Florida Atlantic University vs Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Good news if you're stuck between them: Florida Atlantic University and Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College come out about even on financial return. Florida Atlantic University scores 75/100 and Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College scores 76/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.

Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Florida Atlantic University runs $8,752 a year against $19,151 at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College - $10,399 more a year, or about $41,596 across four years.

Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College graduates earn a median $61,251 against $56,746 at Florida Atlantic University. The cost earns itself back in 8 years at Florida Atlantic University and 8.3 years at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College.

Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Florida Atlantic University owing a median $17,236 versus $20,500 at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.44 and 0.46 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.