College Cost Planning in Lake Charles, LA 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Lake Charles, Louisiana. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Lake Charles 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 We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page.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
$9,274
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$41,023
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$925
per month
Local Cost Market
6
benchmark points
Lake Charles Overview
Population
84,872
Student Population
6,067 (7.1%)
Cost of Living Index
80 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
44/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
College Cost Calculator for Lake Charles
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$93,408
Total After Financial Aid
$93,408
Annual Cost
$23,352
Annual After Aid
$23,352
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $93,408 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,061 |
| Total Interest | $33,867 |
| Total Loan Cost | $127,275 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Lake Charles
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
6
Public tuition
$9,274
Private tuition
$41,023
Community college
$4,236
Cost of Living in Lake Charles vs. National Average
| Category | Lake Charles | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,274 | $10,940 | -$1,666 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $925 | $1,050 | -$125 |
| Cost of Living Index | 80 | 100 | -20 |
Lake Charles'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 Charles
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
6,067 students
Lake Charles has a total population of 84,872, with approximately 6,067 college students (7.1% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Lake Charles offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Lake Charles
$46,265
Starting Salary
3.3%
Unemployment Rate
56%
Graduation Rate
~8.3 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Lake Charles earn a median starting salary of $46,265, which is $11,265 more per year the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 8.3 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $16,078 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
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
Houma
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Lake Charles
How we compile Lake Charles 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 Charles 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 Charles'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 Charles, LA?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Lake Charles is $9,274. Private university tuition averages $41,023, and community college tuition averages $4,236. When room and board ($14,078/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $23,352.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Lake Charles, LA?
Lake Charles uses approximately 6 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 6,067, which represents 7.1% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Lake Charles?
The average rent near college campuses in Lake Charles is approximately $925 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 80 (national average is 100), a walk score of 44, and a public transit score of 26. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Lake Charles?
College graduates in Lake Charles earn a median starting salary of $46,265. The local unemployment rate is 3.3%. With an average financial aid package of $16,078 per student and a 56% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Lake Charles, LA?
With a median starting salary of $46,265 and an average 4-year public university cost of $93,408 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 8.3 years. The 56% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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