Southeastern listed among most affordable institutions with high earning grads
Contact: Rene Abadie
Date: June 12, 2013
HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University is included in a new list of 60 low cost U.S.
colleges where graduates also earn high starting salaries.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org reviewed four-year fully accredited public institutions with in-state tuition of
less than $5,000 per year with average starting salaries of graduates totaling more
than $40,000 per year.
"Southeastern has always been known for being a good value with its relatively
low tuition rates and strong academic programs," said university President John L.
Crain. "Now the data shows that our graduates are also being valued and recognized
by employers with relatively high average starting salaries."
He said Southeastern has among the lowest tuition rates among four-year institutions,
and when compared to similarly-sized colleges in other states, Southeastern stands
out as a real bargain.
"In spite of the budget cuts sustained over recent years, we have continued to
focus on the success of our students," Crain added.
All colleges in the list met the following criteria: four-year public U.S. college,
tuition of less than $5,000 per year, fully accredited, and average starting salary
upon graduation of more than $40,000 a year. In compiling its list, ACO used highly
respected data sources including the National Center for Education Statistics, the
Integrated Post-Secondary Data System (IPEDS), Carnegie Classification, and Payscale.com, a rigorous salary data collection organization.
"This is news we can use when we meet with prospective students," said Southeastern
Enrollment Services Director Lori Fairburn. "Today's students and their parents recognize
the increasing costs associated with higher education and want to be sure they are
getting a good return on their investment. This study and listing confirms what we
knew about Southeastern all along."
"In this climate of soaring higher education costs, prospective students should
know that it's quite possible to obtain a great education that lands them a well-paying
job, but at a very affordable price," said ACO founder Dan Schuessler. "Graduates
from these schools leave with the skills and education needed to earn high starting
salaries in great careers."
The ranking by ACO on affordability ties into other listings the university enjoys,
including membership in the President's Higher Education Honor Roll for Community
Service and being named a Military Friendly School by "G.I. Jobs" magazine.
ACO provides prospective students and their parents with information and resources
to help them manage the cost of obtaining an education. It is the first website to
offer comprehensive lists of "Most Affordable Colleges" in different categories. In
addition, ACO provides information related to financial aid and other features, such
as a comprehensive video that demystifies the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal
Student Aid) process; tips and advice from leading financial aid officers; and the
latest information on government initiatives to make college more affordable.
