At $16,874/yr net price, Louisiana Christian University graduates earn $51,700/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,700/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,874 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $67,496 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,700/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,700/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,875 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,046/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,040/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,685/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,983/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,102/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. | Bachelor | $62,211 | $19,115 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $43,937 | $15,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $41,565 | $23,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $41,342 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $39,369 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
The Risk Factor
41.3% of students at Louisiana Christian 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
Louisiana Christian University delivers weak financial returns with significant completion risks that make it a questionable investment for most students. The school's 41% graduation rate means nearly six out of ten students never finish their degree, yet still carry debt.
Nursing stands out as the only financially viable program, with graduates earning $62,211 while carrying reasonable debt loads of $19,115. This creates a clear pathway to positive returns. All other programs lag substantially, with education majors earning in the low $40,000s despite similar debt burdens.
The school's retention problems compound the financial risk. With only 61% of freshmen returning for sophomore year, many students accumulate debt without completing their programs. The median debt of $21,875 becomes particularly burdensome when paired with the $51,700 median earnings, creating tight monthly payments for graduates.
You should consider Louisiana Christian University only if you plan to study nursing and have strong academic preparation to ensure completion. The nursing program's higher earnings justify the investment, but you need confidence in finishing the degree. Education majors face poor salary prospects that barely justify the debt load, especially given Louisiana's below-average teacher pay.
For students outside nursing, the combination of high dropout risk and modest career earnings creates a poor financial proposition. You would likely find better returns at Louisiana's public universities, which offer similar programs with lower costs and higher completion rates. Only students with strong religious motivation for this specific Christian environment should accept the financial trade-offs involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Louisiana Christian University worth the cost?
Louisiana Christian University graduates earn $51,700 ten years after graduation, which is below average for college graduates nationally. With a net price of $16,874 per year and median debt of $21,875, the financial return depends heavily on your chosen program.
What are the highest paying majors at Louisiana Christian University?
Nursing programs at Louisiana Christian University offer the best financial returns, with graduates earning around $62,211. Education majors typically earn $39,000-$44,000, which may struggle to justify the cost and debt load.
How much debt do Louisiana Christian University graduates typically have?
The median debt for Louisiana Christian University graduates is $21,875. Given that many graduates enter lower-paying education fields, this debt level could create financial strain for several years after graduation.
What is Louisiana Christian University's graduation rate?
Only 41% of students graduate from Louisiana Christian University within six years. This low completion rate means many students take on debt without earning a degree, making the financial risk particularly high.