At $19,590/yr net price, Delta College of Arts & Technology graduates earn $34,222/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $222/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,590 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $78,360 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,222/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$222/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 353 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,393 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,444/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,644/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,191/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,612/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $37,424 | $12,000 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $23,021 | $5,843 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $19,957 | $5,700 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $18,028 | $5,843 |
The Risk Factor
40.5% of students at Delta College of Arts & Technology graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Delta College of Arts & Technology delivers weak financial returns that make it difficult to justify the cost for most students. With median earnings of $34,222 ten years after enrollment and a net price approaching $20,000 annually, you face a challenging payback period even with relatively low debt levels.
The nursing program stands out as the only financially viable option, generating $37,424 in median earnings that can support the $12,000 in typical debt. The other health programs tell a troubling story: medical administrative services graduates earn just $23,021 while dental support graduates make under $20,000. These salaries barely exceed what you could earn with a high school diploma in Louisiana's job market.
The 40% graduation rate compounds your financial risk. You have a significant chance of leaving with debt but no credential, making this school particularly dangerous if you struggle academically or face personal challenges that interrupt your studies.
This school makes financial sense only if you can complete the nursing program and plan to work in Louisiana's healthcare system immediately after graduation. The combination of decent nursing salaries and manageable debt creates a workable equation for career-focused students who need quick workforce entry.
Avoid Delta College if you're considering any program outside nursing or if you have other options for healthcare training. The poor outcomes in most programs, combined with for-profit pricing, create a high probability of financial regret. Community colleges in Louisiana offer similar programs with better cost structures and stronger employment connections in the regional market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Delta College of Arts & Technology worth the cost?
With graduates earning $34,222 ten years after enrollment against a $19,590 annual net price, the financial return is modest. The low graduation rate of 40.5% means many students pay without completing their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Delta College of Arts & Technology?
Practical Nursing offers the highest earnings at $37,424 annually, making it the only program that provides a reasonable return on investment. Health and Medical Administrative Services pays significantly less at $23,021.
How much debt do Delta College of Arts & Technology graduates have?
The median debt of $7,393 is relatively low compared to many colleges. However, with starting salaries around $34,000, even this debt level represents a meaningful burden for graduates.
Does Delta College of Arts & Technology have good job placement rates?
The school's 40.5% graduation rate suggests significant completion challenges, which typically correlates with poor job placement outcomes. Students should carefully research employment rates for their specific program before enrolling.