University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Lafayette, Louisiana · Public · 87.0% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 47/100 · Below Average Value
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Below Average ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $10,418/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $24,146/yr |
| Average net price | $13,530/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $54,120 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,089 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $37,200 |
| Median debt at graduation | $22,902 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $243 |
| Estimated payback period | 16.1 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 52.6% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 12,428 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,157 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,283 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,692 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,079 |
| $110,001+ | $18,562 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Louisiana at Lafayette with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $45,010 | D |
| Registered Nursing | $91,270 | B+ |
| Psychology | $44,574 | F |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $53,265 | D |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $53,473 | D |
| Biology | $41,323 | F |
| Mechanical Engineering | $91,187 | B+ |
| Teacher Education | $46,313 | C |
| Finance and Financial Management | $59,315 | C |
| Computer Science | $83,527 | B |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Louisiana at Lafayette is $10,418/year ($24,146/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $13,530/year, or roughly $54,120 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $11,157/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $18,562/year.
The median graduate leaves with $22,902 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $243 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $47,089 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.62 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 84.6% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 81.8% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 67.7% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 70.9% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 87.0% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 550-610 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 570-630 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 23-28 |
| Enrollment | 12,428 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 41.5% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $8,889 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette (this school) | 47 | $13,530 | $47,089 |
| Western Michigan University | 50 | $15,273 | $53,562 |
| Tarleton State University | 49 | $20,783 | $53,040 |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro | 47 | $10,965 | $48,160 |
| Louisiana State University-Alexandria | 43 | $7,065 | $42,205 |
| Grambling State University | 12 | $19,809 | $41,109 |
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for University of Louisiana at Lafayette is mixed. At $13,530 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $47,089 ten years after entry - a payback period of 16.1 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Key strengths include high loan repayment success. However, the data also shows a 52.6% graduation rate and a long payback period.
Median debt of $22,902 against $47,089 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.