South Louisiana Community College: $4,210 Tuition

$4,210Tuition

4,837Students

30%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$31,432Earnings

#23 in LouisianaPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About South Louisiana Community College

South Louisiana Community College serves as the region's primary gateway for career training and university transfer preparation. The college enrolls 4,837 students across its Lafayette campus in the heart of Cajun country. Nearly half the student body consists of Pell Grant recipients, reflecting the school's mission to serve working-class families throughout south Louisiana. The institution has built a strong reputation for nursing, welding, and culinary arts programs that connect directly to regional job markets.

Students pay an average net price of $9,684 annually, making this one of Louisiana's most affordable higher education options. Graduates earn a median salary of $31,432 ten years after enrollment, while carrying just $11,000 in student debt. Monthly loan payments average only $117, creating manageable financial obligations for most graduates. The employment rate of 91.9% demonstrates strong job placement success across the college's career-focused programs.

Women comprise 64.46% of enrollment, typical for community colleges nationwide. The student body reflects Louisiana's diversity, with 46.54% White students and 41.41% Black students. Nearly 97% of students come from Louisiana, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in both academic and technical coursework.

Academics & Faculty

South Louisiana Community College serves as a stepping stone for career training and university transfer in the heart of Cajun country. The college's 21:1 student-faculty ratio means classes stay manageable while professors balance attention across larger groups. With a 30% six-year graduation rate, students face typical community college challenges of balancing work, family, and education. The school excels in practical programs like nursing, welding, and industrial technology that connect directly to Louisiana's oil, healthcare, and manufacturing industries. Academic offerings include both career-focused certificates and associate degrees designed for transfer to four-year universities. Students benefit from hands-on training that prepares them for immediate employment in regional industries.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Full-Time Faculty: 48.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 30.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $31,432

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$62,012
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Certificate	$49,787
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$39,009
Marine Transportation.	Certificate	$38,289
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$36,009
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$26,353
Business/Commerce, General.	Associate	$24,730
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$21,312
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Certificate	$20,140
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services.	Associate	$17,396

View all 45 programs →

Campus Life

South Louisiana Community College sits in Lafayette, a city of 126,000 people known as the heart of Cajun country. Nearly 97% of students come from Louisiana, creating a tight-knit local community. The campus operates on a semester system with a 21:1 student-faculty ratio that keeps classes reasonably sized despite the 4,837 enrollment.

Lafayette's subtropical climate means students pack shorts and rain gear rather than heavy coats. Summers reach the 90s with high humidity, while winters rarely drop below freezing. As a commuter school, students live off-campus and many work part-time jobs. Women make up 64% of the student body, with 47% White students and 41% Black students reflecting the region's demographics. Weekend activities center around Lafayette's active music scene, local festivals, and Cajun culture. Students often gather at downtown venues or explore nearby swamplands. The 91.9% employment rate suggests many students balance work with studies, creating a practical, career-focused atmosphere rather than a traditional college social scene.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1997

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Domestic Violence	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 40°–60°F
July Avg: 72°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 61.0"
Annual Snowfall: -2,333.1"

Student Demographics

This community college draws primarily local students, with 97% coming from Louisiana. The student body reflects the economic reality of south Louisiana, where nearly half qualify for Pell Grants and need affordable pathways to career training. Women make up about two-thirds of enrollment, typical for community colleges that emphasize healthcare, education, and service programs. The diverse racial composition mirrors Lafayette's multicultural heritage, with roughly equal numbers of white and Black students. Most students work while attending classes, seeking practical skills for immediate employment or transfer to four-year universities.

Men: 35.5%
Women: 64.5%
White: 46.5%
Black: 41.4%
Hispanic: 4.9%
Asian: 1.7%
In-State Students: 96.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 48.4%

Location

Lafayette sits in the heart of Acadiana, Louisiana's Cajun country, about 130 miles west of New Orleans. The city of 121,000 anchors a metro area known for oil, agriculture, and Cajun culture. Lafayette serves as a regional center with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette nearby, creating a college-friendly atmosphere. Students find affordable living costs and strong ties to local industries like petrochemicals and healthcare. The area offers authentic Louisiana experiences from crawfish boils to zydeco music. About 97% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's deep community roots. Students considering colleges in Louisiana may also compare South Louisiana Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Lafayette, Louisiana 70506-4109

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $31,432
Median Earnings (5 years): $36,272
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $27,200
Monthly Loan Payment: $117/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $11,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at South Louisiana Community College?

South Louisiana Community College has an open admission policy as a community college, meaning virtually all applicants are accepted. The school serves 4,837 students and focuses on providing accessible higher education to the Lafayette area. Nearly 97% of students come from within Louisiana.

How much does South Louisiana Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $9,684 annually at South Louisiana Community College. The school charges the same $4,210 tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students. About 48% of students receive financial aid, with the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants.

What academic programs is South Louisiana Community College known for?

South Louisiana Community College specializes in affordable career training and transfer programs. The student-faculty ratio stands at 21:1, allowing for reasonable class sizes. The school operates on a semester calendar system and serves as a pathway for students seeking both workforce preparation and university transfer.

What are the job prospects for South Louisiana Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 91.9% employment rate after completing their programs at South Louisiana Community College. The median earnings reach $31,432 ten years after enrollment, while graduates carry a manageable median debt of $11,000. Monthly loan payments average just $117 for those who borrow.

Where is South Louisiana Community College located and what is the campus like?

The college sits in Lafayette, a mid-size city in Louisiana's Acadiana region. Women make up 64% of the student body while men represent 36%. The diverse student population includes 47% white students and 41% Black students.

Does South Louisiana Community College have a good graduation rate?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 30% at South Louisiana Community College. This rate reflects the typical challenges community college students face, including work and family obligations. The school was founded in 1997 and continues to serve as an important educational access point for working adults and recent high school graduates.