Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at University of New Orleans
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
University of New Orleans engineering graduates start at $78,215—a solid outcome that beats the state median and sits squarely in the middle nationally. What makes this program particularly attractive is the debt picture: at $29,312, graduates leave owing just 5% more than the typical Louisiana engineering student, despite commanding slightly higher salaries. That 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio means the debt burden is manageable from day one, roughly equivalent to financing a mid-range sedan when you're earning an entry-level engineering salary.
Among Louisiana's six engineering programs, UNO ranks in the 60th percentile—not the strongest in the state, but respectable and notably ahead of Louisiana Tech. The school serves a substantial population of first-generation and lower-income students (40% on Pell grants), yet still delivers earnings on par with flagship LSU. For families concerned about college affordability while maintaining earning potential, that's a meaningful data point.
The caveat here is sample size: these numbers reflect fewer than 30 recent graduates, so they could swing significantly with a different cohort. However, the fundamental value proposition—reasonable debt for engineering-level earnings at an accessible public university—is unlikely to change dramatically. For Louisiana residents, this represents a solid state-school option with a clear return on investment.
Where University of New Orleans Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical, electronics and communications engineering bachelors's programs nationally
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 University of New Orleans graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of New Orleans graduates earn $78k, placing them in the 54th percentile of all electrical, electronics and communications engineering bachelors 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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of New Orleans | $78,215 | — | $29,312 | 0.37 |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | $77,238 | $99,262 | $22,368 | 0.29 |
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette | $76,191 | $85,554 | $25,750 | 0.34 |
| Louisiana Tech University | $71,994 | — | $21,000 | 0.29 |
| National Median | $77,710 | — | $24,989 | 0.32 |
Other Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering Programs in Louisiana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Louisiana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge | $11,954 | $77,238 | $22,368 |
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette | $10,418 | $76,191 | $25,750 |
| Louisiana Tech University Ruston | $10,125 | $71,994 | $21,000 |
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 New Orleans, approximately 40% 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 28 graduates with reported earnings and 24 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.