Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 17.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 17.9%
- Retention Rate
- 48.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $34,042
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $31,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 53.8%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $329/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work. | Master | $38,195 | $41,000 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $36,141 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $36,134 | $48,318 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $32,925 | $32,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $28,125 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $26,715 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $26,585 | $28,864 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $18,771 | $29,808 |
Outcomes Overview
SUNO graduates enter the workforce with $31,000 in median debt, creating a challenging debt-to-earnings ratio of roughly 91% of first-year income. Monthly loan payments of $329 consume about 12% of typical graduate earnings, well above the recommended 10% threshold. The 91.2% employment rate shows most graduates find work, often in education, social services, and local government positions that serve New Orleans' communities. However, median earnings of $34,042 after ten years remain below national averages for college graduates. The loan repayment rate of 53.84% indicates many struggle with payments. Despite the university's mission and community impact, the financial return represents a weak investment given the debt burden relative to earning potential.