What you’ll learn in this article…
- LSU and Tulane communication graduates report median earnings above $61,000 ten years after enrollment.
- Louisiana offers at least nine ranked communication programs, including a fully online option for working professionals.
- LSU's Manship School of Mass Communication ranks among the most respected programs in the South.
- Net price at Louisiana's most affordable communication programs can fall well below statewide averages after aid.
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's communication programs split into two worlds: large research universities with nationally known mass communication schools, and regional campuses where students get their hands on studios, newspapers, and client projects from the first year. The ten schools below span both, and each entry shows what you can study, which concentrations are available, and how the degree is delivered. Campus completion rates appear throughout as institution-wide figures, since Louisiana does not report graduation rates for individual communication majors.
How we ranked these
- On-time completion within four years
- Earnings ten years after entry
- Retention and student-faculty ratios
- Hands-on curriculum and concentrations
- Net price after grant aid
- Original research on individual programs
- Federal institutional data (NCES-IPEDS) covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
- State cost-of-living adjustment from BEA Regional Price Parities — bea.gov
- College Scorecard post-completion earnings data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Program-level records maintained in house
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
#1Baton Rouge, LA · $15,000 – $20,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Future political and public affairs communicators
Louisiana's flagship campus is home to the Manship School of Mass Communication, which has a regional reputation for political, public affairs, and strategic communication. Undergraduates choose between a flexible communication studies major and mass communication tracks in public relations, journalism, broadcast journalism, and digital journalism, with campus and fully online versions of several degrees. About 69% of students finish within six years, an institution-wide completion rate rather than a figure for the communication major alone.
- 120 total credit hours
- 12 core Communication Studies courses plus 24 elective hours
- At least 12 upper-division elective hours
- Maximum of 37 communication hours count toward the degree
- Up to 6 hours of independent study
- Lab required with the science sequence
- 120 credit hours, delivered fully online
- $340 per credit hour
- 18 credit hours of core major coursework
- 18 credit hours in the human relationships concentration
- Transfer credit accepted for up to 75% of the degree
- Coursework in interpersonal, small group, intercultural, and nonverbal communication
- Live video sessions and dedicated student support coaches
- 3.0 GPA minimum for admission
- Application required for the major
- Media Writing prerequisite
- Fast Track 3+3 Pre-Law option
- Prepares students for roles such as communications director
- Fully online Bachelor of Arts with a public relations concentration
- Prior Learning Assessment available for work experience
- Transfer credits accepted
- Partnership with Guild Education for working adults
- Strategic communication focus with concierge support
- Multi-platform journalism skills
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- Media Writing prerequisite
- Digital media focus
- 3+3 Pre-Law Program option
- Broadcast journalism concentration
- Multi-platform media training
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- B grade required in Media Writing
- Housed in the Manship School of Mass Communication
- Digital journalism concentration
- Training across multiple media platforms
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- Writing and communication intensive
- Housed in the Manship School of Mass Communication
- 120 total credit hours
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Thesis required, with an honors thesis option at 3.50 GPA or above
- Grade of C or higher required in major courses
- Designed to prepare students for graduate study
Tulane University of Louisiana
#2New Orleans, LA · ~$40,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Working adults pursuing public relations
Tulane is a private research university in New Orleans whose communication major takes a critical, humanities-based approach to media, identity, and power. Coursework is organized around texts and representation, identities and relationships, and structures and institutions, and honors students can take a graduate seminar and write a thesis. The public relations bachelor's is offered in a hybrid format with rolling admissions, four start dates a year, and up to 60 transfer credits, which suits working adults and transfer students. About 86% of students graduate within six years, an institution-wide figure.
- Three core areas: texts and representation, identities and relationships, and structures and institutions
- Close textual and visual analysis of communication
- Honors students may take a graduate seminar and complete a thesis
- Examines social inequalities and power in media
- Prepares graduates for media, public relations, advertising, and corporate roles
- 120 total credit hours
- Hybrid format with rolling admissions
- Four start dates per year, including fall, spring, and summer
- Transfer up to 60 credits
- Capstone required
- No entrance exam required
- Degree completion possible in two to four years
Louisiana Tech University
#3Ruston, LA · ~$12,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Hands-on multimedia journalism learners
Louisiana Tech in Ruston covers two different sides of communication: a journalism concentration inside the communication degree and a pre-professional speech-language pathology track. Journalism students take 15 hours of communication core, 39 hours in the concentration, and 21 elective hours, with training in reporting, multimedia, media law, and design. Speech-language pathology students learn alongside faculty who teach in the university's accredited graduate programs and observe clients in two on-campus clinics. About 64% of students graduate within six years, an institution-wide rate.
