Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $78,495/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$44,495/yr |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,500 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Residency Programs. | Doctoral | $198,793 | $160,560 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $170,926 | $134,633 |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $111,769 | $225,325 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $99,325 | $69,841 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $98,670 | |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $73,215 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $68,219 | $84,639 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $62,579 | $15,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,433 | $21,395 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $60,399 | $55,615 |
Analysis
LSU Health Sciences Center-New Orleans delivers strong financial returns for most health professions, with a median 10-year salary of $78,495 against relatively modest debt loads of $19,500 for typical graduates.
The dental programs show the starkest contrast in outcomes. Dental residency graduates earn nearly $199,000 annually with $160,560 in debt, creating excellent ROI. General dentistry graduates face a tougher equation at $111,769 in earnings against $225,325 in debt, requiring careful financial planning and likely extended repayment periods.
Nursing programs offer solid middle-ground returns. Advanced nursing roles command $170,926 with $134,633 in debt, while standard nursing graduates earn $98,670. Both represent reasonable investments given Louisiana's healthcare job market and nursing shortage.
Allied health programs provide the most accessible entry point at $99,325 in earnings with just $69,841 in debt, making them attractive for students seeking healthcare careers without massive borrowing.
You face minimal financial aid complexity here, with only 22% of students receiving aid. This suggests either low sticker prices relative to income or a student body that can largely self-fund. Merit scholarships appear limited, so plan to cover costs through savings, family support, or loans.
This school works best if you have clear healthcare career goals and can handle the academic intensity. Avoid the general dentistry program unless you can secure significant scholarships or have substantial family financial backing. The nursing and allied health tracks offer your safest financial bets while still providing access to stable, well-paying careers in Louisiana's healthcare system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans worth the cost?
For dental and nursing programs, yes - graduates earn $99,000 to $199,000 annually with relatively low debt at $19,500 median. Other health programs show weaker returns with the overall 10-year median of $78,495.
What are the highest paying programs at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans?
Dental residency programs top the list at $198,793 annually, followed by nursing administration at $170,926. General dentistry graduates earn $111,769, making dental programs the clear financial winners.
How much debt do Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans students graduate with?
The median debt is $19,500, which is manageable compared to many health science programs. This low debt load helps improve ROI across most programs at the school.
Do nursing programs at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans pay off?
Advanced nursing programs like administration and research offer strong returns at $170,926 and $98,670 respectively. The low debt burden makes even the lower-earning nursing tracks financially viable.