Best Bachelor's in Communication Programs in Louisiana

Louisiana's media economy is more concentrated than it looks from the outside. New Orleans supports one of the South's busiest local television markets, while Baton Rouge functions as a genuine political communications hub, home to state government, lobbying firms, and a dense cluster of public affairs agencies. That geographic range matters when you're choosing where to study, because internship access and alumni networks tend to be hyperlocal.

Ten programs made the final ranking here, spanning flagship research universities, HBCUs, private liberal arts schools, and regional comprehensives. Concentrations vary sharply across those institutions, from mass communication and journalism to strategic communication and digital media production.

For working professionals, the sharpest practical tension is format: most Louisiana programs remain on-campus, which limits flexibility for people already employed full-time. Salary outcomes also spread considerably depending on institution and concentration, a gap that makes side-by-side comparison more useful than relying on any single school's marketing.

Best Communication Bachelor's Programs in Louisiana

Louisiana offers a rich landscape of communication programs, from nationally recognized mass communication schools in Baton Rouge and New Orleans to affordable regional options in Shreveport, Monroe, and Lake Charles. Whether you want to study public relations, strategic communication, journalism, or media production, these ten programs stand out for their combination of academic rigor, hands-on learning, and career readiness. All graduation rates listed below are institution-wide figures, not specific to individual communication programs.

How We Ranked Louisiana Communication Programs

Choosing a communication program often comes down to a fundamental tension: the school that looks most impressive on paper may not deliver the best return on your actual investment of time and money. This ranking was built to cut through that noise by anchoring every decision to verifiable data, not editorial instinct.

What the Numbers Measure

Every program in this ranking was evaluated across five core factors. Net price captures what students actually pay after grants and scholarships are applied, giving you a realistic cost picture rather than a sticker-price scare. Graduation rates reflect how consistently a school moves students from enrollment to diploma. Debt metrics show the typical borrowing burden graduates carry out the door. Program-level earnings, drawn from federal data, show what communication graduates from each school were earning in the years after completing their degree. And an ROI ratio ties those earnings back to cost, so you can see which programs deliver genuine financial lift over time.

Why Program-Level Data Changes Everything

Most "best colleges" lists rank institutions as a whole, which tells you little about what communication majors specifically experience. This ranking pulls earnings data tied to the communication program itself, not the university's overall graduate population. That distinction matters enormously when two schools have similar reputations but very different outcomes for students in your field. For a broader look at how communication degree salary varies nationally, those same program-level metrics reveal striking differences across states.

A Few Important Caveats

Graduation rates in this ranking reflect institution-wide figures, since program-specific completion data is rarely published at scale. Net price is an average after aid, calculated across all enrolled undergraduates, so your individual cost will depend on your financial situation. These numbers are a starting point for comparison, not a personalized quote.

Transparent by Design

The goal here is a methodology you can scrutinize. No school paid for placement, no ranking committee voted based on reputation surveys, and no subjective "program quality" score inflated or deflated a result. If the data says a smaller regional university delivers stronger outcomes for communication graduates than a flagship campus, that result stands. If you are considering graduate school after your bachelor's, the same data-driven approach informs our guide to communication programs in Louisiana at the master's level. That commitment to transparency is what separates this ranking from lists built on prestige alone.

Communication Degree Concentrations Available in Louisiana

Louisiana's communication programs span a wide range of specializations, from mass communication and journalism to public relations and digital media. The matrix below maps confirmed and commonly listed concentrations across major Louisiana universities so you can quickly identify which school aligns with your career goals. Where a school advertises multiple concentration options but specific names were not fully confirmed, the number of available concentrations is noted. We recommend verifying the latest offerings directly with each institution before applying.

