Rankings / By State
Best Computer Science Colleges in Louisiana
- 10
- Schools
- $46,833
- Avg. Earnings
- 44%
- Avg. Graduation
- $14,615
- Avg. Net Price
- $24,465
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $39,196 at the low end to $61,251 at the top. That 1.6× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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Louisiana State University-Shreveport offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $47,477 against $7,022 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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Cost and quality are not at odds here. The most affordable school, Louisiana State University-Shreveport at $7,022 a year in net price, delivers earnings of $47,477, matching or exceeding the list average.
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Completion rates separate this field: Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College graduates 70% of its students, well above the 44% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College: graduates owe only 0.33× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to Louisiana Tech University ($52,279 earnings), not the highest earner, Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College ($61,251). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Louisiana State University-Shreveport ($7,022/yr) and Dillard University ($22,094/yr) produce graduates earning $47,477 and $39,196 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $15,072 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Louisiana State University-Shreveport outperforms Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with Louisiana State University-Shreveport and Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
Technology is one of the higher-return fields in the economy, but the payoff depends heavily on where you study it. Graduates of these programs earn a median of about $47K within a decade, and software developer roles are projected to grow 25%. We rank programs by the outcomes they produce for graduates, not by reputation.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Louisiana Tech University #1 overall | $52,279 ▲ +12% vs avg | $11,864 | 61% | 72 |
| 2 University of New Orleans #2 overall | $47,872 ▲ +2% vs avg | $12,384 | 40% | 72 |
| 3 University of Louisiana at Lafayette #3 overall | $47,089 ▲ +1% vs avg | $13,530 | 52% | 70 |
| $46,482 ▼ -1% vs avg | $13,154 | 45% | 69 | |
| $39,196 ▼ -16% vs avg | $22,094 | 44% | 62 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Computer Science Colleges in Louisiana
This analysis ranks 10 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $46,833 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 44% and an average net price of $14,615.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Louisiana State University-Shreveport — Net Price: $7,022 | Graduation Rate: 35%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College — 70% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College — Median alumni earnings: $61,251
Our Analysis Found
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Technology Workforce Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the technology workforce?
$46,786
Median earnings (10yr)
42%
Median graduation rate
$13,342
Median net price
3.2%
Avg. mobility rate
Technology hiring rewards ability over credentials more than any other field on this site. Toolchains turn over every few years, so computing and data-science programs compete on employer connections, project-based learning, and curriculum currency. The programs that teach fundamentals and learning agility produce the graduates who last.
Start with the medians across these 10 schools. Graduates earn a median of $46,786 ten years after enrollment. The median graduation rate is 42%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $13,342 a year with about $22,318 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 45% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 3.2%.
In tech, what you can do matters more than where you studied. Graduates on this list earn a median of $46,786 ten years after enrollment. Programs with industry partnerships, co-op placements, and current curricula keep delivering through a cyclical hiring market.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Louisiana Tech University lands at #1 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (56/100). Graduates earn a median $52,279 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,864 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
University of New Orleans lands at #2 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $47,872 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,384 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
University of Louisiana at Lafayette lands at #3 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (62/100). Graduates earn a median $47,089 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,530 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Southeastern Louisiana University lands at #4 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (62/100). Graduates earn a median $46,482 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,154 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Dillard University lands at #5 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $39,196 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,094 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Alexandria, LA · 92% accepted · $7,065 net
Why it ranks #6
Louisiana State University at Alexandria lands at #6 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (56/100). Graduates earn a median $42,205 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,065 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Baton Rouge, LA · 73% accepted · $19,151 net
Why it ranks #7
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College lands at #7 with a 60/100 composite, led by academic quality (79/100) and pulled down by social mobility (48/100). Graduates earn a median $61,251 a decade after enrolling, 31% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,151 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Louisiana State University-Shreveport lands at #8 with a 60/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (51/100). Graduates earn a median $47,477 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $7,022 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Grambling State University lands at #9 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $41,109 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,809 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Baton Rouge, LA · 35% accepted · $20,077 net
Why it ranks #10
Southern University and A & M College lands at #10 with a 53/100 composite, led by social mobility (62/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (43/100). Graduates earn a median $43,371 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,077 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 10 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs — and the jobs are
Where these graduates work
Graduates of these programs most often become Software Developers and related roles — a field with $132,270 median pay and 25% projected growth.
See the Software Developer career guide →When considering a degree in computer science, students in Louisiana have a range of options that lead to promising career paths. The decision about where to study is crucial, as it can impact future earnings and job prospects. In Louisiana, computer science graduates earn an average of $44,538 annually, highlighting the potential financial return from these programs.
The best computer science colleges in the state stand out based on key factors such as graduation rates, average earnings, student debt, and mobility. The data reveals that while some institutions offer strong earnings post-graduation, they may come with higher debt levels or lower graduation rates. As you evaluate the list below, consider how each school’s outcomes align with your personal and financial goals.
For example, Louisiana Tech University in Ruston boasts the highest average earnings at $52,279, but it also has a graduation rate of 61%, significantly higher than Louisiana State University-Shreveport, where graduates earn $47,477 but only 35% complete their degrees. This contrast highlights the importance of balancing potential earnings with graduation success when making your choice.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 6 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 3.2%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Dillard University leads the group at 5%, with Grambling State University (4.6%) and University of New Orleans (3.1%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 18.8% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Grambling State University enrolls the most, at 34.4%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 17.9% across the list, peaking at 22% at Louisiana Tech University.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.23, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Louisiana Tech University is highest at 1.48.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
The data reveals a distinct pattern in the performance of Louisiana colleges for computer science. Louisiana Tech University leads with an impressive $52,279 in average earnings and a graduation rate of 61%. In contrast, Louisiana State University-Shreveport shows lower performance, with earnings of $47,477 and only 35% of students graduating. This suggests that a higher graduation rate can translate into better earning potential post-graduation, highlighting the importance of successfully completing a degree.
As you sift through your options, think about what matters most to you. Are you prioritizing a lower net price, such as the $7,022 at Louisiana State University-Shreveport, or are you willing to invest more in a program with higher earnings potential like Louisiana Tech? Consider factors like campus culture, location, and program specifics alongside this data. Your education should align with your personal and professional aspirations, so weigh these metrics against your preferences.
Ultimately, the data reflects the crucial decision families face in choosing a college. For many, a degree in computer science can lead to stable employment and a better quality of life. As you evaluate these schools, remember that investing in education is also about the long-term returns, not just immediate costs. Choose wisely, as this decision could shape your future significantly.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Computer Science Colleges in Louisiana: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Computer Science Colleges in Louisiana ranking? +
Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, LA ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Computer Science Colleges in Louisiana ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $52,279 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 61% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College posts the highest median earnings on this list: $61,251 ten years after enrollment, well above the $46,833 average across the 10 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Louisiana State University-Shreveport leads: graduates earn a median $47,477 against net price of about $7,022 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 70%, compared with a 44% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $14,615 a year across the 10 ranked schools with cost data. Louisiana State University-Shreveport is among the most affordable at roughly $7,022. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Computer Science Colleges in Louisiana ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 10 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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