Business Administration, Management and Operations at Southern University at New Orleans

This program shows a troubling earnings trajectory that deserves careful scrutiny, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift with more data. Graduates start at $40,173—about 4% above Louisiana's median for business programs and placing this in the 60th percentile statewide—but earnings drop to $32,528 by year four, a 19% decline that's highly unusual. Combined with $38,319 in debt (nearly 50% more than the state median of $26,433), graduates face almost a dollar of debt for every dollar they earn in their first year.

Within Louisiana's business landscape, this program sits in an awkward middle position. It costs significantly more than most state options while trailing schools like McNeese State and Louisiana Tech, which produce graduates earning $44,000+ with similar or lower debt loads. The earnings decline suggests graduates may struggle to find stable career footing, possibly taking lower-paying positions after initially higher-earning but temporary roles.

For families considering this investment, the combination of elevated debt and declining earnings creates financial pressure that could make loan repayment challenging. The small sample size means you shouldn't dismiss this program outright, but given the state has 24 business programs to choose from—many with stronger outcomes—it's worth exploring alternatives that offer clearer paths to earnings growth and more manageable debt burdens.