University of Louisiana at Lafayette
#1 Best Education Colleges in Louisiana- Graduation Rate
- 52% C-
- About half of students who start complete their degree
- Earnings (10yr)
- $47,089 B-
- Roughly in line with national averages
- Net Price
- $13,530 C+
- 21% less than the typical college
- Acceptance Rate
- 87% D+
- Accessible to most qualified applicants
Bottom line: A C+ overall grade — average outcomes for a U.S. college. 19.5× return on investment — every $1 spent returns $19.5 over 20 years. Ranked #1 in Best Education Colleges in Louisiana.
Every $1 spent returns $19.5 over 20 years — debt pays back in ~under a year. Net gain: $998,912.
What The Data Says
-
A C+ overall — outcomes above the typical U.S. college.
-
Social mobility rate of 2.71% — an engine of upward economic mobility.
-
Every $1 invested returns $19.5 over 20 years — an exceptional return.
Economic Footprint
- Inventor Rate
- 0.3%
- Top 68%
- Patents
- 57
- Linked to graduates
- Patent Citations
- 39
- Downstream influence
Why University of Louisiana at Lafayette Matters
University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a public research university in Lafayette, LA and its outcomes are not an accident. They are driven by a top-tier research enterprise, a well-connected, high-opportunity alumni network, and a strong record of moving students up the income ladder. The result: graduate earnings well above the typical college.
Interpretation generated from this school's federal outcomes, research, and mobility data.
Institutional Profile
- Institution Type
- Public Research University
- Carnegie Class
- R1 · Very High Research
- Enrollment
- 12,428
- Setting
- Urban
- Primary Strengths
- Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Humanities, Education
Why students choose University of Louisiana at Lafayette
CollegeRanker Report Card
Graded on outcomes, against every U.S. college.
Each grade is this school's national percentile on a real outcome — earnings, value, mobility, and more.
How we grade →Admissions
Accessible — admits about 87% of applicants, with a middle-50% SAT of 1120–1240. Run your numbers in the admissions predictor below.
Check your odds →Net price + aid
Students pay about $13,530 a year after grants and scholarships — 21% below the typical U.S. college. See net price by family income below.
See cost & aid →Earnings + debt
Graduates earn a median of $47,089 ten years after enrolling — 15% above the typical college, against $22,902 in median debt.
See outcomes →Mobility + social capital
Moves 2.7% of its students from the bottom income fifth to the top — top 14% nationally for mobility. High social capital (1.39 economic connectedness).
See mobility →Overview
With an acceptance rate of 87%, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a welcoming choice for students seeking a diverse educational experience. It’s particularly appealing for those interested in fields like Humanities, Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Education, and Engineering. This blend of programs means students can find their niche while benefiting from a vibrant campus life that encourages collaboration and community involvement.
Looking at what happens after graduation, students can expect to earn around $47,089 a year a decade after they leave. This figure provides a solid foundation for many graduates, particularly when considering the average net price of attending is $13,530 after financial aid. With 42% of students receiving Pell Grants, affordability is a significant factor that supports many in their educational journey.
When it comes to the practical aspects of attending, the median debt for graduates stands at $22,902. This is manageable for many, especially considering the earning potential that comes with their degrees. Students who thrive here typically embrace the collaborative spirit of the campus, leveraging both their academic programs and the supportive community to build strong foundations for their futures.
Rankings
- #1 Best Education Colleges in Louisiana
- #3 Best Computer Science Colleges in Louisiana
- #3 Best Data Science Colleges in Louisiana
- #4 Best Nursing Colleges in Louisiana
- #5 Best Colleges in Louisiana
- #5 Best Bachelor's Programs in Louisiana
- #5 Best Master's Programs in Louisiana
- #5 Best Online Colleges in Louisiana
Can I Get In?
How selective University of Louisiana at Lafayette is — and how your numbers stack up.
Tool
Will I Be Accepted?
Enter your credentials to see your chances at this school.
