At $17,634/yr net price, University of Louisville graduates earn $53,899/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,899/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,634 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $70,536 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,899/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,899/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,768/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,494/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,510/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,938/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,116/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. | Master | $163,702 | |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $119,805 | $305,953 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $95,473 | $55,060 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $83,177 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $81,929 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $79,967 | |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $77,715 | $20,500 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $74,953 | $20,500 |
| Computer Engineering. | Master | $73,446 | |
| Industrial Engineering. | Master | $69,757 |
The Risk Factor
60.7% of students at University of Louisville graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Louisville delivers solid financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $53,899 ten years after graduation against a manageable net price of $17,634 annually. Your debt load stays reasonable at $20,500 median, making monthly payments affordable on typical graduate salaries.
The school's professional programs drive strong earnings outcomes. Dentistry graduates earn nearly $120,000 annually but carry massive debt loads of $305,953, creating a high-risk, high-reward scenario that works only if you complete the program successfully. Nursing offers the best balance at $95,473 in earnings with $55,060 in debt. Engineering and criminal justice both clear $80,000 annually with lower debt burdens.
Your biggest financial risk is the 60.7% graduation rate, meaning nearly 40% of students leave without degrees but often with debt. The 80.6% retention rate suggests most students who struggle do so early, giving you a clear signal by sophomore year whether you should continue.
This school works best financially if you target high-earning majors like nursing, engineering, or criminal justice, or if you can handle the debt load for professional programs. Avoid programs not listed among the top earners unless you have specific career plans that justify lower starting salaries.
Only 28.8% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial aid availability. Focus on merit scholarships and in-state tuition advantages. Kentucky residents get the strongest deal here, while out-of-state students should compare costs carefully against similar programs elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Louisville worth the cost?
University of Louisville offers solid value with a net price of $17,634 and median earnings of $53,899 after 10 years. However, the 60% graduation rate means 4 out of 10 students don't finish, which significantly hurts ROI for those who don't graduate.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Louisville?
Dentistry programs lead with graduates earning $119,805-$163,702, while nursing graduates average $95,473. Most other programs produce much lower earnings, with many falling below the overall average of $53,899.
How much debt do University of Louisville graduates have?
The median debt is $20,500, which is manageable compared to many universities. With average earnings of $53,899, most graduates can handle this debt load if they complete their degree.
Does University of Louisville have good financial aid?
The net price of $17,634 suggests decent financial aid, bringing costs well below the sticker price for most students. However, the value depends heavily on choosing a high-paying program and actually graduating.