Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 43.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $32,303
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $63,005 | |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $49,549 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $30,771 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $24,730 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $24,035 | |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $24,035 |
Outcomes Overview
SOWELA graduates enter Louisiana's industrial workforce with minimal debt burden. The college reports a 92.9% employment rate, reflecting strong demand for skilled technicians in the petrochemical corridor. With zero federal loan debt and median earnings of $43,871 one year after graduation, graduates typically work in refineries, chemical plants, and manufacturing facilities that dominate southwest Louisiana. Earnings climb to $51,889 within five years as workers gain experience in process technology and industrial maintenance. The average net price of $8,861 represents just 20% of first-year earnings, well below the national recommendation of 30%. This creates manageable financial pressure while graduates establish careers in high-demand technical fields. Strong return on investment.