Journalism at Loyola University New Orleans

Loyola's journalism program stands out sharply in Louisiana, placing graduates in the 80th percentile for earnings statewide—that's nearly $8,000 more than the state median of $29,146. The $37,206 first-year salary also edges above the national 75th percentile, which is notable for a field not known for high starting pay. At $27,000 in debt, graduates face a 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning they owe less than a year's salary—manageable compared to many communications programs.

The caveat here matters: we're looking at fewer than 30 graduates, so individual circumstances could skew these figures significantly. Still, the pattern suggests something's working. Whether it's New Orleans' media market, Loyola's regional connections, or simply motivated students, graduates aren't struggling to land decent entry-level positions. The debt load ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of journalism programs leave students owing more.

For families weighing this against Louisiana Tech (where graduates earn just $21,087), Loyola delivers substantially better outcomes despite higher upfront costs. The debt level is reasonable enough that it shouldn't derail a graduate who's serious about journalism—but make sure your child understands the field's realities before committing.