Southern University and A & M College
Southern University and A & M College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Southern University and A & M College Worth It?
At a value score of 15/100, Southern University and A & M College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $43,371 — 19% below average — while paying $20,077/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 28% 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 $29,251 representing 67% 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 Southern University and A & M College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Southern University and A & M College compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #103 of 109 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 | Henry Ford College | 100 | $660 | $34,795 |
| #2 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #3 | Texas A & M International University | 100 | $3,637 | $48,386 |
| #4 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #5 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #6 | Taft College | 96 | $2,823 | $38,861 |
| #103 | Southern University and A & M College | 15 | $20,077 | $43,371 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Southern University and A & M College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in LA.
Best Programs at Southern University and A & M College
The highest-earning program at Southern University and A & M College is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $61,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $22,700/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Southern University and A & M College earns $61,900, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $22,700. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. 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 $31,000 in median debt vs. $34,000 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $20,077/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 | $61,900 | $61,900 | $31,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $31,800 | $31,800 | $30,000 |
| Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General | $29,200 | $29,200 | $36,906 |
| Biology, General | $29,100 | $29,100 | $27,000 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $27,700 | $27,700 | $31,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $25,500 | $25,500 | $31,000 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions | $24,900 | $24,900 | $36,125 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $22,700 | $22,700 | $29,750 |
| Psychology, General | $22,700 | $22,700 | $34,000 |
Similar Colleges in LA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Baton Rouge, LA
- Student Body
- 5,519 students
- Admission Rate
- 35%
- Graduation Rate
- 28%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $20,077
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $43,371
- Median Student Debt
- $29,251