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 gives you a solid financial return if you pick the right major. Median debt sits at about a year's worth of net price, and the payoff ten years out clears that debt several times over. For a public school in Kentucky's largest job market, the math works for most graduates who finish.
Engineering is where the money is. Chemical engineering graduates out-earn mechanical engineering grads by roughly $15,000 a year, and both leave with similar debt loads. Electrical engineering stands out because you carry the least debt of the top programs while still clearing $68,000. Computer engineering and management information systems both feed directly into Louisville's healthcare and logistics employers, where UPS Worldport and the region's hospital systems hire steadily.
The risk here is the gap between your major and the median. The school-wide median earnings sit well below every listed engineering program, so if you enroll and drift into a low-paying field, you inherit the same net price without the engineering paycheck. A 60.70% graduation rate also means a real share of students leave with debt and no degree. That is the worst financial outcome, and it is a live possibility at this school.
Net price tells you who this fits. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $14,000 a year, and engineering makes that a strong bet. If your family earns over $110,000, you pay closer to $25,000, and the return only holds if you commit to a high-earning program. Louisville is a good fit if you want engineering or IT and plan to work in the region. Look elsewhere if you are unsure of your major and worried about finishing.
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.