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Communication and Media Studies at Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Natchitoches, LA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $25,137/yr (-28% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 12.5x earnings multiple (5.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #533 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Communication and Media Studies graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$436K	$443K	$425K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.3x	12.5x	12.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.5x	5.6x	5.4x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	25	25	21

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$35,456

Out-of-state: $78,608 (5.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$55,236

-56% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,750

9.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$34,523

37% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $25,137 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Northwestern State University of Louisiana earn below the $35,147 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Communication and Media Studies programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Communication and Media Studies's typical career paths, with 55% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 2% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $20,750 represents roughly 10 months of the $25,137 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #533 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Northwestern State University of Louisiana falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $25,137 to $34,523 over five years — a 37% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Northwestern State University of Louisiana

With 94% of applicants admitted, Northwestern State University of Louisiana prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 5,840 in Natchitoches, LA.

See all programs and financial aid at Northwestern State University of Louisiana →

Top Career Paths

Public relations managers $138,520/yr

Fundraising managers $123,480/yr

Communications teachers, postsecondary $77,800/yr

View all 10 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

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For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at Northwestern State University of Louisiana?

A score of 25/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.

Will AI replace Communication and Media Studies careers?

With 55% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $424,817 in decade earnings vs $435,500 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Can you still earn well with Communication and Media Studies from Northwestern State University of Louisiana?

First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →