After a Job Loss, Nicole Earned Her Online Communication Studies Degree

In her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies degree program at NMSU Global Campus, Nicole N. followed an affordable and flexible pathway to achieve academic success at her own pace.

Nicole lost her job at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Like countless others, she found herself at a crossroads. The next chapter of her life was clouded in uncertainty. However, she chose not to remain idle and decided it was time to go back to school.

Five years later, Nicole graduated with a career-ready bachelor’s degree in communication studies from New Mexico State University. ¹ The NMSU Global Campus Blog connected with her during the 2025 Spring Commencement. Asked to describe her journey, Nicole’s initial reply was blunt, honest, and relatable.

“Long,” she said. “It was very long. I started during the pandemic in 2020. It took me five years, but I did take a year off to give myself a little bit of time. Working full-time was a lot. But it’s good. We made it.”

NMSU Global Campus Gave Nicole the Flexibility She Needed

According to Nicole, a resident of Chicago, Illinois, finding a university close to home in 2020 proved to be a difficult task.

“There was no other choice, I think, in Chicago that would have done what NMSU did for me during the pandemic and beyond,” Nicole explained.

Explore 90+ flexible, affordable online programs at NMSU Global Campus.

Nicole needed flexibility to pursue her undergraduate education. For the next few years, between landing and maintaining a new job, she knew she was going to need a nontraditional academic schedule.

“There were a lot of times where I would be commuting to work,” she recalled, “and I would be on my computer in the train, turning in assignments or reading.”

Whether on the move, going to work, or sitting comfortably in her own home, Nicole was able to craft time and space that worked for her. The online learning format NMSU Global Campus provided “made it easy” to complete her assignments on time, no matter where she was.

The flexibility of the coursework, however, did not make online college any less intense.

“There were probably two or three times where I really wanted to give up, mainly because the online courses here are very rigorous,” she said. “It’s just like going to school on campus.”

What kept her going? Nicole explained that it was simply about seeing all the progress she had already made, step by step.

“What kept me going was how far I had already come,” she said. “I was already one year in, then two years, and then three years. It was like, ‘I can’t quit now.’”

Related: Get practical tips for staying motivated in an online degree program from the NMSU Global Campus Blog. ²

Nicole’s Family is Proud She’s an Aggie

Nicole may live in Chicago, but Aggie pride runs deep in the family! “Both of my parents went to NMSU,” she said. “They’re from Las Cruces. My dad graduated in 1977. My mom graduated in ’76. Her brother graduated from there, and all of his siblings as well. My grandfather used to work here at the university in the ’60s. So, it was a natural choice for me to come to this university when I decided it was time.”

Given her family’s strong ties to New Mexico State University, Nicole said she considers her academic success not just a personal milestone, but a familial victory as well: “I’m glad that I could do this, not only for me, but for them, too.”

Nicole Found Personalized Support as an Online Student at NMSU Global Campus

While Nicole studied for her degree while living outside New Mexico, she never once felt alone. From connecting with classmates to receiving advising support, Nicole always felt the online learning community at NMSU Global Campus was with her no matter what.

She had immense praise for her personalized Graduation Team, who guided and supported her every step of the way. ² “There’s someone on this campus who will help get you there,” Nicole said. “Whether it’s financial aid or your [academic] advisor, someone will help you make the path to get you there. If it takes you five years, great. If it takes you four years, also great.  Just get it done and just keep going.”

Asked to elaborate more about financial aid and tuition cost, Nicole was happy to tout NMSU’s affordability and the overall assistance she received from the university. “I received wonderful help from financial aid to make sure I explored all my options so that I wasn’t struggling, and it wasn’t something in the back of my mind.”

Today, with her bachelor’s from NMSU, Nicole is working at Flock Freight, a Chicago-based shipping company. When it comes to her education, she didn’t pump the brakes one bit and is currently working hard to complete her master’s degree.

Given her strong Aggie heritage, Nicole would love to come back to NMSU to teach after completing her graduate program. No matter where her career goes next, though, she’s certain about one thing: “NMSU Global Campus made my dreams possible.”

Take Your Next Step

Ready to follow in the footsteps of successful NMSU Global Campus grads like Nicole N.? Choose from 90+ career-focused online programs and start your application at NMSU Global Campus.

Apply to NMSU Global Campus today. Our online application process takes only about 10 to 15 minutes, and your first application is free. ³

References

1. “Communication Studies Careers: Where This Degree Can Take You.” NMSU Global Campus Blog, 23 April 2026.

2. “Your Guide to Staying Motivated in an Online Degree Program.” NMSU Global Campus Blog, 12 December 2025.

3. “3 Easy Tips to Help You Complete Your Application to NMSU Global Campus.” NMSU Global Campus Blog, 9 June 2025.