At $8,306/yr net price, Louisiana Delta Community College graduates earn $30,438/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,306 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $33,224 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $30,438/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-3,562/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,488/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,427/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,834/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,522/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,699/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. | Associate | $56,415 | $22,338 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $39,592 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $38,048 | $12,250 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $25,194 | $9,500 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $23,182 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $22,871 | $7,874 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,727 | $13,350 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $22,329 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $20,140 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $19,592 | $6,930 |
The Risk Factor
27.7% of students at Louisiana Delta Community 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
Louisiana Delta Community College delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $30,438 ten years after enrollment and a graduation rate below 28 percent. The low net price of $8,306 cannot offset the weak earning potential and high dropout risk.
The nursing programs stand out as clear exceptions. Registered nursing graduates earn $56,415 annually, making the $22,338 debt load manageable with a payback period under five years. Practical nursing also works financially at $38,048 in earnings against $12,250 in debt. These healthcare programs align well with regional demand in northeast Louisiana.
Most other programs fail the ROI test. Industrial production technology pays $39,592 but requires completing a program at a school where nearly three-quarters of students drop out. Vehicle maintenance graduates earn just $25,194, barely above the poverty line for a family of four. Human development majors face particularly poor prospects at $23,182 in annual earnings.
Your biggest risk here is not graduating at all. With over 70 percent of students failing to complete their programs, you face a high probability of debt without credentials. The $12,500 median debt figure reflects only those who finish.
This school makes financial sense only if you plan to enter nursing and have strong academic preparation to beat the graduation odds. Louisiana residents seeking affordable nursing education will find value here. Everyone else should consider four-year universities or community colleges with higher completion rates and better-paying program options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Louisiana Delta Community College worth the money?
Louisiana Delta Community College offers decent value for career-focused programs like nursing and industrial technology, but the overall graduate earnings of $30,438 are below the national average. The low graduation rate of 28% means many students don't complete their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Louisiana Delta Community College?
Registered nursing graduates earn around $56,415 annually, making it the strongest ROI program at Louisiana Delta Community College. Industrial production technology ($39,592) and practical nursing ($38,048) also provide solid returns compared to the school's average.
How much debt do Louisiana Delta Community College students graduate with?
Students at Louisiana Delta Community College graduate with a median debt of $12,500, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. However, with average earnings of $30,438, graduates may still struggle to pay off loans quickly.
What is the graduation rate at Louisiana Delta Community College?
Only 28% of students graduate from Louisiana Delta Community College within 150% of normal time. This low completion rate means there's significant risk of leaving with debt but no degree.