Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,371/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,371/yr |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $29,251 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Law. | Doctoral | $42,682 | $118,010 |
Analysis
Southern University Law Center is a graduate law school, and the numbers here reflect that narrow focus. A $43,371 median earning ten years out is low for a law-related credential, sitting close to what many bachelor's holders make without the added debt of a graduate program. With a median debt of $29,251, you are borrowing a meaningful sum against earnings that do not clearly reward it.
The 60% retention rate is the biggest financial risk here. Four in ten students who start do not return, and if you leave without the degree, you still carry the debt without the license that justifies it. Law debt only pays off if you finish and pass the bar, so the risk of dropping out is a direct financial risk to you.
This school makes financial sense if you have a specific plan to practice law in Louisiana or the surrounding region, where a Southern degree carries local weight and you can build a client base. The debt is modest by law school standards, so if you finish and stay in-state, the math is workable.
Look elsewhere if you want high-earning corporate or big-firm law, since the $43,371 median tells you those outcomes are rare for graduates here. If your goal is maximum salary, the return does not support the cost.
On net price, lower-income families will lean heavily on aid to make the tuition manageable, and the payoff still depends entirely on graduating. Higher-income families paying closer to full price should weigh whether the regional earnings ceiling justifies the outlay. For everyone, the decision hinges on one thing: your confidence that you will finish and pass the bar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern University Law Center worth the debt?
With graduates earning $43,371 annually and median debt of $29,251, the debt-to-income ratio is relatively manageable compared to many law schools. However, these earnings are well below the national average for law graduates.
What is the job market like for Southern University Law Center graduates?
Graduates typically find work in Louisiana's legal market, but earning potential is limited with average salaries around $42,682 for law graduates. The school serves students who plan to practice locally rather than pursue high-paying corporate law positions.
How does Southern University Law Center compare to other law schools financially?
Southern University Law Center has lower debt levels than many law schools, but also significantly lower graduate earnings. This makes it a reasonable choice for students committed to public service or local practice in Louisiana.
Should I attend Southern University Law Center if I want to maximize earning potential?
No, if maximizing income is your primary goal, other law schools offer better earning potential. Southern University Law Center is better suited for students focused on serving their local community or pursuing public interest law.