Louisiana Christian University
Louisiana Christian University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Louisiana Christian University at a Glance
Louisiana Christian University (LCU) is a private Baptist university in Pineville, Louisiana, United States. It is affiliated with the Louisiana Baptist Convention. Founded in 1906 as Louisiana College, it took its current name in 2021. The university enrolled 936 students in 2024. The athletic teams are known as the Louisiana Christian Wildcats and Lady Wildcats.
1906
120 years old
$39M
US$38.8 million
936
763 undergrad · 173 grad
81 acres
Identity
Is Louisiana Christian University Worth It?
Louisiana Christian University offers moderate value at $13,113/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $51,700, which is 4% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1 year — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 42% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How Louisiana Christian University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #17 of 127 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 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #2 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #3 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #4 | Goshen College | 56 | $14,493 | $51,943 |
| #5 | Ursuline College | 53 | $16,164 | $56,878 |
| #6 | College of Our Lady of the Elms | 49 | $17,545 | $51,540 |
| #17 | Louisiana Christian University | 42 | $13,113 | $51,700 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Louisiana Christian 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 Louisiana Christian University
The highest-earning program at Louisiana Christian University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $59,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $36,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Louisiana Christian University earns $59,000, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $36,500. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $21,350 in median debt vs. $26,763 for Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $13,113/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 | $59,000 | $59,000 | $21,350 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $36,500 | $36,500 | $26,763 |
Similar Colleges in LA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Pineville, LA
- Student Body
- 672 students
- Admission Rate
- 77%
- Graduation Rate
- 42%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $13,113
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $51,700
- Median Student Debt
- $21,875