At $19,125/yr net price, Grambling State University graduates earn $41,109/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,109/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,125 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $76,500 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,109/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,109/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $36,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,447/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,923/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,591/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,096/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,356/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. | Master | $82,204 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $68,219 | |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Bachelor | $40,485 | $35,750 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $39,009 | $73,228 |
| Social Work. | Master | $36,745 | $53,248 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $35,416 | $36,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $34,277 | $64,461 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $34,378 |
| Social Sciences, General. | Master | $31,839 | $55,234 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $34,000 |
The Risk Factor
32.3% of students at Grambling State University 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
Grambling State University delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $41,109 ten years after graduation against a net price approaching $20,000 annually. The 32% graduation rate means most students leave with debt but no degree.
Nursing programs stand out as the clear financial winners, with graduates earning $68,000 to $82,000 annually. These programs justify the investment and offer strong job prospects in Louisiana's healthcare market. Engineering technology provides modest returns at $40,485 with reasonable debt levels.
Avoid public administration and social work programs. Public administration saddles graduates with $73,228 in debt for $39,009 salaries, creating a crushing debt-to-income ratio. Social work graduates face similar struggles with $53,248 in debt for $36,745 earnings.
Your biggest financial risk is not graduating. With only one in three students finishing their degree, you face significant odds of accumulating debt without earning credentials. The 76% retention rate suggests academic or financial struggles force many students out after freshman year.
This school works financially if you can get into nursing or have strong academic support to ensure graduation. Louisiana residents benefit from in-state pricing, and the 72% of students receiving aid suggests decent financial aid availability. However, students with weak academic preparation or those pursuing low-earning majors should consider community college alternatives or schools with higher graduation rates.
The regional job market in north Louisiana offers limited opportunities outside healthcare and government work, making program choice critical for your financial future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grambling State University worth the cost?
Grambling State University's return on investment depends heavily on your major. Nursing programs lead to strong earnings around $68,000-$82,000, but the overall 10-year median earnings of $41,109 barely justify the $36,500 median debt for most other programs.
What are the highest paying majors at Grambling State University?
Nursing programs at Grambling State University offer the best financial returns, with graduates earning $68,000-$82,000 annually. Engineering Technology graduates earn around $40,485, while most other programs result in significantly lower earnings that may not cover student debt effectively.
How much debt do Grambling State University graduates have?
Grambling State University graduates carry a median debt of $36,500. With overall median earnings of $41,109 ten years after graduation, many graduates outside of nursing face challenging debt-to-income ratios.
What is the graduation rate at Grambling State University?
Only 32.30% of students graduate from Grambling State University within six years. This low completion rate significantly increases the financial risk for students who may accumulate debt without earning a degree.