At $22,762/yr net price, Loyola University New Orleans graduates earn $52,927/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,927/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,762 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $91,048 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,927/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,927/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 67.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,013/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,826/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,476/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,269/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,947/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 | $91,078 | $51,250 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $58,221 | |
| Law. | Doctoral | $43,000 | $151,551 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $40,485 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $27,000 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $25,774 | $24,735 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $27,000 |
| Research and Experimental Psychology. | Bachelor | $24,035 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $21,052 | $25,898 |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management. | Bachelor | $14,442 | $26,947 |
The Risk Factor
67.4% of students at Loyola University New Orleans graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 33% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Loyola University New Orleans delivers mixed financial returns that heavily depend on your major choice. The nursing program stands out as the clear winner, with graduates earning over $90,000 annually despite higher debt loads of $51,250. Criminal justice graduates also see solid returns at $58,000 per year.
The law program presents a major financial red flag. With median debt of $151,551 and earnings of just $43,000, you face a debt-to-income ratio that makes repayment extremely challenging. Business and finance majors earn surprisingly low salaries given the degree cost, with business administration graduates making just $35,000 annually.
Your biggest risk here is program selection. The school's 67% graduation rate means one in three students never finish, while the 77% retention rate suggests some students realize early that Loyola might not be the right fit. New Orleans' limited corporate job market constrains earning potential for most majors outside healthcare.
Loyola works financially if you plan to study nursing or can secure substantial merit aid to reduce the net price below $20,000 annually. The relatively low percentage of students receiving aid suggests merit scholarships may be competitive. If you're considering business, finance, or law, stronger ROI options exist elsewhere. The school makes sense for students committed to healthcare careers or those with significant family financial support who value the small class environment over pure financial returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Loyola University New Orleans worth the cost?
Loyola New Orleans has mixed value depending on your major. Nursing graduates earn strong salaries around $91,000, but most other programs lead to modest earnings of $35,000-58,000 against $26,000 in typical debt.
What majors at Loyola University New Orleans have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Loyola New Orleans offer the strongest return with graduates earning around $91,000 annually. Criminal justice graduates earn about $58,000, while business and finance majors typically earn $35,000-40,000.
How much debt do Loyola University New Orleans graduates have?
Loyola New Orleans graduates carry a median debt of $26,000. With average earnings of $52,927 ten years after graduation, most students can manage this debt load reasonably well.
Does Loyola University New Orleans provide good financial aid?
Loyola New Orleans brings costs down to an average net price of $22,762 per year after aid. This makes the school more affordable than its sticker price, though outcomes vary significantly by program.