Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College vs Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University: which has better ROI?
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $76,604 in 5.9 years versus 6.7 years at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, on median earnings of $61,251 vs $59,419 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,151 | $18,552 |
| Total net cost | $76,604 | $74,208 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $61,251 | $59,419 |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $27,672 |
| Payback | 5.9 yrs | 6.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $181,216 | $146,972 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College or Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University?
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, at $18,552 a year after aid versus $19,151 — a gap of $599 a year, or $2,396 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College or Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University graduates earn more?
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College graduates report a median $61,251 ten years after entry, $1,832 more than the $59,419 at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College or Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University?
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $27,672 at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, a difference of $7,172. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
69% of students finish at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, against 45% at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.