Students at Grambling State University achieve earnings beyond expectations compared with similar students at other institutions, demonstrating meaningful value despite modest absolute earnings levels.
The university combines exceptional access for underrepresented students with financial outcomes that exceed predictions based on student backgrounds and institutional characteristics.
Grambling State University serves as an accessible pathway to higher education, particularly for students from underrepresented backgrounds. With over 72% of students receiving Pell Grants and nearly 40% being first-generation college students, GSU demonstrates strong commitment to educational access. The university maintains relatively low net prices across income levels, with low-income students paying around $16,447 annually and middle-income families facing costs of about $23,591.
While GSU's graduates earn a median of $41,109 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution in the bottom 5% nationally for earnings outcomes, the university does provide earnings beyond expectations compared with similar students at other institutions. This suggests that despite lower absolute earnings, GSU students achieve better financial outcomes than might be predicted based on their backgrounds and institutional characteristics.
As a medium-sized public university in Louisiana, GSU falls into the "Under-Resourced Institutions" mobility category, reflecting high access but more modest earnings outcomes. The university's strength lies in its affordability and accessibility rather than maximum earning potential, making it a viable option for students who might not otherwise attend college and need a supportive, cost-effective educational environment.
Grambling State University's program portfolio reflects its mission of serving regional workforce needs and providing pathways to stable public service careers. Corrections Administration emerges as the institution's highest aggregate-return program, graduating 100 students with median earnings of $26,187, demonstrating strong alignment between enrollment scale and career demand in Louisiana's criminal justice system. This program represents GSU's strength in preparing students for essential public safety roles throughout the region.
Applied Engineering Technologies delivers the strongest individual earnings outcomes at $40,485 for its 46 graduates, nearly matching the institutional median and highlighting the value of technical education. These programs prepare students for manufacturing, infrastructure, and technical roles that provide stable middle-class careers in Louisiana's industrial economy. Biology, as the largest program by enrollment with 51 graduates, shows more modest early-career earnings at $23,340, typical for students often pursuing additional education in healthcare, research, or graduate school.
The university's program mix emphasizes practical, career-focused education that serves regional economic needs. While earnings may be lower than at research universities, GSU's programs prepare graduates for stable employment in education, criminal justice, healthcare support, and technical fields that provide essential community services and steady career progression throughout Louisiana and neighboring states.
Graduates of Grambling State University earn a median of $41,109 ten years after enrollment, which represents the lower end of earnings outcomes nationally. However, these graduates do achieve earnings beyond expectations when compared with similar students at other institutions, suggesting that GSU provides meaningful value despite the modest absolute earnings levels. The university's earnings performance reflects both its mission as an access-oriented institution and the career paths typically pursued by its graduates.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly across fields of study. Corrections Administration stands out as the highest aggregate-return major, combining substantial enrollment of 100 graduates with median earnings of $26,187, making it a key economic contributor for the institution. Applied Engineering Technologies delivers the strongest individual earnings at $40,485 for its 46 graduates, representing nearly the institutional median and demonstrating the value of technical programs. Biology, the largest program by footprint with 51 graduates, shows more modest early-career earnings at $23,340, typical for students often pursuing additional education or entry-level positions in healthcare and research fields.
The university's program mix reflects its focus on public service, healthcare preparation, and technical fields that serve regional workforce needs. While absolute earnings may be lower than at research-intensive institutions, GSU graduates enter stable career paths in education, criminal justice, healthcare, and technical fields that provide steady employment and community impact throughout Louisiana and the broader region.
Grambling State University offers strong affordability across income levels, making higher education accessible to families with limited financial resources. Low-income students pay approximately $16,447 per year, well below many public university averages, while middle-income families face annual costs around $23,591. Even high-income families see reasonable net prices at $24,356, reflecting the university's commitment to keeping education affordable for all students regardless of family financial circumstances.
Debt levels remain manageable relative to the institution's mission and student population. Typical graduates leave with about $36,500 in federal student loan debt, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $15,450. These borrowing levels, while significant, align with the university's role in serving students who often have limited family financial resources and rely more heavily on financial aid to fund their education.
The university's 0% federal loan default rate indicates that graduates, despite earning modest incomes, are successfully managing their debt obligations. This suggests that the combination of affordable net prices, reasonable debt levels, and stable career outcomes creates a sustainable financial pathway for most students, even if absolute earnings are lower than at other institutions.
Grambling State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
