Students at Southeastern Louisiana University benefit from exceptionally affordable net prices that rank among the lowest in the region, making higher education accessible to families across income levels.
The university maintains strong graduation rates and zero loan defaults, ensuring students can complete degrees without overwhelming financial burden.
Southeastern Louisiana University serves as an accessible regional public university that prioritizes affordability and student support over maximum earnings outcomes. Located in Hammond, Louisiana, the university enrolls a substantial population of first-generation students (about 40%) and Pell Grant recipients (33%), reflecting its mission to serve students from diverse economic backgrounds who might not otherwise have access to higher education.
While SLU's graduates earn a median of $46,482 ten years after enrollment—below many peer institutions—the university delivers meaningful value through exceptionally low net prices and manageable debt levels. Low-income students pay just $8,806 annually, and middle-income families see costs around $12,638, making SLU one of the more affordable public options in the region. The university falls into the "Under-Resourced Institutions" mobility category, indicating strong access but more modest earnings outcomes.
For students prioritizing affordability and degree completion over maximum salary potential, SLU provides a practical pathway to a bachelor's degree without overwhelming financial burden. The university's strength lies in making higher education accessible to students who might struggle at more expensive or selective institutions, offering a supportive environment where nearly 45% of students complete their degrees within six years.
Southeastern Louisiana University's program portfolio reflects its regional mission, with the strongest financial outcomes concentrated in health and technical fields. Adult Health Nursing leads both in scale and earnings, graduating 152 students annually who earn around $61,728—nearly $15,000 above the university median. This program represents SLU's most successful combination of enrollment scale and strong career outcomes, reflecting Louisiana's robust healthcare job market.
General Studies dominates enrollment with 225 graduates but leads to more modest earnings around $28,055, reflecting the program's role as a flexible pathway for students with diverse career goals. Psychology, with 81 graduates earning about $24,706, represents typical outcomes for liberal arts fields at regional universities. The contrast between these programs and specialized fields like Hazardous Materials Information Systems Technology—which produces just 31 graduates earning $61,516—illustrates how program choice significantly impacts financial outcomes.
The university's program mix emphasizes accessibility and broad educational opportunity rather than concentration in high-earning fields. While this limits overall earnings potential, it serves SLU's mission of providing educational access to students from diverse backgrounds who may need flexible degree options or foundational preparation for various career paths.
Graduates of Southeastern Louisiana University see moderate long-term earnings that reflect the institution's focus on accessibility over maximum financial outcomes. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $46,482, which places the university in the lower tier nationally for earnings outcomes. However, graduates do earn slightly more than similar students at comparable institutions—about $2,918 above expectations—suggesting the university adds modest value beyond what might be predicted based on student characteristics alone.
Earnings vary significantly by program choice. Nursing stands out as SLU's strongest financial performer, with Adult Health Nursing graduates earning around $61,728 and representing the university's highest aggregate return program with 152 graduates. Hazardous Materials Information Systems Technology also delivers strong outcomes at about $61,516, though with much smaller enrollment of 31 students. On the other end, General Studies—the university's largest program with 225 graduates—leads to more modest earnings around $28,055, while Psychology majors typically earn about $24,706 early in their careers.
The university's program mix reflects its regional mission, with substantial enrollment in General Studies, Nursing, and Psychology. While SLU may not deliver the highest absolute earnings, it provides a practical pathway to stable employment for students who prioritize affordability and accessibility over maximum salary potential.
Southeastern Louisiana University excels in affordability, making it one of the most cost-effective public university options in Louisiana. Low-income students pay just $8,806 per year in net price, well below national averages, while middle-income families see annual costs around $12,638. Even high-income families pay a relatively modest $16,196, reflecting the university's commitment to keeping education accessible across income levels. This pricing structure places SLU in the top 25% nationally for affordability.
Debt levels remain manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $22,113—reasonable given the university's focus on serving first-generation and lower-income students. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $10,439, a modest level that reflects many families' ability to cover costs through grants and work rather than extensive borrowing. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations despite more modest earnings.
What makes SLU particularly sustainable is its combination of low upfront costs and reasonable debt levels. While graduates may not achieve the highest earnings, the modest debt burden means that loan payments remain manageable relative to typical post-graduation income. This creates a pathway to degree completion without the financial stress that can accompany higher-cost institutions.
Southeastern Louisiana University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
