Southern University at New Orleans
Southern University at New Orleans — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Southern University at New Orleans Worth It?
At a value score of 9/100, Southern University at New Orleans is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $34,042 — 37% below average — while paying $14,810/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 16% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 2 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 $31,000 representing 91% 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 at New Orleans has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Southern University at New Orleans compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #36 of 36 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 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | North Florida College | 100 | $804 | $33,929 |
| #3 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #4 | Northern Marianas College | 100 | $2,789 | $27,836 |
| #5 | American Samoa Community College | 89 | $3,386 | $30,087 |
| #6 | Grays Harbor College | 75 | $4,783 | $40,865 |
| #36 | Southern University at New Orleans | 9 | $14,810 | $34,042 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Southern University at New Orleans's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Southern University at New Orleans
The highest-earning program at Southern University at New Orleans is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $24,900/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate from Southern University at New Orleans earns $24,900, while a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate earns $24,900. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates carry $25,000 in median debt vs. $25,000 for Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $14,810/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $24,900 | $24,900 | $25,000 |
Similar Colleges in LA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- New Orleans, LA
- Student Body
- 1,055 students
- Admission Rate
- 79%
- Graduation Rate
- 16%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $14,810
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $34,042
- Median Student Debt
- $31,000