- 15 hours of core communication courses
- 39 hours in the journalism concentration
- 21 elective hours available
- Reporting, digital, and multimedia training
- Media law and ethics coursework
- Internship opportunities
- Courses in social media, digital photography, and layout and design
- ASHA accredited program
- Two on-campus speech and hearing clinics
- Faculty also teach in the accredited master's and doctoral programs
- Direct pathway to the university's master's in speech-language pathology
- Early observation of clinical services
University of Louisiana at Monroe
#4Monroe, LA · ~$13,000/yr (est.)
ULM in Monroe organizes its communication offerings under one Bachelor of Arts with concentrations in communication studies, digital media, journalism, film and media arts, and integrated media. The curriculum is deliberately pragmatic, pairing analysis of communication patterns with hands-on work in student media, including the campus radio station. The university also runs an ASHA-accredited speech-language pathology program with on-campus clinics and supervised clinical hours. About 54% of students graduate within six years, an institution-wide figure.
- Concentration in communication studies
- Focus on communication in cultural contexts
- Pragmatic, skills-based curriculum
- Preparation for public relations, corporate communication, and media roles
- Emphasis on ethical communication strategies
- Digital media concentration
- Campus-based delivery
- Develops market-competitive production skills
- Several concentration paths within one degree
- 15-hour journalism concentration
- News reporting and electronic news gathering training
- Hands-on experience with student media outlets
- Diverse career paths across media fields
- Concentration in film and media arts
- Motion graphics and film editing coursework
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Skills aimed at a competitive media market
- Concentration in integrated media
- Access to the student-operated radio station
- Emphasis on cultivating ethical relationships
- Preparation to serve as the public face of an organization
- ASHA accredited
- 2.8 GPA minimum for admission
- 2.75 GPA required to graduate
- 25 supervised clinical hours and a capstone course
- On-campus speech and hearing clinics
- Specialty clinics for stuttering and aphasia
- Observation placements in hospitals, schools, and community agencies
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
#5Lafayette, LA · $10,000 – $15,000/yr (est.)
UL Lafayette's Department of Communication covers mass communication with journalism and broadcasting tracks along with a strategic communication major spanning advertising, public relations, and organizational communication. Every communication major studies media design, law, and ethics, completes a senior-year internship, and finishes a capstone for a real client, often through the student-run Cypress Communication Firm. The department also offers professional writing and an ASHA-accredited speech pathology and audiology program. About 53% of students graduate within six years, an institution-wide rate.
- Journalism concentration within the mass communication major
- 18-hour minor required outside the department
- Capstone project, often for an off-campus client
- Senior-year internship required
- Courses in media design, communication law, and ethics
- Student newspaper experience
- Broadcasting concentration
- Broadcast production and media design coursework
- Internship required
- Portfolio development
- Minor required outside the department
- Advertising concentration
- Internship required in the senior year
- Capstone course included
- Courses in communication law and ethics
- Minor required outside communication
- 124 total credit hours
- Concentrations in advertising, organizational communication, and public relations
- Internship required for all majors
- Student-run Cypress Communication Firm
- Student organizations include OCA, PRSSA, and AAF
- Study abroad courses available
- Emphasis on 21st-century workplace writing
- Develops writing, technology, and rhetorical skills
- Prepares students for digital and virtual workplaces
- Internships available
- ASHA accredited
- 120 total credit hours
- Work directly with clients in the on-campus Speech, Language and Hearing Center
- Voice Banking Lab for degenerative conditions
- Eye Tracking Lab for research
- Student chapter of NSSLHA
Xavier University of Louisiana
#6New Orleans, LA · $17,000/yr (est. net price)
Xavier University of Louisiana, the nation's only historically Black Catholic university, builds its communication degrees around service learning, ethics, and leadership. Communication studies majors take coursework in applied communication, culture, and performance, while mass communication majors choose multimedia or strategic communication and public relations tracks and work with student-run outlets and PRSSA. Undergraduates can add a health communication certificate or pursue the university's ASHA-accredited speech pathology program. About 49% of students graduate within six years, an institution-wide figure.
