Cheapest Communication and Media Studies Colleges in Louisiana

Louisiana State University-Shreveport delivers the state's most affordable Communication and Media Studies education at just $8,130 net cost annually, while LSU Baton Rouge graduates earn $37,735 on average despite a $20,015 net price. This gap reflects how Louisiana's media market spans from budget-conscious local markets to major metropolitan centers. The state's oil and petrochemical industries create unique communication needs, from crisis management to technical writing roles. Public universities dominate affordability here, with 10 of the 15 cheapest options being state schools. The TOPS scholarship program covers tuition for qualifying students at public institutions, making programs like McNeese State's $11,257 net cost even more accessible. Graduation rates vary significantly, from LSU Baton Rouge's 71% to Southern University's 28.5%, suggesting students should weigh cost against completion likelihood when choosing programs.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $29,809 price difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Louisiana State University-Shreveport costs $8,130 annually while private schools like Dillard reach $18,553, reflecting the public-private divide. However, even among public universities, net costs vary from $8,130 to $19,740 depending on financial aid packages. The TOPS scholarship significantly reduces costs at public institutions for qualifying Louisiana residents. This wide range means students can find quality programs across nearly every budget level.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Louisiana?

LSU Baton Rouge combines the highest graduation rate at 71% with a moderate $20,015 cost, while some cheaper options struggle with completion. Louisiana Tech achieves 57.6% graduation at $12,209, showing affordable programs can maintain strong outcomes. Conversely, Southern University costs $19,740 but graduates only 28.5% of students. These patterns suggest students should consider both affordability and institutional support when selecting programs.

Does earning potential justify higher program costs in Louisiana?

LSU Baton Rouge graduates earn $37,735 despite the program's $20,015 cost, creating strong return on investment. However, University of Louisiana at Lafayette graduates earn $32,124 at just $14,118 net cost, offering better value. Northwestern State and Dillard graduates both average $20,140 but pay vastly different amounts. The data shows no clear correlation between program cost and earning potential across Louisiana schools.

Where do Communication and Media Studies graduates find work in Louisiana's economy?

Louisiana's oil and petrochemical industries require corporate communicators, technical writers, and crisis management specialists. Port cities like New Orleans and Lake Charles need logistics communication professionals. The state's tourism sector employs marketing and public relations graduates throughout regional markets. Local television stations, newspapers, and digital media companies provide traditional journalism and broadcasting opportunities across urban and rural communities.

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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.