Academics & Admissions
Is It Hard to Get Into University of Louisiana at Lafayette? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
University of Louisiana at Lafayette, located in Lafayette, Louisiana, admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 87%. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 1,219. The graduation rate is roughly 52%.
- Acceptance Rate
- 87%
- Retention Rate
- 74%
- SAT Average
- 1219
- ACT Midpoint
- 22
- SAT Range
- 1120–1240
- ACT Range
- 23–28
- Full-Time Faculty
- 71%
- Faculty Salary (mo)
- $8,889
- Student–Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Diversity Index
- 0.59
- First-Gen Students
- 38%
- Applicants
- 11,752
- Admitted
- 8,762
Can I Afford It?
What you'll actually pay after grants and aid — not the sticker price.
Cost & Financial Aid
How Much Does It Cost to Attend University of Louisiana at Lafayette? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at University of Louisiana at Lafayette is $24,146, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $13,530. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $11,157 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $22,902 in federal student loans.
- In-State Tuition
- $10,418
- Out-of-State
- $24,146
- Avg Net Price
- $13,530
- Median Debt
- $22,902
- Pell Grant Rate
- 42%
- Federal Loan Rate
- 44%
What Families Actually Pay
- Family Income $0–$30K
- $11,157
- Family Income $30K–$48K
- $11,283
- Family Income $48K–$75K
- $13,692
- Family Income $110K+
- $18,562
What Happens After?
Earnings, debt, and where graduates actually land.
Students Like You
Tell us a little about yourself to see what students like you have typically experienced at University of Louisiana at Lafayette — the net price for your income, your admission odds, and the outcomes that follow. These are patterns from federal data, not predictions.
Graduate Outcomes
Is University of Louisiana at Lafayette Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of University of Louisiana at Lafayette earn a median of $47,089, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
- 6 Years After Entry
- $42,668
- 8 Years
- $44,392
- 10 Years
- $47,089
- Debt-to-Earnings
- 0.49x
- Earning > $25K
- 64%
Earnings Trajectory
Graduation by Timeframe
- 100% (643)
- 22%
- 100% (643)
- 22%
- 100% (643)
- 22%
- 100% (643)
- 22%
How University Compares
Dot right of center = above national average.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.
The Mobility Equation
Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?
College ROI Calculator
Is University of Louisiana at Lafayette Worth It?
A data-driven look at the return on your educational investment — using real federal data.
Yes — for most students, University of Louisiana at Lafayette delivers a positive return. Over four years, the typical net price is $13,530/year ($54,120 total). Graduates earn $47,089 at ten years, and over a 20-year career we project $1,053,032 in total earnings — a net gain of $998,912 (19.5× your investment). The median debt is $22,902, which takes less than a year to pay back at typical earnings. With a 52% graduation rate, the path to that return is well-tested. This is a exceptional ROI compared to national averages.
- Total Cost (4yr)
- $54,120
- Projected 20yr Earnings
- $1,053,032
- Net Return
- $998,912
- ROI Multiple
- 19.5×
- Cost Per Year
- $13,530
- Median Debt
- $22,902
- Debt Payback
- Less than 1 yr
- Graduation Rate
- 52%
Does It Change Lives?
Mobility, social capital, and innovation — does it move people up?
Social Mobility
Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records
Does University of Louisiana at Lafayette Drive Upward Mobility? Economic Mobility & Low-Income Outcomes
University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a genuine engine of upward mobility. Its mobility rate, the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top, is 2.71%, among the highest in the country. Access is a real strength here. Roughly 13.5% of students come from families in the bottom income quintile, a high share that gives low-income students a real foothold. Among bottom-quintile students who attend, roughly 20.1% go on to reach the top of the income ladder. The median family income of students sits near $75,800, a snapshot of the campus's socioeconomic mix.
- Mobility Rate
- 2.71%
- Bottom 20% → Top 20%
- Success Rate
- 20.1%
- If bottom 20% get in
- From Bottom 20%
- 13.5%
- Share of students
- Parent Median Income
- $102,986
- today's $ (2015 cohort data)
Innovation & Knowledge Creation
Patents, inventors, and research influence · Opportunity Insights & Times Higher Education
University of Louisiana at Lafayette produces inventors at a measurable rate, with 57 patents tied to its graduates.
