University of Louisiana at Lafayette

What are the graduation rates for students at University of Louisiana at Lafayette?

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette reports an overall graduation rate of 52%, which is considered average but falls within the bottom 40% nationally. When gender is taken into account, male students graduate at a rate of 46%, also regarded as average and placing them in the bottom 40%, while female students have a somewhat higher graduation rate of 57%, situating them in the bottom 45%.

Looking at specific time frames, the four-year graduation rate is notably lower at 27%, ranking in the bottom 25%, indicating that fewer than one-third of students complete their programs within this period. The six-year graduation rate improves to 52%, matching the overall rate and falling in the lower half of institutions nationwide.

Student retention at the university stands at 76%, an average figure that places the institution in the top 50% of comparable colleges, which suggests that a majority of first-year students continue their studies into the second year.

What is the earning potential for graduates at University of Louisiana at Lafayette?

Graduates from University of Louisiana at Lafayette experience a broad spectrum of earning potential depending on their chosen field of study. Engineering degrees rank among the highest earners, with Chemical Engineering graduates earning approximately $74,585 and Petroleum Engineering alumni close behind at $69,557. Mechanical Engineering and Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering also offer competitive starting salaries of $65,860 and $63,470 respectively.

Computer-related fields demonstrate solid earning prospects as well. Alumni holding degrees in Computer Science have median earnings around $52,823, while those with general Computer and Information Sciences degrees earn close to $49,825. Industrial Production Technologies also offer almost $50,000 in median earnings.

Health-related disciplines present notable opportunities, particularly Registered Nursing and related areas, where graduates command about $67,455 on average. Teacher Education graduates in specific levels and methods can expect earnings near $37,976, and those trained in specific subject areas earn slightly less at $32,803.

Business and management programs provide moderate income ranges. Business Administration, Management, and Operations graduates make roughly $34,509, while those specializing in Finance and Financial Management earn about $34,697. Hospitality Administration offers comparable returns around $36,749, and Marketing graduates earn approximately $33,633.

Fields within the liberal arts and social sciences show lower median earnings. Degrees in Communication and Media Studies and Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication yield average wages of $27,085 and $28,936 respectively. Psychology graduates earn around $20,820, whereas Political Science and Government alumni receive about $22,363.

Other notable data include Mathematics graduates earning near $39,301 and Geological and Earth Sciences graduates receiving about $41,063. Chemistry students see starting incomes around $33,799, while Criminal Justice graduates earn an estimated $28,500.

Overall, University of Louisiana at Lafayette students pursuing careers in engineering and health-related fields tend to achieve the highest early career salaries, while the arts and social sciences fields typically offer more modest financial returns initially.