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Louisiana State University at Alexandria vs Blue Cliff College-Metairie: which has better ROI?

Public, Alexandria LA · vs · Private for-profit, Metairie LA

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Louisiana State University at Alexandria comes closer — median earnings $42,205 against a $28,260 total, vs $22,177 at Blue Cliff College-Metairie. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureLouisiana State University at AlexandriaBlue Cliff College-Metairie
Net price / yr$7,065$9,863
Total net cost$28,260$39,452
Median earnings, 10 yrs$42,205$22,177
Median debt$19,000$9,500
Payback
20-year net return-$151,360-$563,112

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Louisiana State University at Alexandria or Blue Cliff College-Metairie?

Louisiana State University at Alexandria, at $7,065 a year after aid versus $9,863 — a gap of $2,798 a year, or $11,192 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Louisiana State University at Alexandria or Blue Cliff College-Metairie graduates earn more?

Louisiana State University at Alexandria graduates report a median $42,205 ten years after entry, $20,028 more than the $22,177 at Blue Cliff College-Metairie. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Louisiana State University at Alexandria or Blue Cliff College-Metairie?

Blue Cliff College-Metairie: its completers carry a median $9,500 in federal loans versus $19,000 at Louisiana State University at Alexandria, a difference of $9,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

56% of students finish at Blue Cliff College-Metairie, against 34% at Louisiana State University at Alexandria. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Louisiana State University at Alexandria vs Blue Cliff College-Metairie: frequently asked questions

Is Louisiana State University at Alexandria or Blue Cliff College-Metairie a better value?
Louisiana State University at Alexandria comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Louisiana State University at Alexandria or Blue Cliff College-Metairie?
Louisiana State University at Alexandria: $7,065/yr net price after aid versus $9,863/yr at Blue Cliff College-Metairie — a difference of $2,798 a year, or about $11,192 over four years.
Do Louisiana State University at Alexandria or Blue Cliff College-Metairie graduates earn more?
Louisiana State University at Alexandria graduates earn a median $42,205 ten years after entry, versus $22,177 at Blue Cliff College-Metairie — a $20,028 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.