• LSU (Baton Rouge) — Mass Communication: Yes; Journalism: Yes; Public Relations: Yes; Digital Media / Advertising: Yes (Digital Advertising); Communication Studies: Yes (separate B.A.)
• Tulane University — Communication Studies: Yes (3 concentrations offered)
• UL Lafayette — Mass Communication: Yes; Journalism: Yes (concentration); Public Relations: Yes (concentration)
• McNeese State University — Mass Communication: Yes; Journalism: Yes; Public Relations: Yes; Multimedia / Broadcasting: Yes (4 concentrations offered)
• LSU Shreveport — Mass Communication: Yes; Journalism: Yes (concentration); Public Relations: Yes (concentration)
• Xavier University of Louisiana — Communication Studies: Yes (3 concentrations offered)
• Northwestern State University — Public Relations: Yes; Digital Media / Advertising: Yes; Multimedia / Broadcasting: Yes (3 concentrations offered)
• University of Louisiana at Monroe — Communication Studies: Yes (Communication Studies concentration); Multimedia / Broadcasting: Yes (3 concentrations offered)
• Southeastern Louisiana University — Journalism: Yes (Television and Multimedia Journalism); Multimedia / Broadcasting: Yes
• Loyola University New Orleans — Mass Communication: Yes; Journalism: Yes; Public Relations: Yes; Multimedia / Broadcasting: Yes (3 concentrations offered)
• Dillard University — Mass Communication: Yes; Journalism: Yes (Multimedia Journalism); Multimedia / Broadcasting: Yes
• Grambling State University — Mass Communication: Yes (ACEJMC accredited); Journalism: Yes (Broadcasting Journalism); Public Relations: Yes; Multimedia / Broadcasting: Yes
• LSU Alexandria — Communication Studies: Yes (General Communication Studies)
• Louisiana Christian University — Communication Studies: Yes

Related Articles

Online vs. On-Campus Communication Degrees in Louisiana

Louisiana's communication programs split heavily toward on-campus delivery, but at least one ranked option gives you full online flexibility. Understanding the trade-offs between formats can help you choose the path that fits your schedule, budget, and career goals.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Communication Degree Salary and Career Outcomes in Louisiana

Graduates from Louisiana State University's communication studies program report median earnings of $61,251 ten years after enrollment, while Tulane University communication alumni reach $63,268 at the same benchmark. These institution-level figures provide a useful baseline, though program-specific first-year and multi-year earnings data for communication majors in Louisiana are not yet published at the granular level needed for direct comparison across all ranked programs.

What Communication Professionals Earn in Louisiana

Bureau of Labor Statistics data reveals a wide salary range depending on which communication career path you pursue.¹ Public relations specialists in Louisiana earn a median annual wage between $56,000 and $58,000, placing them among the better-compensated entry points for communication graduates. Marketing specialists command slightly higher pay, with median wages ranging from $60,000 to $65,000 annually.

Editors and general media and communication workers in Louisiana both fall in the $50,000 to $55,000 range, reflecting the competitive nature of content-focused roles in the state's media market. These figures represent solid middle-class salaries, though they sit below national medians in several categories.

Highest-Paying Communication Jobs in Louisiana

If maximizing earning potential is your priority, advertising and promotions managers represent the clear winner among communication-related occupations in Louisiana. These professionals earn a median annual wage between $90,000 and $95,000, making this the highest-paid communication career path available in the state.¹

Reaching this level typically requires several years of experience beyond your bachelor's degree, often combined with demonstrated success managing campaigns and teams. The path usually begins with entry-level marketing or public relations roles before advancing into management. Professionals who want to accelerate that trajectory sometimes pursue marketing communications masters programs to build strategic expertise.

How Louisiana Compares to National Averages

Louisiana communication salaries generally trail national figures, sometimes significantly. Media and communication workers earn a national median of $70,300, compared to the $50,000 to $55,000 range in Louisiana.¹ The gap is even more pronounced at senior levels: advertising and promotions managers nationally earn a median of $133,380, roughly $40,000 more than their Louisiana counterparts.²

This differential reflects Louisiana's lower overall cost of living and smaller media market size compared to coastal hubs. However, graduates who build their careers locally often find their salaries stretch further when adjusted for housing and everyday expenses.

Evaluating Return on Investment

When weighing program costs against earning potential, Louisiana's public universities offer compelling value. Louisiana State University-Shreveport's net price of approximately $7,022 paired with eventual median earnings near $47,500 produces a favorable return, especially for students minimizing debt. Louisiana Tech University and Northwestern State University also deliver strong cost-to-earnings ratios with net prices under $14,000.

