Communication and Media Studies at Grambling State University

Grambling State's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $27,375—about $7,500 below the national median but right at Louisiana's state median. That 60th percentile state ranking is somewhat misleading given the small pool of in-state options, and it doesn't change the bigger concern: graduates are carrying $36,500 in debt, roughly 50% more than typical for this field nationally and significantly higher than Louisiana's median debt of $24,041.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.33 means graduates face monthly loan payments consuming a substantial portion of their entry-level salaries. While earnings do grow 9% over four years to nearly $30,000, that's modest progress that doesn't fundamentally alter the financial picture. With 72% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are already stretching to afford college—taking on above-average debt for below-average earnings compounds that challenge.

For families considering this program, the math is straightforward: your child will likely owe more and earn less than communications graduates nationally. Louisiana State and other in-state public universities offer meaningfully better outcomes (LSU grads earn $38,426), and the $10,000+ earnings difference would more than justify any additional application effort or modest tuition premium. If Grambling is the choice for other compelling reasons—campus community, proximity to home, specific program features—go in eyes-wide-open about the financial tradeoffs and consider strategies to minimize borrowing.