Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at University of New Orleans

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.