Private institutions like Tulane University carry higher net prices around $39,949, but graduates' higher median earnings at the ten-year mark help offset that investment over time. The key is matching your budget and career ambitions: students aiming for local media careers may find public university programs deliver excellent value, while those targeting competitive national markets might benefit from the networking advantages at selective private institutions. Students who prefer scheduling flexibility can also explore bachelors in communication online options that allow them to work while earning their degree.

What Can You Do With a Communication Degree in Louisiana?

A bachelor's in communication opens doors across nearly every industry in Louisiana, from the energy corridors of the Gulf Coast to the tourism and hospitality hubs of New Orleans. The state's diverse economy means graduates can find rewarding positions that leverage their skills in writing, public speaking, media production, and strategic messaging.

Major Industries Hiring Communication Graduates

Louisiana's largest employers actively seek communication talent across several sectors:

• Energy: Companies like Entergy and Shell maintain significant operations in the state and hire communications professionals for corporate affairs, community relations, and internal communications roles.
• Healthcare: Major systems including Ochsner Health and LCMC Health employ communication graduates in patient education, public relations, marketing, and health promotion.
• Tourism and Hospitality: Organizations such as New Orleans & Company rely on communication specialists for destination marketing, event promotion, and media relations.
• Government and Nonprofits: State agencies headquartered in Baton Rouge and nonprofit organizations throughout Louisiana need skilled communicators for public affairs, grant writing, and community outreach.
• Media and Advertising: Local television stations, newspapers, and PR agencies in New Orleans and Baton Rouge provide traditional entry points for journalism, broadcasting, and advertising careers.

Salary Expectations and Job Outlook

Communication roles in Louisiana vary widely in compensation depending on specialization and experience level. Public relations specialists and marketing coordinators in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge metropolitan areas can expect competitive regional salaries, particularly in healthcare and energy sectors where demand remains steady. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports continued growth in media and communication occupations nationally, and Louisiana's unique blend of industries creates consistent local hiring activity. Reviewing current job postings on platforms like Indeed or LinkedIn can give you a real-time sense of which employers are actively recruiting and what they offer.

Building Your Professional Network

Louisiana has active professional communities that welcome students and recent graduates. The Louisiana chapter of the Public Relations Society of America hosts regular events and mentorship opportunities. The Baton Rouge and New Orleans Advertising Federations connect aspiring professionals with established practitioners through workshops, awards programs, and networking mixers. Staying current on latest trends in communication through professional development resources can also strengthen your competitive edge. Attending these events while still in school can lead to internships and job offers before graduation.

Graduate Degrees That Complement Communication

If you want to advance further or specialize, several master's programs pair well with a communication bachelor's:

• MBA: Ideal for those pursuing leadership roles in corporate communications or marketing management.
• Master's in Public Administration: A strong fit for graduates interested in government communications, public affairs, or nonprofit leadership.
• Health Communication: Growing in demand as healthcare organizations prioritize patient engagement and public health messaging.
• Digital Marketing: Prepares graduates for data-driven roles in social media management, content strategy, and brand development.

Exploring careers with a masters in communication can help you identify which advanced path aligns with your goals. Many Louisiana universities offer these graduate programs, making it convenient to continue your education without relocating.

Most Affordable Communication Programs in Louisiana

If you are watching your budget, the table below ranks Louisiana's five most affordable communication programs by approximate net price, which reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships. Keep in mind that net price figures are institution-wide averages and may vary based on your individual financial aid package. Program-level earnings data for the first year after graduation is not yet available for these programs, so we have included 10-year median earnings at the institutional level to help you gauge long-term return on investment.

Admission Requirements and Transfer-Friendliness

Admission requirements are the specific academic benchmarks and documents a university needs before it will accept you into a communication or mass communication program. Understanding these requirements, along with transfer pathways, can save you time, money, and frustration as you plan your degree.

What Most Louisiana Programs Expect

While each university sets its own standards, bachelor's in communication programs across Louisiana share a common set of admissions criteria. You can generally expect the following:

• Minimum GPA: Most programs require a cumulative high school or college GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 for general admission. Some competitive programs, particularly at flagship universities, may expect higher marks for direct entry into the major.
• SAT or ACT scores: Several Louisiana schools still consider standardized test scores during admission review, though some have adopted test-optional policies in recent years. Check each program's current policy, as these requirements can shift from one admissions cycle to the next.
• General education prerequisites: Students often need to complete foundational coursework in English composition, social sciences, and sometimes introductory communication courses before formally declaring the major.
• Supplemental materials: A personal statement, letters of recommendation, or a portfolio of writing samples may be requested, especially for programs with a journalism or media production focus.

