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Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College vs Tulane University of Louisiana: which has better ROI?

Public, Baton Rouge LA · vs · Private nonprofit, New Orleans LA

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

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 10.7 years at Tulane University of Louisiana, on median earnings of $61,251 vs $63,268 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureLouisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeTulane University of Louisiana
Net price / yr$19,151$39,949
Total net cost$76,604$159,796
Median earnings, 10 yrs$61,251$63,268
Median debt$20,500$20,500
Payback5.9 yrs10.7 yrs
20-year net return$181,216$138,364

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 Tulane University of Louisiana?

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, at $19,151 a year after aid versus $39,949 — a gap of $20,798 a year, or $83,192 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 Tulane University of Louisiana graduates earn more?

Tulane University of Louisiana graduates report a median $63,268 ten years after entry, $2,017 more than the $61,251 at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College. 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 Tulane University of Louisiana?

Completers at both borrow a median $20,500, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.

Which graduates more of its students?

86% of students finish at Tulane University of Louisiana, against 69% at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College. 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.

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College vs Tulane University of Louisiana: frequently asked questions

Is Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College or Tulane University of Louisiana a better value?
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College. It clears its $76,604 net cost in about 5.9 years versus 10.7 years at Tulane University of Louisiana, on median earnings of $61,251 vs $63,268 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College or Tulane University of Louisiana?
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College: $19,151/yr net price after aid versus $39,949/yr at Tulane University of Louisiana — a difference of $20,798 a year, or about $83,192 over four years.
Do Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College or Tulane University of Louisiana graduates earn more?
Tulane University of Louisiana graduates earn a median $63,268 ten years after entry, versus $61,251 at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College — a $2,017 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.