University of Houston vs Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, University of Houston comes out ahead: 80/100 to 76/100, a 4-point edge over Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, University of Houston runs $14,276 a year against $19,151 at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College - $4,875 more a year, or about $19,500 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Houston graduates earn a median $62,377 against $61,251 at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College. The cost earns itself back in 7.2 years at University of Houston and 8.3 years at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Houston owing a median $18,194 versus $20,500 at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.39 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.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Houston | Louisiana State Universit... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $9,717 | $11,954 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $22,547 | $28,631 |
| Net Price (avg) | $14,276 | $19,151 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $57,104 | $76,604 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $47,100 | $45,000 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $62,377 | $61,251 |
| Graduation Rate | 64.6% | 68.8% |
| Payback Period | 7.2 yr | 8.3 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $18,194 | $20,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $193 | $217 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.39 | 0.46 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 75.2% | 81.5% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 67.1% | 74.3% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 73.9% | 73.3% |
| Enrollment | 38,380 | 30,594 |
| SAT Range | 1160-1340 | 1180-1340 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Housto... | Louisiana State Univ... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $10,929 | $13,056 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $10,220 | $15,696 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $12,528 | $20,223 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $19,197 | $23,878 |
| $110,001+ | $23,811 | $26,489 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Housto... | Louisiana State Univ... |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineering | $110,184 | $114,226 |
| Electrical Engineering | $107,399 | $97,208 |
| Computer Engineering | $107,283 | $106,897 |
| Petroleum Engineering | $94,651 | $103,421 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $93,275 | $99,975 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $78,009 | $95,302 |
| Industrial Engineering | $94,814 | $94,748 |
| Civil Engineering | $89,653 | $85,627 |
| Accounting | $84,668 | $82,617 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $73,125 | $64,590 |
| Architecture | $70,616 | $69,029 |
| Marketing | $68,139 | $60,408 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences | $68,127 | $67,493 |
| International Relations | $61,533 | $67,007 |
| Mathematics | $62,833 | $64,121 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Housto... | Louisiana State Univ... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 89 | 75 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 81 | 73 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 88 | 81 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 68 | 77 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 55 | 75 |
| Overall ROI Score | 80 | 76 |
The Verdict
It's close. University of Houston edges out Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College by 4 points (80 vs 76), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
University of Houston
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.