To find the most current and precise requirements, visit the communication or mass communication department page on each university's official website.

Transfer Pathways from LCTCS Schools

If you are starting at a Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) institution, formal transfer pathways can streamline your move into a four-year communication program. The Louisiana Board of Regents maintains statewide articulation agreements and transfer guides designed to ensure that credits earned at community colleges apply toward a bachelor's degree at participating universities. You can search for these agreements at regents.la.gov, and looking up "LCTCS transfer" along with your target university's name will often surface specific guides that outline which courses transfer and how they map to degree requirements.

Many four-year schools in Louisiana have dedicated transfer advisors within their communication departments. These advisors can walk you through course equivalencies and help you avoid retaking classes you have already completed.

Reaching Out to Admissions and Transfer Offices

One of the most productive steps you can take is contacting the admissions or transfer office directly at the university you are considering. Staff members can clarify questions about conditional admission options for students who fall just below standard cutoffs, and they can explain accelerated completion paths such as summer sessions, intersession courses, or credit for prior learning. Working professionals, in particular, may benefit from asking about portfolio-based credit or competency assessments that recognize skills gained through workplace experience.

Planning ahead and having a direct conversation with admissions staff puts you in the strongest position to transition smoothly into the program that fits your career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the right communication program means weighing cost, format, career potential, and fit. Below are answers to questions Louisiana students ask most often, drawn from current program data and industry benchmarks.

What is the highest paying job for a communications major?

Among roles commonly filled by communication graduates, marketing and public relations managers tend to earn the most. Nationally, PR and marketing directors frequently clear six figures. In Louisiana, graduates from top programs like LSU and Tulane report median earnings above $61,000 and $63,000 respectively ten years after enrollment. Moving into director-level roles or specialized corporate communications positions can push salaries significantly higher.

What is LSU communications ranked?

LSU's Manship School of Mass Communication was ranked 47th out of 596 schools nationally in the Best Communication and Journalism Bachelor's Degree Schools category by College Factual, placing it in the top 10 percent. It also holds the number-one spot in Louisiana. At the graduate level, the Manship School's master's program ranked 38th nationally in its category.

How much does a communication degree cost in Louisiana?

Costs vary widely. Among public universities, average net prices for in-state students range from roughly $7,000 at Louisiana State University Shreveport to around $19,150 at LSU Baton Rouge. Private institutions run higher: Tulane's average net price is close to $39,950, while Xavier University of Louisiana averages about $17,130. McNeese State and Nicholls State offer some of the most affordable published tuition, both under $8,500 in-state.

Which Louisiana schools offer online communication degrees?

Louisiana State University Shreveport offers a fully online Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication with two concentration options and tuition near $7,327 for all students regardless of residency. Loyola University New Orleans also lists an online option for its mass communication program. Beyond full online degrees, several campuses, including Northwestern State University, blend online coursework with on-campus requirements for added flexibility.

What master's degree goes well with a bachelor's in communication?

An MBA is one of the most popular pairings, especially for professionals aiming at marketing or corporate leadership. A Master of Public Administration works well for those drawn to government or nonprofit communications. If you want to deepen your media expertise, LSU's Manship School master's program (ranked 38th nationally) is a strong in-state option. Degrees in data analytics or digital marketing are also increasingly valuable complements.

What can you do with a communication degree in Louisiana?

Louisiana's media, tourism, energy, and healthcare sectors all employ communication graduates. Common roles include public relations specialist, social media manager, advertising account executive, multimedia journalist, and corporate communications coordinator. Programs at schools like McNeese State, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and Northwestern State emphasize internships and portfolio-building that connect students directly to regional employers in broadcasting, digital media, and public affairs.

More Louisiana Communication Programs to Consider

In addition to the top-ranked programs, Louisiana offers several other communication degrees worth exploring. These schools provide a range of specializations, from journalism to strategic communication, and include both on-campus and online options to fit your lifestyle.

Greater New Orleans

South Louisiana

Northshore

Central Louisiana

North Louisiana