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 of Louisiana gives you a moderate return with a low price tag. At under $14,000 a year net and $25,000 in median debt, you carry less risk here than at most four-year schools, even if median earnings sit around the state's middle.
Nursing is the clear winner. It pays the most of any bachelor's program here and leaves you with below-average debt, so your money-in-to-money-out ratio is strong. Information Science pays nearly as well but comes with the highest debt of the top programs, which narrows your margin. The allied health and health sciences degrees pay in the mid-$40,000s, decent but not enough to separate you from the pack. Industrial Production Technologies lands at the bottom of the listed programs while carrying debt close to the nursing figure, so the payoff there is thinner.
The main risk is finishing. Fewer than half of students graduate, and 30% don't return after year one. If you borrow and leave without the degree, you keep the debt and lose the earnings bump. That's the single biggest threat to your return here.
The net price barely moves across income brackets. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $12,000. if you earn over $110,000, you pay about $18,000. That flat structure means lower-income families don't get the steep discounts you'd see elsewhere, though the absolute cost stays affordable at every level.
This school fits you if you're aiming for nursing or a health field and can commit to finishing. If you're eyeing the lower-paying technical programs or you're unsure you'll graduate, weigh the debt carefully before you enroll.
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.