At $9,684/yr net price, South Louisiana Community College graduates earn $31,432/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,684 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $38,736 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $31,432/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-2,568/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,521/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,209/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,448/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,940/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,855/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. | Associate | $62,012 | $20,125 |
| 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 | $13,062 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $26,353 | $5,750 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $24,730 | $12,400 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,312 | $15,210 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $20,140 | $9,500 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $17,396 |
The Risk Factor
30.0% of students at South Louisiana Community College 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
South Louisiana Community College delivers mixed financial returns, with your earnings potential heavily dependent on program choice. The nursing programs provide strong ROI, while many other programs struggle to justify even the relatively low $9,684 annual cost.
Registered nursing graduates earn $62,012 annually, making this program's $20,125 debt load manageable despite being nearly double the school average. Allied health diagnostic programs also perform well at $49,787 in median earnings with lower debt burdens. Industrial production and marine transportation programs offer modest returns around $39,000, which works given Lafayette's proximity to oil refineries and shipping channels.
The concerning reality is the 30% graduation rate, meaning seven out of ten students never complete their programs. This creates significant financial risk since you'll still owe money without the credential needed for higher wages. Most graduates carry $11,000 in debt, but nursing students face substantially more.
You should choose SLCC if you're committed to nursing or allied health and can handle the program demands. The local healthcare job market supports these graduates well. Avoid this school if you're exploring general studies or unsure about your direction, since the low completion rates suggest many students struggle to finish.
Nearly half of students receive financial aid, though the school lacks significant merit scholarship programs. Your best cost strategy involves completing your program quickly and choosing one of the higher-earning healthcare tracks. Louisiana residents benefit from already-low tuition, but the real savings come from avoiding the outcome that affects most students here: leaving without a degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Louisiana Community College worth the cost?
South Louisiana Community College offers a low net price at $9,684 per year, but graduates earn only $31,432 ten years after enrollment. The registered nursing program provides much better returns at $62,012, making the school worthwhile mainly for healthcare students.
What is the job outlook for South Louisiana Community College graduates?
Healthcare programs at South Louisiana Community College lead to solid careers, with registered nursing graduates earning $62,012 and allied health professionals earning $49,787. Other programs show weaker job prospects, with most graduates earning in the $30,000s.
How much debt do South Louisiana Community College students graduate with?
South Louisiana Community College students graduate with a median debt of $11,000, which is manageable for nursing graduates but creates financial stress for other majors earning around $31,000 annually.
What is the graduation rate at South Louisiana Community College?
South Louisiana Community College has a 30% graduation rate, meaning 7 out of 10 students don't complete their programs. This high dropout rate increases the risk of debt without a credential.