At $19,740/yr net price, Southern University and A & M College graduates earn $43,371/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,371/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,740 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $78,960 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,371/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,371/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $29,251 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,473/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,314/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,614/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,583/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,940/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 | $90,856 | $41,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,064 | $31,000 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $55,964 | $47,498 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $52,107 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $51,187 | $28,437 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $50,439 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $49,344 | $49,378 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $49,019 | $31,125 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $48,139 | |
| Public Administration. | Master | $43,798 | $45,137 |
The Risk Factor
28.5% of students at Southern University and A & M 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
Southern University and A&M College delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $43,371 ten years after graduation despite a net price approaching $20,000 annually. The school's 28.5% graduation rate creates substantial risk that you'll accumulate debt without finishing your degree.
Nursing programs stand out as the clear financial winners, with graduates earning $90,856 or $62,064 depending on specialization. Engineering majors in electrical and mechanical fields also show solid returns above $50,000. However, the communication disorders program saddles graduates with nearly $47,500 in debt for $55,964 in earnings, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio.
Your biggest financial risk here is the graduation rate. With only 28.5% of students completing their degrees and a retention rate of just 60%, the odds favor dropping out with debt but no credential. The school's location in Baton Rouge limits high-paying job opportunities compared to major metropolitan areas.
Southern University makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing or engineering and confident you'll complete your degree. The relatively low net price helps, but only if you graduate. Students considering other majors should seriously evaluate alternatives with better completion rates and stronger regional job markets.
Nearly 65% of students receive financial aid, suggesting the school works to make education accessible. Focus on finishing quickly to minimize total costs, and consider the nursing program if you're interested in healthcare careers, as it offers the strongest return on investment available at this institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern University and A & M College worth the cost?
Southern University and A & M College has a concerning low graduation rate of 28.5% and median earnings of $43,371 after 10 years, which barely covers the typical debt load of $29,251. The value depends heavily on your program choice, with nursing and engineering offering much better returns than the overall average.
What are the best paying majors at Southern University and A & M College?
Nursing programs at Southern University lead earnings potential with graduates making around $62,000-$90,000 annually. Engineering majors (electrical and mechanical) also perform well with starting salaries around $51,000-$52,000, while communication disorders graduates earn about $55,964.
How much debt do Southern University and A & M College graduates have?
The median debt for Southern University graduates is $29,251. With median earnings of $43,371 ten years after graduation, this creates a manageable but not ideal debt-to-income ratio for most students.
What is the graduation rate at Southern University and A & M College?
Southern University has a graduation rate of only 28.5%, meaning more than 7 out of 10 students who start here don't finish their degree. This low completion rate significantly impacts the school's overall value proposition and increases the risk of taking on debt without earning a degree.