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 keeps costs low and debt modest, but the earnings payoff is weak. With median debt at $19,000 and a net price under $8,400 a year, you won't dig a deep financial hole here. The problem is what comes after: median earnings ten years out land at $42,205, and most bachelor's programs pay far less than that.
Teacher education is the one degree that clears the school's median, at $42,235. Everything else trails badly. Criminal justice and business administration both land at $30,228, and psychology comes in under $30,000. Business administration carries the heaviest debt of the bunch at $22,146, so you pay the most to earn about the same as the cheaper programs. General studies is the weakest bet at $25,194, and you still borrow nearly as much as everyone else.
The real risk here is finishing at all. A 35.5% graduation rate and 67.83% retention mean a third of students don't return after year one, and most who enroll never walk away with a degree. Debt without a diploma is the worst outcome, and that's a live possibility at LSUA.
This school fits you if you're going into teaching and want to stay in central Louisiana, where the low cost and the one degree that pays make the math work. If you're aiming at business or the liberal arts, look hard at whether the debt is worth wages in the low $30,000s.
On price, the tiers are gentle. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $6,038 a year. even above $110,000 the price tops out around $12,093. The out-of-pocket cost stays reasonable across incomes. The gamble is graduating and earning enough to justify it.
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.