Home Schools Northwestern State University of Louisiana Mental Health Services
Health Professions · Mental Health Services Rank #45 of 48

Mental Health Servicesat Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Graduates earn $24,340/yr in their first year — about 37.0% below the national Mental Health Services average. Base-case 10-year earnings $528K; scenarios range from $497K to $528K depending on AI disruption.

Natchitoches, LA Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
38 AT RISK
39
Optimistic
46
Pessimistic
Earnings
$24,340
1-year post-graduation
ROI
12.0x
Earnings : in-state tuition
10-yr Base
$528K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Moderate
40% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Northwestern State University of Louisiana

This program at Northwestern State of Louisiana often prepares you for essential support roles within the state's mental and social health infrastructure. Many entry-level positions in community services, local non-profits, or state agencies in smaller Louisiana markets provide invaluable experience but may offer compensation aligned with regional economic conditions. To reach the higher earning potential of careers like licensed counselors, psychologists, or even advanced teaching roles, you'll almost certainly need to pursue a master's degree or specialized certifications after graduation. Therefore, consider this bachelor's as a strong foundation, but plan for advanced studies and strategic internships to open doors to more lucrative professional pathways.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$497K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score46/100
Earnings Multiple14.0x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$528K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score38/100
Earnings Multiple14.9x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$528K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score39/100
Earnings Multiple14.9x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Northwestern State University of Louisiana's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Mental Health Services graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
+17.3% 10-yr growth · 27,400 openings/yr
$105,620/yr
Moderate
2
Genetic counselors
+9.3% 10-yr growth · 300 openings/yr
$98,910/yr
High
3
Clinical and counseling psychologists
+11.2% 10-yr growth · 4,800 openings/yr
$95,830/yr
Moderate
4
Psychology teachers, postsecondary
+3.6% 10-yr growth · 4,000 openings/yr
$80,330/yr
Moderate
5
Social work teachers, postsecondary
+2.3% 10-yr growth · 1,300 openings/yr
$76,210/yr
Moderate
6
Social workers, all other
+3.9% 10-yr growth · 7,000 openings/yr
$69,480/yr
Low
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Mental Health Services

How Northwestern State University of Louisiana stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
University of Pennsylvania
PA · Private nonprofit
61
DW Score
$58K
1-yr earn
2.4x
ROI
Top score
Metropolitan State University
MN · Public
68
DW Score
$57K
1-yr earn
14.0x
ROI
Saint Cloud State University
MN · Public
66
DW Score
$50K
1-yr earn
13.9x
ROI
Minnesota State University-Mankato
MN · Public
60
DW Score
$47K
1-yr earn
12.5x
ROI
University of Kansas
KS · Public
64
DW Score
$42K
1-yr earn
13.8x
ROI
Also at Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Other top programs at Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Northwestern State University of Louisiana, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Mental Health Services offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Mental Health Services trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Mental Health Services at Northwestern State University of Louisiana

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Mental Health Services at Northwestern State University of Louisiana?

A score of 38/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Mental Health Services. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.

Is Mental Health Services at Northwestern State University of Louisiana worth the student debt?

Median debt of $25,000 against $24,340/yr starting salary means roughly 1.0 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.

Can you still earn well with Mental Health Services from Northwestern State University of Louisiana?

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.