Grambling State University
Grambling State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Grambling State University Worth It?
At a value score of 18/100, Grambling State University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $41,109 — 24% below average — while paying $19,809/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 34% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $36,500 representing 89% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Grambling State University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Grambling State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #106 of 112 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #2 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #3 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #4 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #5 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #6 | Taft College | 96 | $2,823 | $38,861 |
| #106 | Grambling State University | 18 | $19,809 | $41,109 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Grambling State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in LA.
Best Programs at Grambling State University
The highest-earning program at Grambling State University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $65,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $17,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Grambling State University earns $65,200, while a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate earns $17,400. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $19,809/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $65,200 | $65,200 | N/A |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $29,500 | $29,500 | $44,994 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $26,600 | $26,600 | $40,357 |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies | $25,300 | $25,300 | $46,272 |
| Social Work | $23,200 | $23,200 | $41,000 |
| Psychology, General | $21,400 | $21,400 | $35,875 |
| Biology, General | $20,100 | $20,100 | $35,500 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $17,400 | $17,400 | $42,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $17,400 | $17,400 | $38,089 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Grambling, LA
- Student Body
- 4,164 students
- Admission Rate
- 45%
- Graduation Rate
- 34%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $19,809
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $41,109
- Median Student Debt
- $36,500