Median Earnings (1yr)
$24,843
32nd percentile (40th in LA)
Median Debt
$14,727
34% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.59
Manageable
Sample Size
21
Limited data

Analysis

The small sample size here demands caution, but the available data reveals a program where earnings start behind comparable Louisiana schools yet show exceptional growth trajectory. While first-year earnings of $24,843 trail the state median by about $2,400, by year four graduates reach $37,373—suddenly surpassing what students earn at McNeese State, the top program in Louisiana for first-year outcomes. That 50% earnings jump is remarkable for an associate degree in this field.

The debt picture looks more favorable than it first appears. At $14,727, Nunez loads graduates with less debt than the typical Louisiana liberal arts program ($17,789), even though the absolute number feels substantial. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 means payments should be manageable, especially as earnings climb. For a college serving 42% Pell recipients, keeping debt lower than state norms matters.

The wildcard is that sample size—fewer than 30 graduates means one or two outlier earners could be skewing these numbers significantly. If the earnings growth pattern holds for most graduates, this program offers genuine value as a stepping stone to better-paying work or further education. If those year-four numbers represent just a lucky few, the investment becomes shakier. Parents should verify recent graduate outcomes directly with the college before committing.

Where Nunez Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities associates's programs nationally

Nunez Community CollegeOther liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities programs

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 Nunez Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Nunez Community College graduates earn $25k, placing them in the 32th percentile of all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities associates 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

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities associates's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (21 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Nunez Community College$24,843$37,373$14,7270.59
McNeese State University$37,650$39,932$17,1250.45
Northwestern State University of Louisiana$34,148$36,075$23,7350.70
Baton Rouge Community College$28,650$32,528$17,3000.60
Bossier Parish Community College$27,632$29,780$19,7500.71
Louisiana State University-Eunice$27,391$26,420$12,0000.44
National Median$27,248—$10,9500.40

Other Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs in Louisiana

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Louisiana schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
McNeese State University
Lake Charles
$8,460$37,650$17,125
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches
$8,864$34,148$23,735
Baton Rouge Community College
Baton Rouge
$4,221$28,650$17,300
Bossier Parish Community College
Bossier City
$4,283$27,632$19,750
Louisiana State University-Eunice
Eunice
$4,730$27,391$12,000

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 Nunez Community College, approximately 42% 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 21 graduates with reported earnings and 58 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.