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584Students
46%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$22,177Earnings
Private forprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About Blue Cliff College-Metairie

Blue Cliff College trains students for immediate entry into healthcare and personal services careers. The school enrolls 584 students in its Metairie campus, focusing on hands-on programs in massage therapy, cosmetology, and medical assisting. Nearly 97% of students come from Louisiana, creating a tight-knit community centered on practical career preparation. The college emphasizes small class sizes with a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in technical training programs.

Students pay an average of $22,581 after financial aid, with 78% receiving some form of assistance. Graduates earn a median of $22,177 ten years after starting school, which barely exceeds the cost of attendance. Monthly loan payments average $101, but only 38% of borrowers are successfully repaying their loans. The median debt of $9,500 is relatively modest, though the low earning potential makes repayment challenging for many graduates.

Women make up 89% of the student body, reflecting the school's emphasis on traditionally female-dominated fields like cosmetology and healthcare support. The college serves a predominantly Black student population at 73%, with most students qualifying for Pell Grants. While 89% of graduates find employment, the career college model means success depends heavily on choosing programs with strong local job markets.

Academics & Faculty

Blue Cliff College focuses exclusively on career training programs that prepare students for immediate employment in healthcare and personal services. The school specializes in massage therapy, cosmetology, and various healthcare certifications rather than traditional academic degrees. With a student-faculty ratio of 22:1, classes tend to be hands-on and practically oriented. The 45.80% graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing intensive vocational training with work and family responsibilities. Students spend their time mastering specific skills like therapeutic massage techniques or medical assisting procedures. The curriculum emphasizes job readiness over academic theory. Most programs can be completed in months rather than years, allowing students to enter the workforce quickly in growing healthcare and wellness industries.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
22:1
Full-Time Faculty
66.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
45.8%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$22,177

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Associate $23,166
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. Certificate $22,444
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Certificate $20,771
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $18,855
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. Associate $17,444
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Certificate $17,109
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. Associate $16,122
Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services. Associate $15,895
Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services. Certificate $14,692
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. Certificate $14,475

View all 15 programs →

Campus Life

Blue Cliff College sits in a strip mall setting in Metairie, a bustling suburb just 10 miles from downtown New Orleans. Students pack into hands-on labs and classrooms with a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, focusing intensely on career preparation rather than traditional college socializing. The student body of 584 is overwhelmingly female at 88.87%, creating a collaborative atmosphere in healthcare and beauty programs.

Nearly all students (97.17%) are Louisiana residents who commute daily rather than living on campus. The subtropical climate means students wear scrubs and uniforms year-round in air-conditioned facilities, with occasional hurricane preparations disrupting schedules. Weekends typically involve work or family time rather than campus activities, as most students are working adults balancing school with jobs. The diverse student population is 72.60% Black and 21.92% White, reflecting the greater New Orleans area demographics. Students often study together at nearby coffee shops or practice techniques on each other outside class hours, building professional networks that extend into their careers.
Setting
City-Midsize

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
46°–62°F
July Avg
76°–91°F
Annual Precipitation
63.4"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Blue Cliff College attracts working adults seeking career changes in healthcare and beauty industries. Nearly 97% of students come from Louisiana, reflecting the school's strong regional reputation for hands-on training. About 78% receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves students from modest economic backgrounds looking for practical job skills. The student body is predominantly female at 89%, which aligns with the school's focus on massage therapy, cosmetology, and healthcare fields that traditionally attract more women. Most students are African American, representing 73% of enrollment, demonstrating the college's role in providing career opportunities within New Orleans' diverse community.
Men
11.1%
Women
88.9%
White
21.9%
Black
72.6%
Hispanic
1.7%
Asian
0.5%
In-State Students
97.2%
Pell Grant Recipients
78.3%

Location

Blue Cliff College sits in Metairie, Louisiana, just outside New Orleans in the heart of the Mississippi River Delta. The campus draws 97.17% of its students from within Louisiana. Metairie borders New Orleans directly, giving students access to one of the South's most active cultural and economic centers. The Greater New Orleans area offers extensive healthcare facilities where graduates can find work. Students experience subtropical weather year-round and the unique culture of South Louisiana. The region's tourism and healthcare industries create demand for skilled workers in massage therapy and cosmetology. Students considering colleges in Louisiana may also compare Blue Cliff College-Metairie with similar schools in the region.
Address
Metairie, Louisiana 70002-5714

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$22,177
Median Earnings (5 years)
$23,439
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$19,600
Loan Repayment Rate
38.1%
Monthly Loan Payment
$101/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Blue Cliff College-Metairie?

Blue Cliff College-Metairie operates as a career-focused institution with open enrollment for most programs. The school serves 584 students who are primarily seeking hands-on training in healthcare and beauty services. Over 97% of students come from Louisiana, reflecting the college's role as a local workforce development center.

How much does Blue Cliff College-Metairie cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $22,581 annually after financial aid. About 78% of students receive financial assistance, with the typical graduate carrying $9,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $101. Nearly half of students receive institutional grants averaging $4,612 to help reduce costs.

What programs is Blue Cliff College-Metairie known for?

The college specializes in career-focused training programs in healthcare, massage therapy, and cosmetology. With a student-faculty ratio of 22:1, students receive practical preparation for immediate entry into these growing fields. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on skills development rather than traditional academic coursework.

What are the job prospects for Blue Cliff College-Metairie graduates?

Graduates achieve an 88.9% employment rate, demonstrating strong job placement in their chosen fields. However, median earnings one year after graduation are $18,242, reflecting entry-level positions in service industries. The 45.8% six-year graduation rate indicates that many students need additional time to complete their programs.

Where is Blue Cliff College-Metairie located and what is the campus like?

The college sits in Metairie, a midsize city in the greater New Orleans metropolitan area. This urban setting provides students with access to healthcare facilities, spas, and salons for internships and job opportunities. The location serves the diverse population of southeastern Louisiana's service economy.

Is Blue Cliff College-Metairie primarily for women students?

Women make up 88.87% of the student body, while men represent only 11.13% of enrollment. This gender distribution reflects the college's focus on traditionally female-dominated fields like cosmetology and massage therapy. The student population is 72.6% Black and 21.92% White, serving the diverse communities of the New Orleans area.