14,957 | 0.27 | |
| $11,954 | $44,136 | $56,090 | $15,000 | 0.34 | |
| National Median | — | $48,772 | — | $21,500 | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
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.
Sample Size: Based on 16 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.