At $11,926/yr net price, Delgado Community College graduates earn $33,305/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,926 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $47,704 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,305/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-695/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 22.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,198 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,025/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,382/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,249/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,888/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,548/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $56,415 | $24,757 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $51,169 | |
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $48,849 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $48,041 | $20,250 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $45,584 | $13,816 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $43,798 | |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $43,128 | |
| Data Processing. | Associate | $37,208 | $19,000 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $36,488 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $34,847 | $15,751 |
The Risk Factor
22.1% of students at Delgado Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Delgado Community College offers weak to mixed financial returns, with most graduates earning far below the national average despite reasonable costs. The school's median graduate earns $33,305 ten years after enrollment, barely above poverty wages for a family of four in New Orleans.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $56,415 annually. This represents strong ROI despite higher debt loads of $24,757, as nurses can realistically pay off loans within five years. Allied health programs also show promise, with diagnostic and treatment specialties reaching $51,169 and medical assisting hitting $45,584 with relatively low debt of $13,816.
The 22% graduation rate poses significant financial risk. You face a roughly four-in-five chance of leaving without a credential, making your investment a total loss. This low completion rate reflects poorly on academic support and student preparedness.
Delgado works financially for career-focused students targeting healthcare fields who plan to complete their programs. The nursing track offers genuine career advancement for those who can handle the coursework. Students seeking general education credits before transferring to four-year schools can also benefit from the low annual cost.
Avoid Delgado if you lack clear career direction or struggle with academic completion. The low graduation rate suggests many students would be better served at institutions with stronger support systems. Liberal arts students should consider four-year schools directly rather than risk getting stuck with partial credits.
Financial aid reaches 62% of students, though specific merit opportunities remain limited at this community college level. Your best strategy involves completing a high-value program like nursing rather than banking on aid to make weak-earning programs worthwhile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Delgado Community College worth the cost?
Delgado Community College offers reasonable value for nursing and allied health programs, with graduates in these fields earning $45,000-56,000 annually. However, the 22% graduation rate is concerning, and overall graduate earnings of $33,305 make the $20,198 median debt burden significant for many programs.
What programs at Delgado Community College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Delgado provide the strongest return, with registered nursing graduates earning around $56,415 annually. Allied health and civil engineering technology programs also show decent earnings potential at $45,000-51,000, making them worthwhile investments.
How much debt do Delgado Community College graduates typically have?
Delgado graduates have a median debt of $20,198, which is manageable for nursing and allied health graduates but represents a significant burden for those in lower-paying programs. The low graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without completing their degrees.
Should I attend Delgado Community College or a four-year university?
Delgado makes sense if you're pursuing nursing or allied health careers, as these programs offer direct job training at a lower cost than universities. For other fields, the low graduation rate and modest earnings suggest considering alternatives with better completion rates.