The cost of college in Louisiana — and what it pays back
Across the 52 Louisiana institutions we profile, the median net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $13,895/yr, $3,011 below the $16,906 national median. Graduates earn a median $36,704 ten years after entry (below the $43,552 national median), and 11 of the 52 schools clear their full cost on institution-wide earnings. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
$13,895
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$36,704
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
12.1 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
11/52
Schools that pay back
Our math, 2026
How Louisiana's 52 colleges split by ROI verdict
Strong2
Solid2
Slow4
Weak44
Verdicts: payback under 5 / 10 / 20 / over 20 years (or none).
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| ITI Technical College | $20,850 | $68,342 | 2.1 yrs |
| Chamberlain University-Louisiana | $30,791 | $92,405 | 2.8 yrs |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | $19,151 | $61,251 | 5.9 yrs |
| Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University | $18,552 | $59,419 | 6.7 yrs |
| Tulane University of Louisiana | $39,949 | $63,268 | 10.7 yrs |
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Louisiana Technical Community College | $5,702 | $29,558 | no payback |
| Louisiana State University-Shreveport | $7,022 | $47,477 | no payback |
| Louisiana State University at Alexandria | $7,065 | $42,205 | no payback |
| SOWELA Technical Community College | $7,525 | $32,303 | no payback |
| Louisiana Delta Community College | $7,702 | $30,438 | no payback |
Frequently asked questions
How much does college cost in Louisiana?
The median net price across Louisiana colleges is $13,895/yr after aid — below the $16,906 national median. Sticker prices run far higher; net price is what the typical aided student actually pays.
Is college in Louisiana cheaper than the national average?
Yes, on median net price: $13,895/yr vs $16,906 nationally — about $3,011/yr less.
What do Louisiana college graduates earn?
A median $36,704 ten years after entry (College Scorecard), below the $43,552 national median.
Which Louisiana college pays for itself fastest?
ITI Technical College — about 2.1 years to clear its $41,700 total net cost on earnings above the high-school baseline. The full ranking is on our best-colleges-in-louisiana page.