At $13,809/yr net price, Northwestern State University of Louisiana graduates earn $47,021/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,021/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,809 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $55,236 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,021/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,021/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,129/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,307/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,216/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,311/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,107/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 | $91,152 | $41,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,326 | $22,175 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $60,226 | $23,250 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $59,350 | $26,125 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $48,432 | $34,934 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $45,696 | $25,250 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $45,529 | $19,282 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Master | $45,277 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Master | $44,170 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $43,957 | $21,500 |
The Risk Factor
44.6% of students at Northwestern State University of Louisiana graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Northwestern State University offers mixed financial returns with significant variation by major. Your earning potential depends heavily on your program choice, with nursing graduates commanding strong salaries while many other majors struggle to justify the investment.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $60,000 to $91,000 annually. Information Science also delivers solid returns at $59,350. However, the median graduate across all programs earns just $47,021 after 10 years, barely double the net annual cost of $13,809. This suggests many programs fail to generate strong returns.
You face notable completion risks at Northwestern State. The 44.6% graduation rate means more than half of students never finish their degrees, while the 70% retention rate indicates many struggle even in their first year. These low completion rates amplify your financial risk, especially if you accumulate debt without earning a degree.
Northwestern State works best financially if you can commit to nursing or information science and have strong academic preparation to handle the completion challenges. The relatively low sticker price helps limit downside risk compared to more expensive regional options.
You should look elsewhere if you plan to major in fields outside the top-earning programs or if you struggle academically. The combination of low graduation rates and modest earnings for most majors creates poor odds for a positive return. Consider Louisiana public universities with stronger completion rates if you need more academic support, or focus on community college options if you want to minimize debt while exploring career directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northwestern State University of Louisiana worth the cost?
Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers decent value for nursing students, who can earn over $60,000 starting out, but the overall 10-year median earnings of $47,021 are below average for college graduates. With a 44% graduation rate and $25,000 in typical debt, the financial return depends heavily on your chosen program.
What programs at Northwestern State University of Louisiana have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Northwestern State University of Louisiana offer the strongest return on investment, with graduates earning $60,000-$91,000 annually. Information science and educational administration also provide solid earnings potential above $48,000, while other programs may struggle to justify the debt load.
How much debt do Northwestern State University of Louisiana graduates typically have?
Northwestern State University of Louisiana graduates typically leave with $25,000 in debt, which is manageable for nursing majors but may be challenging for graduates in lower-paying fields. The relatively low net price of $13,809 per year helps keep debt levels reasonable compared to many universities.
Does Northwestern State University of Louisiana have a good graduation rate?
Northwestern State University of Louisiana has a 44% graduation rate, meaning more than half of students don't complete their degree. This low completion rate increases the risk of taking on debt without earning a degree, making careful program selection and academic planning essential.