Return on Investment Analysis

University of Louisiana at Lafayette ROI Analysis

Q: How long does it take to break even on a University of Louisiana at Lafayette degree?

The estimated break-even point for a degree from University of Louisiana at Lafayette is 5.4 years after graduation, based on the earnings premium over a high school diploma.

Q: What is the total cost of attending University of Louisiana at Lafayette?

The estimated 4-year in-state tuition cost at University of Louisiana at Lafayette is $41,672 ($10,418 per year). 44% of students receive financial aid.

Q: What do University of Louisiana at Lafayette graduates earn?

The median earnings for University of Louisiana at Lafayette graduates 5 years after enrollment is $42,668. This is $7,668 above the national average for high school diploma holders.

Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.

Quick answer

USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at University of Louisiana at Lafayette costs about $41,672 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $42,668 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 5.4 years (20-year ROI: 268%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$41,672

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$7,668/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

5.4 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

268%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has a high acceptance rate of 88.8% and a student body of 12,269. The in-state tuition is $10,418. The median debt for students is $22,902, and 43.6% of students receive financial aid.

One year after graduation, the median earnings are $43,179. Five years after graduation, the median earnings are $42,668, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $47,089.

Given the median debt and one-year earnings, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.53. Based on the provided data, the break-even timeline, or the time it takes to earn back the cost of tuition, is less than one year.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$10,418

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,902

Median Earnings (5yr)

$42,668

Graduation Rate

52%

Receive Financial Aid

44%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program	4yr Cost	Median Earnings (5yr)	Est. 20yr ROI
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing	$41,672	$105,491	3283%
Business Administration, Management and Operations	$41,672	$61,279	1161%
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities	$41,672	$35,108	-95%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods	$41,672	$40,742	176%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas	$41,672	$42,221	247%
Psychology, General	$41,672	$36,916	-8%
Mechanical Engineering	$41,672	$80,330	2076%
Biology, General	$41,672	$51,956	714%
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services	$41,672	$57,358	973%
Accounting and Related Services	$41,672	$51,014	669%
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians	$41,672	$61,953	1194%
Finance and Financial Management Services	$41,672	$46,582	456%
Marketing	$41,672	$40,501	164%
Chemical Engineering	$41,672	$78,642	1995%
Health and Medical Administrative Services	$41,672	$44,856	373%
English Language and Literature, General	$41,672	$37,808	35%
Criminal Justice and Corrections	$41,672	$39,037	94%
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services	$41,672	$33,195	N/A
Political Science and Government	$41,672	$38,948	89%
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication	$41,672	$38,556	71%
Fine and Studio Arts	$41,672	$30,006	N/A
Computer and Information Sciences, General	$41,672	$57,417	976%
Petroleum Engineering	$41,672	$100,443	3041%
Educational Administration and Supervision	$41,672	$0	N/A

Peer Comparison

University of Louisiana at Lafayette Current

268%

20yr ROI

Eastern Illinois University

187%

20yr ROI

University of Idaho

331%

20yr ROI

Lake Superior State University

172%

20yr ROI

Western Oregon University

242%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$41,672

Median Debt$22,902

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0

Net 4-Year Cost$41,672

Frequently Asked Questions

Is University of Louisiana at Lafayette worth the cost?

Based on government data, University of Louisiana at Lafayette has an estimated 20-year ROI of 268%. The total 4-year cost is $41,672 and graduates earn a median of $42,668 within 5 years.

How long does it take to break even on a University of Louisiana at Lafayette degree?

What is the total cost of attending University of Louisiana at Lafayette?

What do University of Louisiana at Lafayette graduates earn?

Methodology

ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).

The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.

Back to University of Louisiana at Lafayette Colleges in Louisiana Compare Schools ROI Rankings