- Concentrations in applied communication, communication and culture, and performance studies
- Service-learning courses required
- Capstone course required
- Honors distinction available
- Double concentration option
- Study abroad encouraged
- Hands-on multimedia training
- Student-run media outlets
- Internship program included
- Concentration declared after core coursework
- Theoretical foundation paired with practical experience
- XUTV and XRadio participation
- PRSSA student association
- Health communication certificate option
- Mass communication minor available
- Concentration declared in sophomore year
- ASHA accredited
- Emphasis on diversity and inclusion
- Clinical training with community partners
Loyola University New Orleans
#7New Orleans, LA · ~$24,000/yr (est.)
Loyola University New Orleans houses its mass communication degrees in a dedicated College of Music and Media, with concentrations in journalism, advertising, public relations, strategic communication, and visual communication. Students report for The Maroon, work in the Multimedia Center and Digital Communications Hub, and can finish in three years through the Degree in Three option. A fully online communication bachelor's is also available and accepts up to 90 transfer credits. About 59% of students graduate within six years, an institution-wide rate.
- Concentrations in journalism, advertising, and public relations
- Also available online
- Access to the Multimedia Center and Digital Communications Hub
- Degree in Three option
- Center for Environmental Communication
- Internships at national news networks
- Crisis management and reputation coursework
- Award-winning program
- PRSSA involvement for networking
- Faculty with industry experience
- 120 credit hours, 100% online
- 39 major-specific credits
- Up to 90 transfer credits accepted
- ACEJMC accredited
- Internship included
- Electives in podcasting, TV news producing, and sports promotion
- 120 semester credit hours
- Practical journalism skills
- Academic minor required
- 2.0 GPA requirement
- Internship opportunities
- Online and campus options
- Multimedia learning approach
- Hands-on media laboratory experience
- Online and campus options
- Three-year degree option
- Multiple minor options
- Real-world media experience
- Hands-on strategic communication training
- Multimedia center for real-world experience
- Prepares strategists and storytellers
McNeese State University
#8Lake Charles, LA · $10,000 – $15,000/yr (est.)
McNeese State in Lake Charles offers a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication with concentrations in journalism, public relations, integrated digital media, and sports and entertainment communication. Client-based projects and a required internship are built into the curriculum, and students gain extra experience through the Poke Press publication and the award-winning speech and debate team. About 47% of students graduate within six years, an institution-wide figure.
- Four concentration options
- 120 total credit hours
- Four-year, in-person format
- Internship required before graduation
- Client-based projects with community organizations
- Poke Press online publication
- Speech and Debate team
- PRSSA and SPJ connections
- In-person, 120-credit program
- Hands-on client projects
- Required internship
- Small class sizes
- Covers digital media, media law, video production, and web design
- Crisis communication and media relations coursework
- Required internship
- Service-based classes with community clients
- Social media management training
- Video production and web page design
- Media law and media research methods
- Required internship
- Diversity in media focus
- 120 total credit hours
- Required internship in communication
- Writing for strategic communication
- Media law and ethics
- Senior seminar in professional practices
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
#9Natchitoches, LA · $10,000 – $15,000/yr (est.)
Northwestern State in Natchitoches puts production tools in students' hands early: NSU TV, a student radio station, The Current Sauce newspaper, editing labs with field equipment, and ESPN+ broadcast opportunities. Concentrations cover journalism, broadcast and digital media production, sports media, and strategic communication, taught by faculty who worked in professional media. Graduates move into roles such as advertising manager, press relations specialist, and social media manager. About 43% of students graduate within six years, an institution-wide rate.
