College Cost Planning in Shreveport, LA 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Shreveport, Louisiana. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Shreveport 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 We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page.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
$8,434
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$38,590
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$810
per month
Local Cost Market
14
benchmark points
Shreveport Overview
Population
187,593
Student Population
8,703 (4.6%)
Cost of Living Index
99 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
58/100
Transit Score
29/100
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
College Cost Calculator for Shreveport
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$78,528
Total After Financial Aid
$78,528
Annual Cost
$19,632
Annual After Aid
$19,632
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $78,528 |
| Monthly Payment | $892 |
| Total Interest | $28,472 |
| Total Loan Cost | $107,000 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Shreveport
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
14
Public tuition
$8,434
Private tuition
$38,590
Community college
$4,236
Cost of Living in Shreveport vs. National Average
| Category | Shreveport | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,434 | $10,940 | -$2,506 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $810 | $1,050 | -$240 |
| Cost of Living Index | 99 | 100 | -1 |
Shreveport's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Shreveport
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
8,703 students
Shreveport has a total population of 187,593, with approximately 8,703 college students (4.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Shreveport offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Shreveport
$49,854
Starting Salary
5.2%
Unemployment Rate
60%
Graduation Rate
~5.3 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Shreveport earn a median starting salary of $49,854, which is $14,854 more per year the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 5.3 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $14,933 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
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
Houma
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Shreveport
How we compile Shreveport 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 Shreveport 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: Shreveport'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 Shreveport, LA?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Shreveport is $8,434. Private university tuition averages $38,590, and community college tuition averages $4,236. When room and board ($11,198/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $19,632.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Shreveport, LA?
Shreveport uses approximately 14 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 8,703, which represents 4.6% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Shreveport?
The average rent near college campuses in Shreveport is approximately $810 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 99 (national average is 100), a walk score of 58, and a public transit score of 29. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Shreveport?
College graduates in Shreveport earn a median starting salary of $49,854. The local unemployment rate is 5.2%. With an average financial aid package of $14,933 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 Shreveport, LA?
With a median starting salary of $49,854 and an average 4-year public university cost of $78,528 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 5.3 years. The 60% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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