Grambling State University's published cost of attendance is $25,100 per year—that's $16,706 in out-of-state tuition ($7,683 for Louisiana residents), $10,990 for room and board, and $1,800 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $19,125 after financial aid, representing savings of $5,975 from the sticker price.
Select your family income to see your estimated cost
Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $25,100 |
| Tuition and Fees | $16,706 |
| Room and Board | $10,990 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,800 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$5,975 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $19,125 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $16,447 |
| $30–48k | $19,923 |
| $48–75k | $23,591 |
| $75–110k | $24,096 |
| $110k+ | $24,356 |
Grambling State University's published cost of attendance is $25,100 per year—that's $16,706 in out-of-state tuition ($7,683 for Louisiana residents), $10,990 for room and board, and $1,800 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $19,125 after financial aid, representing savings of $5,975 from the sticker price. The net price is $5,032 higher than the peer median of $14,093, indicating above-average costs relative to similar institutions.
Financial aid covers a smaller portion of costs compared to peer institutions, resulting in higher out-of-pocket expenses for families. The gap between published and actual costs is relatively modest compared to institutions with more substantial financial aid programs. Net prices range from $16,447 for the lowest-income families to $24,356 for families earning over $110,000, showing a progressive aid structure but limited overall affordability relief.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is high relative to typical earnings. Careful planning and income-driven repayment options may be important.
Grambling State graduates carry median debt of $36,500, significantly higher than the peer median of $21,105. Debt levels range from $8,250 at the 25th percentile to $39,000 at the 75th percentile, showing most students borrow substantial amounts.
The institution ranks at the 0 percentile nationally for debt levels, indicating debt burdens among the highest tracked. Compared to peer institutions, graduates carry $15,395 more in median debt, representing a 73% increase over typical borrowing levels.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.89 indicates debt levels approach annual earnings, creating significant repayment challenges. Parent PLUS loans add median debt of $15,450 with monthly payments of $203, though burden analysis requires family income context not available.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Grambling State's investment profile combines modest earnings with elevated debt levels, creating mixed return characteristics. Graduates earn $5,371 beyond expectations, ranking at the 75th percentile for earnings uplift relative to student characteristics.
However, median earnings of $41,109 fall $9,007 below peer median levels, while debt exceeds peers by $15,395. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.89 indicates significant repayment burden that affects post-graduation financial stability.
Despite below-average absolute earnings, the positive earnings beyond expectations suggests the institution adds meaningful value for its specific student population. The combination reflects an institution serving students who achieve better outcomes than predicted based on demographics alone, but resource constraints limit both earnings levels and debt management.
Grambling State's financial aid approach reflects the institution's commitment to access alongside resource constraints. With 72.2% of students receiving Pell grants—among the highest shares nationally—the university serves predominantly lower-income students but provides limited aid relief relative to costs.
The modest $5,975 gap between sticker price and average net price indicates constrained institutional aid resources compared to wealthier institutions. Net pricing above peer median by $5,032 suggests that similar institutions typically offer greater affordability.
The aid structure concentrates benefits toward families earning under $48,000, consistent with the student composition that includes substantial first-generation and Pell-eligible enrollment. Federal aid programs carry much of the financial access burden, while institutional aid plays a more limited role.