- Inventor Rate
- 0.27%
- Top 68% nationally
- Patents Produced
- 57
- Linked to graduates
- Patent Citations
- 39
- Downstream influence
- Inventors From Low-Income
- 0.06%
- Bottom-20% families
Institutional Finances
Data: NCES IPEDS
- Investment Income
- $-18,969,000
Top Programs
The fields University of Louisiana at Lafayette awards the most degrees in, by share of completions. Where federal field-of-study data exists, we show what graduates in that major earned early in their careers. Each links to its degree guide — or see what someone with your income, scores, and major would pay and earn here in the Students Like You simulator.
- Health Professions 17% $78,250 early-career
- Business & Marketing 15% $46,350 early-career
- Humanities 14% $28,214 early-career
- Education 10% $45,066 early-career
- Engineering 7% $73,535 early-career
- Psychology 6% $29,591 early-career
- Visual & Performing Arts 5% $30,854 early-career
- Computer Science & IT 4% $67,139 early-career
Early-career median earnings by major (typically 1–2 years after completion, bachelor's level where available), in today's dollars (CPI-adjusted). Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard field of study. Distinct from the school-wide 10-year median; suppressed for small programs.
Top Careers
Where these majors tend to lead — common career paths for University of Louisiana at Lafayette's most popular programs, ranked by median pay with our proprietary scorecard insights.
- CChief Executive Officer$189,520 · 3% growthAdaptable 64
- C+IT Manager$169,510 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- C+Cloud Architect$142,000 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- B-Site Reliability Engineer$140,000 · 20% growthAdaptable 52
- CSolutions Architect$138,000 · 12% growthAdaptable 52
- CHR Manager$136,350 · 5% growthAdaptable 64
- CPetroleum Engineer$135,690 · 2% growthResilient 72
- CSales Manager$135,160 · 4% growthAdaptable 64
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Hard to Get Into University of Louisiana at Lafayette? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
University of Louisiana at Lafayette, located in Lafayette, Louisiana, admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 87%. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 1,219. The graduation rate is roughly 52%.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend University of Louisiana at Lafayette? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at University of Louisiana at Lafayette is $24,146, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $13,530. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $11,157 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $22,902 in federal student loans.
Is University of Louisiana at Lafayette Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of University of Louisiana at Lafayette earn a median of $47,089, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
Does University of Louisiana at Lafayette Drive Upward Mobility? Economic Mobility & Low-Income Outcomes
University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a genuine engine of upward mobility. Its mobility rate, the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top, is 2.71%, among the highest in the country. Access is a real strength here. Roughly 13.5% of students come from families in the bottom income quintile, a high share that gives low-income students a real foothold. Among bottom-quintile students who attend, roughly 20.1% go on to reach the top of the income ladder. The median family income of students sits near $75,800, a snapshot of the campus's socioeconomic mix.
How Connected Is University of Louisiana at Lafayette? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks
Social capital, the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility, runs high at University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Its economic connectedness score is 1.39, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (0.01), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 5% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
Similar Schools
Schools with similar outcomes, selectivity, and student profiles to University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
- University of Nebraska at OmahaOmaha, NE · Close peer47% grad $53,909 earn 87% acceptWhy: similar selectivity · similar grad rate · similar size
- Missouri State University-SpringfieldSpringfield, MO · Close peer58% grad $49,827 earn 91% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- The University of Tennessee-ChattanoogaChattanooga, TN · Close peer52% grad $51,151 earn 81% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond, KY · Close peer50% grad $45,795 earn 78% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro, NC · Close peer57% grad $48,160 earn 89% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- East Tennessee State UniversityJohnson City, TN · Close peer52% grad $44,859 earn 86% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
Social Capital
Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
How Connected Is University of Louisiana at Lafayette? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks
Social capital, the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility, runs high at University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Its economic connectedness score is 1.39, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (0.01), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 5% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
Research Note