Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management at Loyola University New Orleans

Loyola's arts management program faces the challenge that plagues many creative industry degrees: a rough first year out of college. With initial earnings of just $20,257 against $27,000 in debt, graduates need more than a year's salary to cover their student loans—a worrying starting point even for a field known for modest pay.

The positive development is substantial earnings growth. By year four, median pay climbs to $38,153, well above the national median of $28,357 for this degree. That 88% jump suggests graduates find their footing in New Orleans' tourism, hospitality, and cultural sectors, even if the initial entry points—likely internships, assistant roles, or gig work—pay poorly. Interestingly, while this program ranks only in the 13th percentile nationally, it sits at the 60th percentile among Louisiana programs, though this comparison has limited value since Louisiana has few such programs overall.

The core question is whether your child can weather that difficult first year financially. If they'll need to live independently immediately after graduation, $20,257 won't stretch far even in New Orleans. Graduates who can lean on family support or roommates while building their careers will fare better. For families banking on immediate return on investment, this program's delayed payoff makes it a stretch—particularly when the debt load is higher than 95% of comparable programs nationally.