Analysis
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette's petroleum engineering program shows a trajectory that should capture attention: graduates start at $49,781—well below both national and state medians—but quadruple their earnings within four years to over $100,000. This 102% earnings jump is dramatic, but that low starting point is meaningful. Even within Louisiana's small petroleum engineering market, this program ranks at just the 40th percentile, trailing LSU's $56,605 median by about $7,000.
The debt picture offers some relief. At $22,806, graduates carry nearly $3,000 less than the national median for petroleum engineering programs, and the 0.46 debt-to-earnings ratio means the debt is manageable even with those modest starting salaries. With 89% of applicants admitted and 39% receiving Pell grants, UL Lafayette serves a different student population than elite engineering schools, and the relatively light debt load reflects in-state tuition advantages.
The key question is what explains that four-year earnings surge. If it reflects career advancement in Louisiana's oil and gas sector, this represents solid long-term value despite the slow start. But petroleum engineering salaries are notoriously cyclical with commodity prices, and a moderate sample size means a few high earners could skew results. For students committed to the industry and wanting to stay in Louisiana, the combination of low debt and strong mid-career potential justifies this choice—just expect to earn your way up rather than starting at the top.
Where University of Louisiana at Lafayette Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all petroleum engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Louisiana at Lafayette 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette | $49,781 | $100,443 | +102% |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $69,603 | $123,170 | +77% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $86,761 | $111,635 | +29% |
| Texas Tech University | $80,460 | $106,480 | +32% |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | $56,605 | $90,741 | +60% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana
Petroleum Engineering 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Louisiana at LafayetteLafayette | $10,418 | $49,781 | $100,443 | $22,806 | 0.46 |
 Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeBaton Rouge | $11,954 | $56,605 | $90,741 | $25,750 | 0.45 |
| National Median | — | $67,567 | — | $25,875 | 0.38 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with petroleum engineering graduates
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 69 graduates with reported earnings and 65 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.