At $21,409/yr net price, La Salle University graduates earn $67,416/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $33,416/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,409 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $85,636 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $67,416/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$33,416/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 57.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,702/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,978/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,016/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,009/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,278/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 | $111,992 | $89,598 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $84,100 | $41,000 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $72,510 | $179,718 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $70,642 | $26,909 |
| Marketing. | Master | $67,164 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $66,821 | $20,844 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $64,990 | |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $59,011 | $51,250 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $56,415 | $26,531 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $55,512 | $25,000 |
The Risk Factor
57.9% of students at La Salle University 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
La Salle University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The nursing program stands out as the clear winner, with graduates earning over $110,000 annually despite high debt loads of nearly $90,000. Business administration also pays off well at $84,100 in median earnings with manageable debt of $41,000.
Psychology majors face the worst financial outcome, earning just $72,510 while carrying crushing debt of nearly $180,000. This debt-to-income ratio makes loan repayment extremely difficult and should give you pause if you're considering this program.
The school's 58% graduation rate creates additional financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without a degree but still carry debt. The 69% retention rate suggests academic or financial struggles push many students out after freshman year.
You'll find La Salle works best if you're pursuing nursing or business and can commit to finishing your degree. The Philadelphia job market supports these fields well. Skip La Salle if you're interested in psychology or other liberal arts programs where the debt burden outweighs earning potential.
Financial aid reaches only 33% of students, so expect to pay close to the full net price of $21,409 annually unless you qualify for merit scholarships. The median debt of $25,000 across all graduates remains reasonable, but this figure masks the extreme debt loads in certain programs like psychology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is La Salle University worth the cost?
La Salle University's value depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn strong salaries averaging $70,000-$112,000, while other programs show more modest returns given the $21,409 annual cost.
What is the return on investment for La Salle University graduates?
La Salle graduates earn a median of $67,416 ten years after graduation with typical debt of $25,000. The ROI is strongest for nursing and business programs, weaker for other fields.
Which La Salle University programs have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs at La Salle offer the strongest earning potential, with graduates making $70,000-$112,000 annually. Business administration graduates average $84,100, while other programs show lower returns.
How much debt do La Salle University students typically graduate with?
La Salle students graduate with a median debt of $25,000, which is manageable for nursing and business graduates but may be challenging for lower-earning majors. The 58% graduation rate means many students don't finish their degrees.