At $18,285/yr net price, Xavier University of Louisiana graduates earn $52,184/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,184/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,285 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $73,140 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,184/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,184/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 50.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,053 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,365/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,545/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,008/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,829/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,054/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $122,757 | $141,015 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $44,971 | |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $37,568 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $28,236 | $26,956 |
| Public Health. | Bachelor | $27,669 | $27,000 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $26,353 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $24,863 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $24,164 | $25,512 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $23,649 |
The Risk Factor
50.2% of students at Xavier University of Louisiana 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
Xavier University of Louisiana delivers mixed financial returns, with your outcomes heavily dependent on your major choice. The school's pharmacy program stands out as a clear winner, generating median earnings of $122,757 annually despite the steep $141,015 in debt load. This debt-to-income ratio makes financial sense for pharmacy students willing to commit to the rigorous program.
However, most other programs struggle to justify their costs. Business administration graduates earn just $28,236 annually with nearly $27,000 in debt, while public health majors face similar debt burdens for $27,669 in earnings. These low returns create real financial risk, especially given the university's 50% graduation rate means half of students never complete their degrees.
Xavier works best for students committed to pharmacy or other health-focused careers where the university's strong reputation in these fields can open doors. The school's relatively low net price of $18,285 helps, but the poor retention rate of 71% suggests many students struggle academically or financially.
You should look elsewhere if you're interested in business, education, or social services, where Xavier's graduates significantly underperform national salary averages. The school's location in New Orleans limits job market opportunities compared to larger metropolitan areas, particularly affecting non-healthcare majors.
With over half of students receiving financial aid, Xavier does provide need-based support. However, the combination of low graduation rates, weak earnings in most programs, and limited regional job prospects makes this a risky investment unless you're specifically pursuing pharmacy or committed to the university's mission in historically black higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Xavier University of Louisiana worth the cost for most students?
Xavier's value depends heavily on your major - pharmacy graduates earn $122,757 annually while other programs often lead to lower-paying careers. With a 50% graduation rate and $24,053 median debt, many students struggle to complete their degrees and see positive returns.
What programs at Xavier University of Louisiana have the best ROI?
Pharmacy stands out with graduates earning $122,757 per year, making it one of the few programs that clearly justifies the cost. Most other programs, including business and public health, lead to starting salaries below $30,000 that may not offset the debt burden.
How much debt do Xavier University of Louisiana graduates typically have?
The median debt is $24,053, which is manageable for pharmacy graduates but potentially problematic for other majors. Given that half of students don't graduate and many programs lead to lower-paying jobs, debt risk is significant for most students.
Does Xavier University of Louisiana provide good financial aid?
The net price of $18,285 per year suggests decent aid for a private university. However, with a 95% acceptance rate and 50% graduation rate, the school admits many students who may not be prepared to succeed, regardless of financial assistance.