Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University produces BSN graduates who earn substantially above the national average right after graduation, but trail the Louisiana state median by about $1,500. More concerning: within four years, earnings drop 13% to $66,918—a pattern that places this program in the bottom half (40th percentile) among Louisiana nursing programs. Meanwhile, top performers in the state like Dillard and Chamberlain maintain earnings well into the $80,000s, suggesting the earnings decline here isn't simply a Louisiana nursing market phenomenon.
The good news is debt. At $39,565, graduates carry significantly less than you'd expect for a private university nursing program—this sits in just the 5th percentile nationally for debt burden. That translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52, meaning first-year earnings cover nearly twice the amount borrowed. For families worried about monthly loan payments, this makes the program more affordable than the sticker price might suggest.
The key question is why earnings decline so sharply when most nursing careers follow the opposite trajectory. It could reflect part-time work choices, geographic factors in the Baton Rouge market, or career paths that don't leverage the full earning potential of a BSN. If your child plans to work full-time in a hospital setting and stay in Louisiana, compare carefully against programs like UL Lafayette or Louisiana Christian, which cost similarly but appear to maintain stronger earning trajectories.
Where Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University graduates earn $77k, placing them in the 57th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (20 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University | $76,607 | $66,918 | $39,565 | 0.52 |
| Dillard University | $86,585 | $73,046 | — | — |
| Chamberlain University-Louisiana | $83,188 | $81,995 | $39,146 | 0.47 |
| Louisiana State University-Alexandria | $82,919 | — | $28,143 | 0.34 |
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette | $80,416 | $74,756 | $27,000 | 0.34 |
| Louisiana Christian University | $80,263 | $64,206 | $41,492 | 0.52 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Louisiana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Louisiana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dillard University New Orleans | $22,194 | $86,585 | — |
| Chamberlain University-Louisiana Jefferson | $19,686 | $83,188 | $39,146 |
| Louisiana State University-Alexandria Alexandria | $7,050 | $82,919 | $28,143 |
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette | $10,418 | $80,416 | $27,000 |
| Louisiana Christian University Pineville | $19,740 | $80,263 | $41,492 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, approximately 36% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 110 graduates with reported earnings and 124 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.