At $26,403/yr net price, Louisburg College graduates earn $34,818/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $818/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,403 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $105,612 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,818/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$818/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 129.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 39.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,613/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,692/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $26,956/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,524/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,940/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $15,922 | $12,000 |
The Risk Factor
39.4% of students at Louisburg 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
Louisburg College presents a challenging financial picture with median earnings of $34,818 ten years after graduation against a net price of $26,403 annually. The numbers reveal a weak return on investment that becomes more concerning when you factor in the 39% graduation rate.
The Liberal Arts and Sciences program, which appears to be the primary offering, shows particularly poor earnings at just $15,922 annually. With typical debt of $12,000, graduates face monthly loan payments that consume a significant portion of their modest income. This creates immediate financial strain for most graduates.
The low graduation rate compounds the financial risk. More than 60% of students leave without completing their degree, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. This makes Louisburg College a high-risk investment for most students.
Financial aid reaches nearly two-thirds of students, but the assistance doesn't overcome the fundamental earnings problem. Even with aid, the cost-to-earnings ratio remains unfavorable compared to community colleges or four-year transfer options.
Louisburg College might work financially for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution and complete a bachelor's degree, provided they can maintain good academic standing. The school could also serve students seeking a specific campus experience who have family financial support and aren't concerned about immediate earning potential.
Most students should look elsewhere. Community colleges offer similar or better academic preparation at significantly lower costs, while four-year institutions provide stronger earning potential. The combination of high costs, low graduation rates, and weak earnings makes this a poor financial choice for traditional students seeking career advancement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Louisburg College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Louisburg College graduates earn a median of $34,818 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for the $26,403 annual cost. The low graduation rate of 39% means many students pay without completing their degree.
What are the best paying programs at Louisburg College?
The school's top programs are Liberal Arts and General Studies, which typically lead to lower starting salaries around $15,922. Louisburg College doesn't offer many high-paying technical or professional programs that justify the cost.
How much debt do Louisburg College students graduate with?
The median debt for Louisburg College graduates is $12,000, which is relatively manageable. However, with post-graduation earnings of $34,818, students may still struggle to achieve positive ROI quickly.
Should I attend Louisburg College if I get financial aid?
Even with aid, carefully consider the 39% graduation rate and limited high-paying program options. The school works best for students who plan to transfer after completing foundational coursework at a lower cost than four-year universities.