Texas Tech University vs Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Good news if you're stuck between them: Texas Tech University and Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College come out about even on financial return. Texas Tech University scores 76/100 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, Texas Tech University runs $19,070 a year against $19,151 at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College - $81 more a year, or about $324 across four years.

Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Texas Tech University graduates earn a median $62,454 against $61,251 at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College. The cost earns itself back in 7.9 years at Texas Tech 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 $21,500 at Texas Tech University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.46 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.