Lourdes University

Academics at Lourdes are defined by a strong pre-professional focus, particularly in nursing, within a liberal arts framework rooted in Catholic and Franciscan traditions. The student-faculty ratio is a favorable 13:1, facilitating personal attention. The most popular and largest program by far is Nursing, which awards 37% of all bachelor's degrees. Other common majors include General Business Administration, Biology, Criminal Justice, and Liberal Arts and Humanities. The university is organized into colleges, including the College of Arts & Sciences, which offers programs across the arts, humanities, and sciences. In a recent expansion, Lourdes introduced new majors in Environmental Studies, Business Analytics, Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Supply Chain Management, signaling a push into growing STEM and business fields. However, student satisfaction indicators, such as the freshman retention rate, are reported at 62%, which is below the national average.

Life at Lourdes revolves around a small, close-knit community of just over 800 undergraduates. The university actively promotes a values-centered environment rooted in its Catholic and Franciscan identity, emphasizing that "everyone is valued." Campus involvement is managed through a Student Activities and Recreation Office, which oversees clubs and organizations. While specific club details are limited, mentions include ministries, dance, and an international student group. The residential experience includes campus housing, and athletics and recreation facilities are part of campus life, as highlighted in a campus tour video. The student body handbook serves as a guide for campus living, reflecting the institution's commitment to fostering a community that respects diverse "races, cultures and traditions." The overall vibe is that of a supportive, intimate campus where community is a central tenet.

Outcomes data for Lourdes graduates presents a mixed picture. The university boasts a very high short-term placement rate, reporting that from 2017 through 2022, 99% of graduates achieved career or graduate school placement within one year of graduation (based on a 93% knowledge rate for the most recent year). However, longer-term graduation metrics are more challenging. The six-year graduation rate is reported at 49%, and other sources cite an overall completion rate of 38%. Retention rates show variation, with one source indicating an 87% retention rate. For earnings, the median income ten years after entry is $48,150. Another source notes that graduates earn a median of $55,959 four years after graduation, which it claims is 7% above the national average. The data suggests that for those who persist to graduation, employment outcomes are strong, particularly in high-demand fields like nursing, but the institution faces significant challenges with student retention and completion.

The net price—the average cost after grants and scholarships—is a critical figure for families considering Lourdes. The average net price after aid is $23,206. Other reported figures are similar, with one source citing an average net price of $22,614 for students receiving aid. The university provides a Net Price Calculator tool to help families estimate their individual costs and financial aid options. Aid packages include scholarships and grants from both institutional and external sources. The university's financial aid guide states that all scholarships and grants not based on federal or state programs must be included in the financial aid package. There is no indication in the provided sources that Lourdes University meets 100% of demonstrated financial need or has a no-loan policy for low-income students; families should plan for a combination of grants, scholarships, and loans to cover costs.

Lourdes University stands out for its singular, mission-driven identity as a small Catholic Franciscan institution where healthcare education—specifically nursing—is the dominant academic and cultural force. It’s not a sprawling liberal arts college with equal emphasis across disciplines; it’s a place where nearly 4 in 10 bachelor's degrees are in nursing, creating a campus atmosphere geared toward professional preparation and service. This focus is coupled with a genuinely supportive, close-knit community (a 13:1 student-faculty ratio) that actively lives out its values-centered mission. While it grapples with retention and graduation rates common to many regional institutions, its outcomes data reveals a compelling trade-off: for those who graduate, job placement is virtually assured, with a 99% rate within a year. The recent addition of majors in cybersecurity, data science, and supply chain management shows an attempt to build similar career pathways in other high-demand fields without diluting its core identity. For a student seeking a direct, values-aligned route into healthcare or other professional studies within a supportive environment, Lourdes offers a distinct and purposeful alternative to larger, more impersonal universities.