2027 Best Value Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication Schools
[Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication](/majors/communication-journalism-media/public-relations-advertising/public-relations-advertising-and-applied-communication/) 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 94 schools to find the best return on investment for public relations, advertising, & applied communication students.
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Finding the Best Value Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication School for You
The right public relations, advertising, & applied communication school can pay off for years to come. That is why we developed our Best Value Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication Schools ranking. We score each school on the balance of tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the best value.
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Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we offer several rankings, including this Best Value Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication Schools list, to help you choose. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.
To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.
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2027 Best Value Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication Schools in the United States
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the public relations, advertising, & applied communication degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication Schools
Leading the list is Utah Valley University, our #1 best value for public relations, advertising, & applied communication in the United States. Set in the city of Orem, Utah Valley University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,507, while out-of-state students pay about $18,489. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $16,478. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of Utah Valley University earn a median of $51,242 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #2 makes Florida State University one of the best values for public relations, advertising, & applied communication. Set in the city of Tallahassee, Florida State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,517, compared with $21,683 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $13,849. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $46,391. That is a strong return on a $13,849 median debt. Florida State University admits about 24% of applicants.
University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value public relations, advertising, & applied communication schools. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Tampa. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $17,082 in student loans. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of University Of South Florida Main Campus earn a median of $34,105 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication will find it at Florida International University, which ranked #4. Florida International University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Miami. Students from in state pay about $6,565 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,964. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $12,000. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of Florida International University earn a median of $34,435 early in their careers. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication will find it at University Of Michigan Dearborn, which ranked #5. University Of Michigan Dearborn is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Dearborn. In-state tuition and fees average $15,640, compared with $32,896 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,516 to complete the public relations, advertising, & applied communication program here. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of University Of Michigan Dearborn earn a median of $62,536 early in their careers. Set against $26,516 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Michigan Dearborn admits about 56% of applicants.
University Of Central Florida came in at #6 for value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication this year. Located in the suburb of Orlando, University Of Central Florida is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,368 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,467 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,750 to complete the public relations, advertising, & applied communication program here. Soon after graduation, public relations, advertising, & applied communication degree recipients from University Of Central Florida generally make around $37,388. That is a strong return on a $18,750 median debt. University Of Central Florida admits about 40% of applicants.
Palomar College placed #7 among the best values for public relations, advertising, & applied communication. Located in the suburb of San Marcos, Palomar College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,354, with out-of-state students paying around $10,650. Median earnings reach $42,300 ten years out.
The University Of West Florida came in at #8 for value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication this year. Set in the rural area of Pensacola, The University Of West Florida is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,776, compared with $18,658 for out-of-state students. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $19,677 in student loans. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $52,014. Set against $19,677 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.
University Of North Florida placed #9 among the best values for public relations, advertising, & applied communication. University Of North Florida is a large public school located in the city of Jacksonville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,964, while out-of-state students pay about $19,407. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $18,523. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $48,628. Set against $18,523 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Florida admits about 53% of applicants.
Northern Kentucky University landed the #10 spot for public relations, advertising, & applied communication value this year. Set in the suburb of Highland Heights, Northern Kentucky University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,088, while out-of-state students pay about $21,912. Students borrow a median of $24,225 to complete the public relations, advertising, & applied communication program here. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $52,565. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
Washington State University ranked #11 on our 2027 list of the best value public relations, advertising, & applied communication schools. Washington State University is a very large public school located in the town of Pullman. In-state tuition and fees average $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $20,500. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of Washington State University earn a median of $45,820 early in their careers. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.
Arkansas State University Main Campus landed the #12 spot for public relations, advertising, & applied communication value this year. Set in the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,090 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete the public relations, advertising, & applied communication program here. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of Arkansas State University Main Campus earn a median of $40,812 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.
Saint Peters College came in at #13 for value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication this year. Located in the city of Jersey City, Saint Peters College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $42,552. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $22,969 in student loans. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of Saint Peters College earn a median of $50,944 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis ranked #14 on our 2027 list of the best value public relations, advertising, & applied communication schools. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public school located in the city of Indianapolis. Students from in state pay about $10,762 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,891 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,146 to complete the public relations, advertising, & applied communication program here. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $56,930. Set against $23,146 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis admits about 76% of applicants.
El Paso Community College came in at #15 for value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication this year. El Paso Community College is a very large public school located in the city of El Paso. In-state tuition and fees average $3,274, with out-of-state students paying around $5,314. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $8,542 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public relations, advertising, & applied communication degree recipients from El Paso Community College generally make around $29,086. Set against $8,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Arkansas Tech University came in at #16 for value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication this year. Set in the town of Russellville, Arkansas Tech University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,674, compared with $14,668 for out-of-state students. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $23,257 in student loans. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of Arkansas Tech University earn a median of $45,115 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Memphis ranked #17 on our 2027 list of the best value public relations, advertising, & applied communication schools. Set in the city of Memphis, University Of Memphis is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,728 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $25,000. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of University Of Memphis earn a median of $39,819 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Mississippi Main Campus landed the #18 spot for public relations, advertising, & applied communication value this year. Located in the town of University, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,772, while out-of-state students pay about $28,600. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $22,444. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of University Of Mississippi Main Campus earn a median of $43,057 early in their careers. Set against $22,444 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Mississippi Main Campus admits about 97% of applicants.
University Of Delaware ranked #19 on our 2027 list of the best value public relations, advertising, & applied communication schools. Located in the suburb of Newark, University Of Delaware is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,861 to complete the public relations, advertising, & applied communication program here. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of University Of Delaware earn a median of $54,155 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,861 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.
Suny College At Buffalo placed #20 among the best values for public relations, advertising, & applied communication. Located in the city of Buffalo, Suny College At Buffalo is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,533, with out-of-state students paying around $19,653. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $25,257. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of Suny College At Buffalo earn a median of $39,412 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,257 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%.
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh came in at #21 for value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication this year. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a large public school located in the city of Oshkosh. Students from in state pay about $8,532 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh earn a median of $46,039 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Houston earned the #22 position for value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication this year. Set in the city of Houston, University Of Houston is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Students borrow a median of $23,800 to complete the public relations, advertising, & applied communication program here. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of University Of Houston earn a median of $42,472 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,800 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Wisconsin River Falls landed the #23 spot for public relations, advertising, & applied communication value this year. Set in the town of River Falls, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,008 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,470. Students borrow a median of $24,245 to complete the public relations, advertising, & applied communication program here. Soon after graduation, public relations, advertising, & applied communication degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin River Falls generally make around $47,577. Set against $24,245 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin River Falls admits about 82% of applicants.
Middle Georgia State University landed the #24 spot for public relations, advertising, & applied communication value this year. Located in the city of Macon, Middle Georgia State University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,038, while out-of-state students pay about $16,390. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $26,976. Soon after graduation, public relations, advertising, & applied communication degree recipients from Middle Georgia State University generally make around $48,207. Set against $26,976 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted.
Ball State University landed the #25 spot for public relations, advertising, & applied communication value this year. Located in the city of Muncie, Ball State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,082 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $23,879. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of Ball State University earn a median of $38,020 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ball State University admits about 86% of applicants.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication Schools
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication:
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced 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 · 94 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 94 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
