At $11,633/yr net price, University of Louisiana at Monroe graduates earn $46,769/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,769/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,633 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $46,532 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,769/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,769/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 50.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,709/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,617/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,001/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,910/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,747/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $121,641 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $71,351 | $56,954 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $67,101 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,516 | $21,602 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $59,124 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $15,000 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $55,964 | $12,555 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $55,770 | $26,984 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $52,107 | |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $51,273 | $18,093 |
The Risk Factor
50.6% of students at University of Louisiana at Monroe graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
University of Louisiana at Monroe delivers mixed financial returns, with your major choice making the difference between strong payoff and financial struggle.
The pharmacy program stands out as a clear winner, producing graduates earning over $121,000 annually. Business administration and computer science also generate solid returns relative to the low net price. Nursing provides decent earnings at $61,516 with manageable debt loads. However, rehabilitation and therapeutic professions saddle you with $56,954 in debt for $71,351 in earnings, creating a concerning debt-to-income ratio.
The school's 50.6% graduation rate poses significant financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without a degree but often with debt. The 72% retention rate signals that many students struggle from the start, making your academic preparation important before enrolling.
ULM works best for Louisiana residents who can access in-state tuition and plan to work regionally, where the degree carries local recognition. The low net price makes it attractive for cost-conscious families, particularly if you target high-earning majors like pharmacy or business.
You should look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support services, want strong national recognition, or plan to major in lower-earning fields. The combination of modest graduate earnings and significant dropout risk makes this school risky for students who are academically underprepared or unsure about their major.
With only 33% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships appear limited. Your best cost strategy involves choosing a high-earning major and leveraging the already low sticker price rather than counting on substantial financial aid packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Louisiana at Monroe worth the cost?
ULM offers decent value with a low net price of $11,633 annually and moderate debt levels around $21,500. However, the 50% graduation rate and $46,769 average earnings after 10 years suggest mixed returns depending on your program choice.
What are the best paying programs at University of Louisiana at Monroe?
Pharmacy leads with $121,641 average earnings, followed by rehabilitation professions at $71,351 and business administration at $67,101. These programs justify the investment better than the school's overall average.
How much debt do University of Louisiana at Monroe graduates typically have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $21,500, which is manageable compared to national averages. The low annual net price of $11,633 helps keep borrowing reasonable for most students.
What is the graduation rate at University of Louisiana at Monroe?
Only 50.6% of students graduate, which is below the national average and raises concerns about completing your degree. This low completion rate significantly impacts the school's overall value proposition.