At $15,260/yr net price, Southern University at New Orleans graduates earn $34,042/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $42/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,260 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $61,040 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,042/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$42/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1453.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 17.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $31,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,247/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,748/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
17.9% of students at Southern University at New Orleans 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 at New Orleans presents a concerning financial picture with weak returns across most programs and significant completion risks. The $34,042 median earnings barely justify the $31,000 typical debt load, creating a debt-to-income ratio that will strain your budget for years.
The 17.9% graduation rate represents your biggest financial risk. You face roughly four-to-one odds against completing your degree, meaning you could accumulate debt without the credential needed to access higher-paying jobs. The 48% retention rate shows nearly half of students leave after just one year.
Among graduates who do finish, Social Work and Health Administration offer the strongest returns at around $36,000-$38,000 annually. Criminal Justice graduates earn similarly but carry $48,318 in debt, creating a problematic payment burden. Psychology majors face the weakest financial outcomes with $29,685 earnings against $28,125 debt.
The $15,260 net price makes SUNO affordable compared to many alternatives, but low completion rates mean this apparent bargain often becomes expensive debt without a degree. The 44% of students receiving aid suggests limited merit scholarship opportunities for middle-income families.
SUNO works financially for students with strong academic preparation who can handle the retention challenges and complete their degrees in four years. You should consider other options if you need extensive academic support or want programs with stronger earning potential. The combination of low graduation rates and modest graduate earnings makes this a high-risk investment for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern University at New Orleans worth the cost?
With graduates earning a median of $34,042 ten years after graduation and carrying $31,000 in debt, the financial return is challenging. The extremely low 17.9% graduation rate means most students don't complete their degree, making the investment risky for many.
What are the best paying majors at Southern University at New Orleans?
Social Work and Health/Medical Administrative Services offer the highest returns, with graduates earning $38,195 and $36,141 respectively. Criminal Justice graduates earn around $36,134, while Psychology majors see lower earnings at $29,685.
How much student debt do Southern University at New Orleans graduates have?
Graduates typically carry $31,000 in student loan debt. With median earnings of $34,042, this debt load represents nearly a full year's salary, creating a significant financial burden.
What is the graduation rate at Southern University at New Orleans?
Only 17.9% of students graduate from Southern University at New Orleans. This extremely low completion rate means most students end up with debt but no degree, making it a high-risk investment.