CollegeCostWise

Bachelor's · Natchitoches, Louisiana

Is Communication and Media Studies at Northwestern State University of Louisiana worth it?

Low confidence Low confidence: fewer than 40 graduates behind the earnings figures.

The verdict · all families, in-state, half paid with loans

Pays back slowly: graduates typically recover the cost in about 14.2 years.

Earnings 1 year after graduating
$35,376
Treasury AY2020-21, AY2021-22 pooled earnings cohort measured in CY2022, CY2023, inflation adjusted to 2024 dollars
Earnings 4 years after graduating
$40,036
Treasury AY2017-2018, AY2018-2019 pooled earnings cohort measured in CY2022, CY2023, inflation adjusted to 2024 dollars
Typical federal debt at graduation
$22,045
NSLDS pooled AY2022-23, AY2023-24 cohort
Net cost to graduate, all families
$54k (likely $54k – $73k)
AcadYr 2024-25, reported in IPEDS DCY2025-26
Earnings bump, year 4
$4k a year vs high-school graduates aged 25–34 in LA
2023 ACS 5-year pooled, adjusted to 2024 dollars
Payback
14.2 years (likely 7.2–20+)
Bump vs net cost plus loan interest
10-year net return
−$179k (likely −$258k – −$105k)
Today's dollars
20-year net return
−$105k (likely −$248k – $63k)
Today's dollars
Odds of finishing (school-wide)
44%
Fall 2019 or AcadYr 2019-20 cohort (differs by institutional calendar), reported in IPEDS DCY2025-26

Change income, residency or loans Compare Communication and Media Studies at other schools

🎬 Getting ready in high school

Students heading toward media & storytelling majors like this one often take these classes. Every school offers a different mix, so check with your counselor.

AP classes

  • AP English Language and Composition
  • AP English Literature and Composition
  • AP Seminar

IB Higher Level

  • Language A: Literature HL or Language and Literature HL
  • Film HL

Build my roadmap 🗺️ Middle school to career, plus high schools near you that offer these classes.

Other majors at Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Communication and Media Studies at other schools in Louisiana