- Three concentration options
- Hands-on work in studios, publications, and media labs
- Portfolio and internship built into the degree
- Faculty are former media professionals
- Prepares students for advertising manager and social media manager roles
- Multimedia storytelling skills
- Digital content creation focus
- Practical journalism experience
- Media ethics training
- Campus-based broadcast concentration
- Digital media skills training
- Multimedia production focus
- Comprehensive media arts curriculum
- NSU TV studio access
- Student-run radio station
- Editing labs and field equipment kits
- ESPN+ production opportunities
- Live broadcast and podcast production
- Annual JaM Day student showcase
- Sports media concentration
- ESPN+ production experience
- Professional-grade equipment and field kits
- Live broadcast experience
- Documentary screening series
- Strategic communication concentration
- NSU TV studio and campus radio access
- The Current Sauce newspaper
- Podcast and digital platform training
- Campaign leadership and content creation skills
Louisiana State University-Shreveport
#10Shreveport, LA · ~$7,000/yr (est.)
LSU Shreveport keeps its mass communication degree close to practice, with concentrations in journalism and public relations and a curriculum covering video production, reporting, news writing, editing, media ethics, and social networking. Students get internships, on-campus studio work, and student media organizations, and faculty bring industry experience to the classroom. The university awards roughly $12.4 million in scholarships each year. About 38% of students graduate within six years, an institution-wide figure.
- Two concentration options
- Four-year program for first-time freshmen
- Hands-on internships
- On-campus media studio and student media organizations
- Faculty with industry experience
- Scholarships available
- Concentrations in journalism and public relations
- Four-year, in-person program
- Extensive internship opportunities
- More than 70 student clubs on campus
- Faculty with professional media experience
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.
- LSU Shreveport offers a fully online mass communication degree at roughly $7,300 per year, one of the lowest tuition rates on our list.
- Online formats let students in rural parishes across north and southwest Louisiana earn a degree without relocating to a metro area.
- Working professionals can complete coursework on their own schedule, making it easier to balance a job, family, and degree progress.
- Loyola University New Orleans notes its mass communication program is also available online, giving students access to a private university curriculum remotely.
- Most ranked programs, including LSU, Tulane, UL Lafayette, McNeese, and Northwestern State, are campus only, limiting options for fully remote learners.
- On-campus students benefit from hands-on media labs, production studios, and client projects that are difficult to replicate in an online environment.
- Programs in New Orleans and Baton Rouge offer direct proximity to internships at local TV stations, PR firms, and ad agencies in two of the South's most active media markets.
- Campus-based networking with classmates, faculty who are former media professionals, and student organizations like PRSSA can accelerate early career momentum.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Do I need a fully online program, or can I commute to a campus near a Louisiana media hub?
Living near New Orleans or Baton Rouge opens doors to in-person internships at TV stations, agencies, and PR firms. If you are outside those markets or working full-time, a fully online program may serve you better.
Am I drawn to a specific concentration, or do I want a broader generalist degree?
Tracks like mass communication or public relations build targeted skills for newsrooms and agencies, while a generalist path keeps options open across corporate, nonprofit, and creative roles.
How do I weigh net price against likely earnings after graduation?
A lower sticker price is appealing, but programs with stronger reported earnings outcomes can pay back faster. Compare both numbers side by side before committing.
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.
| School | Approx. Net Price | In-State Tuition | Format | 10-Year Median Earnings (Institution-Wide) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana State University-Shreveport | $7,022 | $7,327 | Online | $47,477 |
| Louisiana Tech University | $11,864 | $10,125 | On-Campus | $52,279 |
| McNeese State University | $12,493 | $8,489 | On-Campus | $46,453 |
| Nicholls State University | $12,947 | $8,149 | On-Campus | $45,454 |
| Louisiana Christian University | $13,113 | $20,266 | On-Campus | $51,700 |
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
Still weighing your options? These answers cover the questions working professionals ask most often about earning a communication degree in Louisiana, from rankings and costs to online access and career payoff.
More Louisiana Communication Programs to Consider
Louisiana's communication offerings extend well beyond the schools in our ranked list. The directory below covers six additional campuses, organized by region, with notes on format, concentrations, and average net price so you can compare options across the state.
Central Louisiana
Louisiana Christian University
Greater Baton Rouge
Southern University and A & M College
Bayou Region
Nicholls State University
Northshore
Southeastern Louisiana University
Greater New Orleans
Dillard University
North Louisiana
Grambling State University
Bachelors by State
Southeast11
Northeast11
Midwest12
Southwest4
DC & Territories1
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