by our College Data Analytics Team
[Advertising](/majors/communication-journalism-media/public-relations-advertising/advertising/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 4 schools to find the best return on investment for advertising students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the advertising degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Ferris State University, our #1 best value for advertising in Michigan. Located in the town of Big Rapids, Ferris State University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,778. Typical student debt for advertising graduates is $22,580. Advertising graduates of Ferris State University earn a median of $54,608 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,580 median debt. Ferris State University admits about 91% of applicants.
Western Michigan University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in advertising, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,987 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the advertising program here. Advertising graduates of Western Michigan University earn a median of $37,718 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Western Michigan University admits about 85% of applicants.
Central Michigan University came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value advertising schools. Located in the town of Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. Typical student debt for advertising graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, advertising degree recipients from Central Michigan University generally make around $40,346. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in advertising will find it at Michigan State University, which ranked #4. Located in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Students borrow a median of $23,899 to complete the advertising program here. Soon after graduation, advertising degree recipients from Michigan State University generally make around $45,158. Set against $23,899 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.