Communication and Media Studies at Nicholls State University

Thibodaux, LA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
27
Optimistic
27
Base Case
22
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,508/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 12.8x earnings multiple (11.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #492 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Communication and Media Studies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $406K $417K $406K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.4x 12.8x 12.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 11.0x 11.3x 11.0x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 27 22

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,692
Out-of-state: $37,064 (11.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$48,364
-48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
10.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$30,372
3% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $29,508 place Nicholls State University below the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.8x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Communication and Media Studies programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Communication and Media Studies's typical career paths, with 55% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a -0% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $25,000 represents roughly 10 months of the $29,508 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #492 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Nicholls State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $30,372 are relatively flat compared to the $29,508 starting salary — typical of fields with stable but capped salary bands.

About Nicholls State University

Nicholls State University accepts 96% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a compact campus enrolling 4,772 students in Thibodaux, LA.

See all programs and financial aid at Nicholls State University →

Top Career Paths

Public relations managers $138,520/yr
Fundraising managers $123,480/yr
Communications teachers, postsecondary $77,800/yr
View all 10 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Nicholls State University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at Nicholls State University?
A score of 27/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Communication and Media Studies careers?
With 55% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $406,368 in decade earnings vs $406,127 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Communication and Media Studies from Nicholls State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →