At $21,596/yr net price, Lourdes University graduates earn $48,150/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,150/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,596 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $86,384 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,150/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,150/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,638/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,602/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,610/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,654/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,690/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. | Master | $209,569 | $109,952 |
| Bioethics/Medical Ethics. | Master | $80,858 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,249 | $28,151 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $55,964 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $48,432 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $45,198 | $27,000 |
| Education, Other. | Master | $44,649 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $44,384 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $41,937 | |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $37,088 |
The Risk Factor
38.1% of students at Lourdes University 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
Lourdes University gives you a mixed financial picture that hinges almost entirely on what you study. Nursing is the reason to come here. A nursing degree pays roughly $58,000 ten years out, about $13,000 more than a business degree from the same school and $21,000 more than social work. That gap tells you most of what you need to know: the health-focused programs carry the value, and the softer majors leave you close to or below the school's median earnings.
Social work is the clearest weak spot. At around $37,000 after ten years, you'd carry the same $27,000 debt load as everyone else while earning the least, which makes the math tight for years. Accounting and human resources sit in the low-to-mid $40,000s, workable but not a strong return against a net price above $21,000 a year and four years of cost.
The biggest risk here is finishing at all. Only 38% of students graduate, and about a third don't return after their first year. If you borrow, start a program, and leave without the degree, you keep the debt and lose the earnings bump, especially outside nursing.
The net price tiers are unusual: families earning over $110,000 pay slightly less than families in the $75,000-$110,000 band, and the lowest-income families pay under $19,700. There's no steep discount for low income here, so budget for a real out-of-pocket cost regardless of where you fall.
Come to Lourdes if you're set on nursing and confident you'll finish. the earnings and regional demand justify the cost. If you're drawn to social work or still undecided, look hard at the price and the low graduation rate before you borrow, because the return on the non-nursing paths doesn't clearly beat what you'd pay to get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lourdes University worth the cost?
Lourdes University's value depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn strong salaries that justify the cost, but other programs show weaker returns given the $21,596 annual net price and $27,000 median debt.
What is the ROI for Lourdes University graduates?
Lourdes graduates earn a median of $48,150 ten years after graduation, which is below average for college graduates. The nursing program offers much better earnings potential than business or general programs.
Should I attend Lourdes University for nursing?
Yes, Lourdes University's nursing programs show strong ROI with some specializations earning over $200,000. The school's nursing focus and clinical partnerships make it a solid choice for healthcare careers.
What are the risks of attending Lourdes University?
Lourdes has a low 38% graduation rate, meaning many students leave without a degree but with debt. Students in non-nursing programs face higher financial risk given weaker earning outcomes.