Rankings / By State
Best Data 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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Median graduate earnings across these 10 schools run from $39,196 to $61,251, a 1.6× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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Louisiana State University-Shreveport delivers the most for the money: roughly $47,477 in median earnings against $7,022 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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The most affordable option, Louisiana State University-Shreveport ($7,022 net price), still posts $47,477 in earnings, at or above the list average. Paying more does not guarantee a better outcome.
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Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College graduates 70% of its students, versus a 44% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.33× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 Louisiana Tech University ($52,279 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College ($61,251), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- Louisiana State University-Shreveport costs $7,022 a year and Dillard University costs $22,094. Yet their graduates earn $47,477 and $39,196, nowhere near the $15,072 price gap.
- On value, Louisiana State University-Shreveport beats Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
The Takeaway
The through line among the top-ranked schools is plain. They pair solid graduate earnings with affordable costs and meaningful social mobility. Prestige and selectivity matter far less than whether students end up better off.
What This Means for Students
Your shortlist should start with Louisiana State University-Shreveport and Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College. For each school, look up the net price your family would actually pay, weigh it against typical graduate earnings, and build the decision around the return instead of the name recognition.
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 data scientist roles are projected to grow 36%. 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 Data 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
CollegeRanker Primary Research
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
Computing, data, and information-systems programs train for one of the highest-paying and fastest-moving corners of the labor market. Starting salaries are strong, and hiring increasingly rewards demonstrable skill over pedigree. The field is cyclical, though, and specific tools age quickly. What endures is fundamentals and the habit of learning new ones.
The median graduation rate across these 10 schools is 42%. Median graduate earnings reach $46,786 ten years after enrollment. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $13,342 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $22,318. Some 45% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 3.2%.
What we’re seeing: employers reward programs with strong industry ties, co-ops, and project portfolios over brand alone. Graduates here post median earnings of $46,786 ten years after enrollment. That premium holds as long as graduates keep their skills current against a fast-shifting stack.
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 Data Scientists and related roles — a field with $108,020 median pay and 36% projected growth.
See the Data Scientist career guide →Finding the right college for data science in Louisiana means looking at schools that offer solid outcomes and program strength. With an average earning potential of $44,538 for graduates, these institutions are shaping the future of tech talent in the state.
What sets the top schools apart is not just their curriculum, but the tangible results they deliver. Metrics like graduation rates, average debt, and post-college earnings help paint a clear picture of each program's effectiveness. The list below highlights colleges where students can expect better outcomes, allowing families to weigh these important factors in their decision-making process.
For instance, Louisiana Tech University stands out with a graduation rate of 61% and average earnings of $52,279 for its graduates. In contrast, Louisiana State University-Shreveport has a lower graduation rate of 35% and earnings of $47,477. These differences illustrate the trade-offs between program effectiveness and financial implications that families should consider.
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
When we dig into the numbers, a clear pattern emerges. Louisiana Tech University's combination of a 61% graduation rate and earnings of $52,279 places it ahead of Louisiana State University-Shreveport, which has only a 35% graduation rate and lower earnings at $47,477. This disparity highlights the importance of both completion rates and post-college success when evaluating programs.
Now that you've reviewed the data, it’s time to think about your personal priorities. Consider how each school aligns with your goals. Are you looking for a low net price, or is a higher earning potential more important? Each student’s situation is unique, so weigh these outcomes against location and campus experience to find the best fit.
Ultimately, the journey from college to a stable career is shaped by decisions like these. For families, choosing a school is more than just a number; it’s about investing in a future. With the right program, students can bridge the gap between education and a rewarding career in data science.
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 Data Science Colleges in Louisiana: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Data Science Colleges in Louisiana ranking? +
Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, LA ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Data 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 Data 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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