Best Value Communication and Media Studies Colleges in Louisiana

Louisiana Tech University stands out with a 57.60% graduation rate at just $12,209 net cost, making it a clear winner for communication students seeking quality education without crushing debt. The state's 18 Communication and Media Studies programs show dramatic price variations, from McNeese State's $11,257 net cost to Tulane's $43,939, yet earnings potential spans $20,140 to $37,735 annually. Louisiana's media market benefits from the state's major port operations and energy sector, creating demand for corporate communications professionals who can navigate complex industrial messaging. Public universities dominate the value equation, with TOPS scholarships covering tuition for qualifying residents. LSU leads in post-graduation earnings at $37,735 while maintaining reasonable debt levels at $21,500, though its $20,015 net cost reflects its flagship status.

Programs

$8,130 – $43,939

Net Price Range

$28,426

Avg. Program Earnings

50.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

18 Communication and Media Studies Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	McNeese State University Lake Charles, Louisiana	$11,257	$31,818	$8,460	52.0%	71.2%
2	University of Louisiana at Monroe Monroe, Louisiana	$11,633	$28,598	$9,190	50.6%	70.1%
3	Nicholls State University Thibodaux, Louisiana	$12,091	$28,212	$8,173	54.3%	98.4%
4	University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette, Louisiana	$14,118	$32,124	$10,418	52.0%	74.6%
5	Southeastern Louisiana University Hammond, Louisiana	$12,174	$27,222	$8,373	44.8%	99.0%
6	Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, Louisiana	$20,015	$37,735	$11,954	71.0%	75.7%
7	Northwestern State University of Louisiana Natchitoches, Louisiana	$13,809	$20,140	$8,864	44.6%	97.9%
8	Centenary College of Louisiana Shreveport, Louisiana	$25,159	$33,459	$40,000	59.3%	63.7%
9	Southern University and A & M College Baton Rouge, Louisiana	$19,740	$26,121	$9,940	28.5%	53.9%
10	Dillard University New Orleans, Louisiana	$18,553	$20,140	$22,194	45.1%	79.9%
11	Grambling State University Grambling, Louisiana	$19,125	$20,482	$7,683	32.3%	42.4%
12	Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana	$43,939	$35,060	$65,538	88.9%	11.5%
13	Loyola University New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana	$22,762		$47,240	67.4%	78.1%
14	Louisiana Tech University Ruston, Louisiana	$12,209		$10,125	57.6%	62.4%
15	Louisiana Christian University Pineville, Louisiana	$16,874		$19,740	41.3%	74.6%
16	Louisiana State University-Shreveport Shreveport, Louisiana	$8,130		$7,327	33.2%	88.9%
17	Louisiana State University-Alexandria Alexandria, Louisiana	$8,365		$7,050	35.5%	57.7%
18	Xavier University of Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana	$18,285		$27,868	50.2%	95.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge gap between public and private school costs?

Tulane charges $43,939 net cost compared to McNeese State's $11,257, a difference of over $32,000 annually. Private institutions like Centenary College at $25,159 and Dillard University at $18,553 fall between these extremes. Public universities benefit from state funding and TOPS scholarships that can cover full tuition for qualifying Louisiana residents. The cost difference often exceeds $100,000 over four years between the most expensive private and least expensive public options.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs?

Tulane achieves an 88.90% graduation rate at its $43,939 net cost, while Louisiana Tech reaches 57.60% at just $12,209. However, several affordable public options like Nicholls State maintain solid 54.30% rates at $12,091 net cost. The data shows expensive doesn't always mean better outcomes, as some schools charge premium prices but deliver graduation rates below 50%. Northwestern State illustrates this disconnect with a 44.60% graduation rate despite reasonable $13,809 costs.

Where do Communication graduates earn the highest salaries?

LSU graduates command the highest earnings at $37,735, followed by Tulane at $35,060 and Centenary College at $33,459. These top-earning programs span both public flagship and private institutions, suggesting reputation and alumni networks matter significantly. Several programs cluster around $28,000-$32,000 in earnings, including McNeese State at $31,818 and UL Lafayette at $32,124. The $17,595 gap between highest and lowest earners demonstrates how school choice directly impacts career prospects.

Is student debt manageable at these Communication programs?

Most Louisiana Communication programs maintain reasonable debt levels, with LSU at $21,500 and McNeese State at $22,250 representing typical amounts. Southeastern Louisiana offers the lowest debt burden at $20,700, while Dillard University students face $34,500 in average debt. Grambling State presents a concerning outlier with $31,750 in debt despite producing graduates earning just $20,482 annually. The debt-to-income ratios generally favor public institutions, where graduates can service loans more easily given stronger earning potential.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.