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Mental Health Services at Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Natchitoches, LA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $24,340/yr (-37% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (30% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (200,600 openings/yr)

ROI 14.9x earnings multiple (6.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #45 of 48 Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions programs

Program Analysis

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.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Mental Health Services graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$528K	$528K	$497K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	14.9x	14.9x	14.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.7x	6.7x	6.3x
Probability of Field Employment	61%	60%	48%
DegreeOutlook Score	39	38	46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$35,456

Out-of-state: $78,608 (6.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$55,236

-56% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,000

12.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$45,947

89% growth from Year 1

About Northwestern State University of Louisiana

A 94% acceptance rate means Northwestern State University of Louisiana is accessible to most applicants, serving 5,840 students in Natchitoches, LA.

See all programs and financial aid at Northwestern State University of Louisiana →

Top Career Paths

Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr

Genetic counselors $98,910/yr

Clinical and counseling psychologists $95,830/yr

View all 17 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Mental Health Services at Other Schools

Other Majors at Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →