Oregon State University vs Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Good news if you're stuck between them: Oregon State University and Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College come out about even on financial return. Oregon State 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, Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College runs $19,151 a year against $19,604 at Oregon State University - $453 more a year, or about $1,812 across four years.

Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Oregon State University graduates earn a median $64,010 against $61,251 at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College. The cost earns itself back in 7.5 years at Oregon State University and 8.3 years at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College.

Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College owing a median $20,500 versus $21,221 at Oregon State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.50 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.