Est. Earnings (1yr)
$78,065
Est. from LA median (15 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,500
Est. from LA median (9 programs)

Analysis

Louisiana's nursing bachelor's programs show strong employment prospects across the board, and based on similar programs in the state, Southern University at New Orleans likely follows that pattern. The estimated $78,000 first-year salary aligns exactly with Louisiana's median for nursing BSNs and sits comfortably above the national benchmark of $75,000. With estimated debt around $26,500β€”slightly below both state and national normsβ€”the debt burden appears manageable at roughly four months of that first year's earnings.

The challenge here is that we're working entirely with estimates since this program's actual graduate outcomes aren't publicly reported. The numbers suggest a solid financial foundation: nursing graduates statewide earn well, and SUNO's estimated debt load is reasonable. However, you're seeing top programs in Louisiana producing first-year earnings $5,000-$8,000 higher, which could translate to meaningful differences in financial trajectory over time.

The fundamentals look soundβ€”nursing credentials generally deliver strong returns, and the estimated debt-to-earnings picture here is favorable. But without actual outcome data for SUNO's specific program, you're essentially betting that it performs at the state average rather than knowing where it truly stands. Request SUNO's pass rates for the NCLEX licensing exam and job placement specifics; those concrete measures matter more than estimates when you're making a final decision.

Where Southern University at New Orleans Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally

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)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Southern University at New OrleansNew Orleans$7,490$78,065*β€”$26,500*β€”
Dillard UniversityNew Orleans$22,194$86,585*$73,046β€”*β€”
Chamberlain University-LouisianaJefferson$19,686$83,188*$81,995$39,146*0.47
Louisiana State University-AlexandriaAlexandria$7,050$82,919*β€”$28,143*0.34
University of Louisiana at LafayetteLafayette$10,418$80,416*$74,756$27,000*0.34
Louisiana Christian UniversityPineville$19,740$80,263*$64,206$41,492*0.52
National Medianβ€”$74,888*β€”$27,000*0.36
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates

Nurse Anesthetists

Administer anesthesia, monitor patient's vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Midwives

Diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Practitioners

Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Registered Nurses

Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Acute Care Nurses

Provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses

Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. Apply therapeutic activities, including the prescription of medication, per state regulations, and the administration of psychotherapy.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Critical Care Nurses

Provide specialized nursing care for patients in critical or coronary care units.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Nurse Specialists

Direct nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. Ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary

Demonstrate and teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to nursing students. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
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 Southern University at New Orleans, approximately 45% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 15 similar programs in LA. Actual outcomes may vary.