At $8,130/yr net price, Louisiana State University-Shreveport graduates earn $47,477/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,477/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,130 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $32,520 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,477/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,477/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,302/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,758/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,613/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,616/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,034/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $54,322 | $23,500 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $53,608 | $25,179 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $26,370 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $42,682 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $40,589 | $25,298 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $35,276 | |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $33,281 | $17,545 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $32,770 | $24,250 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $30,047 | $20,000 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $28,598 | $22,969 |
The Risk Factor
33.2% of students at Louisiana State University-Shreveport 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-Shreveport delivers solid value at $8,130 per year, but the 33% graduation rate creates significant financial risk for students who don't finish their degrees.
Computer Science stands out as your best financial bet, with graduates earning $54,322 annually while carrying manageable debt loads of $23,500. Health and Medical Administrative Services offers similarly strong returns at $53,608, though with slightly higher debt. These technical programs align well with Shreveport's healthcare sector and emerging tech opportunities in the region.
Accounting graduates earn $47,260 but face higher debt loads at $26,370, reducing the program's financial appeal. Education majors earn just $40,589 while carrying $25,298 in debt, reflecting Louisiana's chronically low teacher salaries. Clinical Psychology provides the lowest returns among tracked programs at $42,682.
The low retention rate of 62.5% signals academic and financial struggles that could derail your investment. Only 38% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited institutional support for those who need it most.
LSUS makes financial sense if you plan to study Computer Science or healthcare administration and can commit to graduation despite the challenging environment. The low sticker price offsets weaker institutional support, making this a viable option for disciplined students in high-demand fields.
Avoid LSUS if you're considering education, psychology, or liberal arts programs where earnings don't justify even the modest costs. Students needing extensive academic support should look elsewhere, as the retention numbers suggest many struggle to complete their programs successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Louisiana State University-Shreveport worth the cost?
LSU-Shreveport offers decent value with a low net price of $8,130 per year and moderate debt levels around $22,500. However, the 33% graduation rate and $47,477 median earnings 10 years after graduation suggest mixed returns on investment.
What are the best paying majors at Louisiana State University-Shreveport?
Computer Science leads with $54,322 average earnings, followed by Health and Medical Administrative Services at $53,608. These programs offer the strongest financial returns compared to the school's overall median earnings of $47,477.
How much student debt do Louisiana State University-Shreveport graduates have?
Graduates typically leave with $22,500 in debt, which is manageable given the low annual cost. With median earnings around $47,000, most graduates should be able to handle this debt load.
Why is the graduation rate so low at Louisiana State University-Shreveport?
Only 33% of students graduate, which is well below national averages. This high dropout rate means many students pay tuition without earning a degree, making the investment risky despite the low cost.