Analysis
UNO's mechanical engineering program produces graduates who start slightly below state and national medians—$69K versus $73K in Louisiana and $71K nationally—but the $19,000 debt load is genuinely low, ranking in the 83rd percentile among similar programs. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28, graduates owe less than three months' salary, meaning that even the lower initial earnings don't create a financial burden. The program sits solidly in the middle of Louisiana's eight engineering schools, ahead of UL Lafayette but trailing LSU and Louisiana Tech by about $7,000.
The 14% earnings growth to $78K by year four is healthy, and combined with the minimal debt, this represents a sound engineering education without the price tag of flagship programs. The moderate sample size and 40% Pell grant population suggest this program serves many first-generation college students, making the low debt particularly valuable for families without financial safety nets.
For Louisiana families, this is a practical choice: you're getting accredited mechanical engineering training at an accessible institution without taking on crushing debt. Your child won't command top-of-market salaries immediately, but they'll enter the workforce with genuine leverage and room to grow.
Where University of New Orleans Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mechanical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of New Orleans 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 New Orleans | $68,968 | $78,444 | +14% |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | $75,311 | $92,171 | +22% |
| Southern University and A & M College | $75,001 | $89,645 | +20% |
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette | $63,812 | $80,330 | +26% |
| Louisiana Tech University | $70,372 | $75,611 | +7% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana
Mechanical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of New OrleansNew Orleans | $9,172 | $68,968 | $78,444 | $19,000 | 0.28 |
 Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeBaton Rouge | $11,954 | $75,311 | $92,171 | $18,500 | 0.25 |
 Southern University Law CenterBaton Rouge | — | $75,001 | — | — | — |
 Southern University and A & M CollegeBaton Rouge | $9,940 | $75,001 | $89,645 | $29,500 | 0.39 |
 Louisiana Tech UniversityRuston | $10,125 | $70,372 | $75,611 | $26,400 | 0.38 |
 University of Louisiana at LafayetteLafayette | $10,418 | $63,812 | $80,330 | $22,175 | 0.35 |
| National Median | — | $70,744 | — | $24,755 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mechanical engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Aerospace Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Fuel Cell Engineers
Automotive Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Cost Estimators
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 55 graduates with reported earnings and 42 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.