College Cost Planning in Lake Arthur, LA 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Lake Arthur, Louisiana. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Lake Arthur as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$28,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$450
per month
Local Cost Market
2
benchmark points
Lake Arthur Overview
Population
34,943
Student Population
2,778 (8.0%)
Cost of Living Index
83.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
35/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
College Cost Calculator for Lake Arthur
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$93,372
Total After Financial Aid
$93,372
Annual Cost
$23,343
Annual After Aid
$23,343
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $93,372 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,060 |
| Total Interest | $33,854 |
| Total Loan Cost | $127,226 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Lake Arthur
These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.
Institution count
2
Public tuition
$9,800
Private tuition
$28,000
Community college
$5,058
Cost of Living in Lake Arthur vs. National Average
| Category | Lake Arthur | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,800 | $10,940 | -$1,140 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $450 | $1,050 | -$600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83.4 | 100 | -16.599999999999994 |
Lake Arthur's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Lake Arthur
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,778 students
Lake Arthur has a total population of 34,943, with approximately 2,778 college students (8.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Lake Arthur offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Lake Arthur
$23,661
Starting Salary
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
60%
Graduation Rate
Review
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Lake Arthur earn a median starting salary of $23,661, which is $11,339 less per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. The modeled starting salary does not create a positive premium over the high-school earnings benchmark, so this market needs extra scrutiny before borrowing. With average financial aid of $8,986 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
Other Cities in Louisiana
New Orleans
23 colleges · Avg tuition $8,834
Baton Rouge
16 colleges · Avg tuition $9,889
Shreveport
14 colleges · Avg tuition $8,434
Lafayette
5 colleges · Avg tuition $10,374
Lake Charles
6 colleges · Avg tuition $9,274
Metairie
6 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Bossier City
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Kenner
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Monroe
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Alexandria
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Prairieville
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Marrero
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Lake Arthur
How we compile Lake Arthur college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Lake Arthur institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Lake Arthur's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does college cost in Lake Arthur, LA?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Lake Arthur is $9,800. Private university tuition averages $28,000, and community college tuition averages $5,058. When room and board ($13,543/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $23,343.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Lake Arthur, LA?
Lake Arthur uses approximately 2 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 2,778, which represents 8.0% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Lake Arthur?
The average rent near college campuses in Lake Arthur is approximately $450 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 83.4 (national average is 100), a walk score of 35, and a public transit score of 23. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Lake Arthur?
College graduates in Lake Arthur earn a median starting salary of $23,661. The local unemployment rate is 4.2%. With an average financial aid package of $8,986 per student and a 60% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Lake Arthur, LA?
With a median starting salary of $23,661 and an average 4-year public university cost of $93,372 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium is not strong enough to show a standard payback period. Use grants, lower-cost school choices, and program-specific earnings before borrowing.
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