Louisiana State University-Alexandria
Alexandria, Louisiana · Public · 92.1% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 43/100 · Poor Value
Louisiana State University-Alexandria scores 43 (Poor Value) despite having the lowest net price in this batch: $7,065 per year and $28,260 total four-year cost. The school is pulled down by a 34.2% completion rate and a 23.4-year payback period. Median 6-year earnings of $33,000 are very low, and the 5-year loan repayment rate drops sharply to 57.3% after an initial 80% at year one and three -- an unusual pattern suggesting many borrowers re-enter deferment or default between years three and five. Nursing is the only program with strong outcomes; the rest of the program catalog produces C-grade or weaker results.
The data raises concerns about Louisiana State University-Alexandria
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- ROI Score43/100 - Poor Value tier (below 45). Most 4-year schools we track score 60 or higher.
- 6-year graduation rate34.2% - Well below the 60% national average. Non-completion is the fastest route to negative ROI.
- Payback period23.4 years - Most 4-year schools we track have payback periods of 4-10 years.
Louisiana State University-Alexandria
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $7,050/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $14,650/yr |
| Average net price | $7,065/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $28,260 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,205 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $33,000 |
| Median debt at graduation | $19,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $201 |
| Estimated payback period | 23.4 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 34.2% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 5,632 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Louisiana State University-Alexandria is $7,050/year ($14,650/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $7,065/year, or roughly $28,260 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $5,008/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $11,941/year.
The median graduate leaves with $19,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $201 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $42,205 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.58 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,008 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,075 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,524 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,794 |
| $110,001+ | $11,941 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Low-income families (under $30,000) pay $5,008 per year -- approximately $20,000 over four years, one of the lowest four-year costs in Louisiana's public system. At this price, even D-grade program outcomes are less financially damaging than at higher-cost schools. Nursing students paying $5,000 per year and earning $82,919 year-one have an exceptional cost-to-earnings ratio. The completion rate risk remains the most important variable.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The $48,001-75,000 bracket pays $7,524 and the $75,001-110,000 bracket pays $10,794 per year. Middle-income families have access to one of the most affordable four-year options in Louisiana. The financial risk is primarily the completion probability, not the absolute cost.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning over $110,000 pay $11,941 per year -- roughly $48,000 over four years. At this price with median earnings of $33,000, even poor outcomes are financially manageable in absolute terms. High-income families are unlikely to be LSUA's primary audience.
Earnings by Major
Top 6 most popular majors at Louisiana State University-Alexandria with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $47,171 | D |
| Psychology | $44,069 | D |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $49,772 | C |
| Registered Nursing | $87,651 | B+ |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $52,560 | C |
| Teacher Education | $40,820 | - |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Registered Nursing
Registered Nursing (59 graduates) earns $82,919 at year one and $87,651 at year four with a B+ grade and 0.339 debt-to-earnings ratio. At a net price of $7,065 per year, nursing at LSUA represents one of the lowest-cost pathways to RN wages in Louisiana. The modest debt-to-earnings ratio and strong earnings create a genuinely strong financial case for nursing students who complete the program.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration (72 graduates) earns $38,225 at year one and $49,772 at year four with a C ROI grade and 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio. These are modest outcomes even at LSUA's low price, and year-one earnings of $38,225 in central Louisiana reflect the regional labor market's wage constraints. The C grade is the best available non-nursing outcome at the school.
Liberal Arts and Sciences
Liberal Arts and Sciences (110 graduates) earns $32,463 at year one and $47,171 at year four with a D grade and 0.801 debt-to-earnings ratio. As one of the largest programs, this field's weak outcomes contribute materially to LSUA's aggregate. The D grade even at a $7,000 net price reflects how poorly near-term earnings align with this debt load.
Psychology
Psychology (107 graduates) earns $30,362 at year one and $44,069 at year four with a D grade and 0.889 debt-to-earnings ratio. Year-one earnings of $30,362 against $27,000 median debt produce a near-term debt-to-income ratio approaching 0.9. Psychology graduates in central Louisiana's labor market face limited high-wage opportunities without advanced degrees.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 80.4% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 80.2% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 57.3% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 58.5% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 92.1% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 480-610 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 490-610 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 17-22 |
| Enrollment | 5,632 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 35.4% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $7,220 |
At 92.1% acceptance with ACT mid-range of 17-22, LSUA is effectively open-access. The school serves as the primary four-year public option in central Louisiana -- a region with limited higher education infrastructure. SAT mid-range of 480-610 Math and 490-610 Reading reflects a wide range of incoming academic preparation.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
LSUA's peer schools include Grambling State University and Louisiana State University-Baton Rouge (the system flagship). LSUA (43, Poor Value) scores below the LSU flagship, which has stronger completion rates and broader program outcomes. Among Louisiana regional public universities, LSUA's 34.2% completion rate is weak. Grambling, another HBCU, shares similar completion and earnings challenges driven by student population economics rather than institutional quality alone.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana State University-Alexandria (this school) | 43 | $7,065 | $42,205 |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | 76 | $19,151 | $61,251 |
| Kutztown University of Pennsylvania | 45 | $21,331 | $53,775 |
| Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus | 44 | $16,804 | $51,019 |
| Dalton State College | 41 | $5,012 | $40,251 |
| Grambling State University | 12 | $19,809 | $41,109 |
Who Thrives Here
LSUA admits 92.1% of applicants with ACT mid-range of 17-22, making it broadly accessible for central Louisiana students. At 5,632 students with a 35.4% Pell grant rate, it serves working adults and traditional students in the Alexandria region. The 34.2% completion rate is the dominant warning sign: two-thirds of entering students don't graduate. Students who are committed to nursing and can complete the program will find a reasonable financial pathway. Students in Liberal Arts or Psychology face D-grade returns even at LSUA's very low price point.
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about Louisiana State University-Alexandria. With a net cost of $7,065 per year and median graduate earnings of only $42,205 ten years out, the estimated payback period exceeds 23.4 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include a 34.2% graduation rate and a long payback period.
Median debt of $19,000 against $42,205 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.