At $8,365/yr net price, Louisiana State University-Alexandria graduates earn $42,205/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,205/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,365 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $33,460 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,205/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,205/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,038/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,090/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,509/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,661/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,093/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 | $44,021 | $21,534 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $42,235 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $30,228 | $18,812 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $30,228 | $22,146 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $21,199 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $19,597 |
The Risk Factor
35.5% of students at Louisiana State University-Alexandria 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 State University-Alexandria delivers strong financial value with an $8,365 annual net price that leads to manageable debt loads and decent earnings in a region with limited high-paying opportunities. Your median debt of $19,000 stays well below national averages, making this an affordable path to a four-year degree.
Nursing stands out as your clear financial winner, generating $44,021 in median earnings with reasonable debt. Education programs also perform well at $42,235, reflecting strong demand for teachers in Louisiana. However, you should approach business, criminal justice, and psychology with caution since these programs produce earnings around $30,000 while carrying similar debt loads to nursing.
The school's 35% graduation rate presents your biggest financial risk. Two-thirds of students never finish their degree, meaning you could accumulate debt without the earnings boost that comes with graduation. The 68% retention rate signals that many students struggle to stay enrolled beyond their first year.
LSU-Alexandria works best if you live locally and want to avoid massive debt while earning a practical degree. The nursing program offers particularly strong value for healthcare-focused students. You should look elsewhere if you need extensive student support services or want access to higher-paying career tracks, since the low graduation rate suggests limited academic support and the regional job market caps earning potential.
With only 36% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships appear limited. Your best cost strategy involves completing your degree quickly in a high-demand field like nursing or education while taking advantage of the low in-state pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Louisiana State University-Alexandria worth the cost?
Louisiana State University-Alexandria offers decent value with a low net price of $8,365 annually and median debt of just $19,000. However, the 35% graduation rate is concerning, and 10-year earnings of $42,205 are below average for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at Louisiana State University-Alexandria?
Nursing programs at Louisiana State University-Alexandria provide the strongest return on investment, with graduates earning around $44,021. Teacher education follows at $42,235, while business, criminal justice, and psychology programs lead to lower earnings around $30,000.
How much debt do Louisiana State University-Alexandria graduates have?
Louisiana State University-Alexandria graduates leave with a median debt of $19,000, which is relatively manageable. The low debt load helps offset concerns about modest post-graduation earnings for most programs.
What is the graduation rate at Louisiana State University-Alexandria?
Only 35.5% of students graduate from Louisiana State University-Alexandria, which is well below the national average. This low completion rate significantly impacts the school's overall value proposition and increases the risk of student debt without a degree.