2026 Best Value Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication Bachelor’s Degree Schools
[Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication](/majors/communication-journalism-media/public-relations-advertising/public-relations-advertising-and-applied-communication/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong public relations, advertising, & applied communication education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 208 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value public relations, advertising, & applied communication schools.
What’s on this page:
2026 Best Value Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication Schools in the United States
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication Schools
Utah Valley University tops our 2026 list of the best value public relations, advertising, & applied communication schools in the United States. Utah Valley University is a very large public school located in the city of Orem. 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. Set against $16,478 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Florida State University earned it the #2 place for public relations, advertising, & applied communication. Set in the city of Tallahassee, Florida State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,517, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $13,849. Soon after graduation, public relations, advertising, & applied communication degree recipients from Florida State University generally make around $41,060. That is a strong return on a $13,849 median debt. Florida State University admits about 24% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes University Of South Florida Main Campus one of the best values for public relations, advertising, & applied communication. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Tampa. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $17,082. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $34,105. Set against $17,082 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication will find it at University Of Central Florida, which ranked #4. Located in the suburb of Orlando, University Of Central Florida is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,368, with out-of-state students paying around $22,467. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $18,750. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of University Of Central Florida earn a median of $37,388 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 40%.
Florida International University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value public relations, advertising, & applied communication schools. Set in the suburb of Miami, Florida International University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,565, while out-of-state students pay about $18,964. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $12,000. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $34,435. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.
Northern Kentucky University came in at #6 for value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication 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, with out-of-state students paying around $21,912. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $24,225 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public relations, advertising, & applied communication degree recipients from Northern Kentucky University generally make around $52,565. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
Washington State University ranked #7 on our 2026 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. Students from in state pay about $13,391 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $45,820. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%.
Arkansas State University Main Campus ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value public relations, advertising, & applied communication schools. Located in the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,090 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. 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%.
Western Kentucky University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value public relations, advertising, & applied communication schools. Located in the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,652, compared with $27,000 for out-of-state students. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $35,534. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%.
University Of Houston landed the #10 spot for public relations, advertising, & applied communication value this year. Located in the city of Houston, University Of Houston is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, 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. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $42,472. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%.
University Of Memphis came in at #11 for value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication this year. Set in the city of Memphis, University Of Memphis is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,728, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $39,819. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%.
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh came in at #12 for value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication this year. Set in the city of Oshkosh, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,532, compared with $16,446 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $24,000. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh earn a median of $46,039 early in their careers. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Oakland University earned the #13 position for value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication this year. Set in the suburb of Rochester Hills, Oakland University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,167, with out-of-state students paying around $24,735. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $24,975. Soon after graduation, public relations, advertising, & applied communication degree recipients from Oakland University generally make around $40,299. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%.
University Of Wisconsin River Falls placed #14 among the best values for public relations, advertising, & applied communication. University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of River Falls. Students from in state pay about $9,008 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,470 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $24,245. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $47,577. Set against $24,245 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin River Falls admits about 82% of applicants.
Ball State University placed #15 among the best values for public relations, advertising, & applied communication. Set in the city of Muncie, Ball State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,082, 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. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Arkansas landed the #16 spot for public relations, advertising, & applied communication value this year. University Of Arkansas is a very large public school located in the city of Fayetteville. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $24,019 in student loans. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of University Of Arkansas earn a median of $52,555 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas admits about 74% of applicants.
University Of Kentucky landed the #17 spot for public relations, advertising, & applied communication value this year. University Of Kentucky is a very large public school located in the city of Lexington. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,502, compared with $34,140 for out-of-state students. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $24,625 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public relations, advertising, & applied communication degree recipients from University Of Kentucky generally make around $49,568. Set against $24,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%.
University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #18 spot for public relations, advertising, & applied communication value this year. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a very large public school located in the city of Lincoln. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $23,258. Soon after graduation, public relations, advertising, & applied communication degree recipients from University Of Nebraska Lincoln generally make around $42,168. Set against $23,258 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants.
North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value public relations, advertising, & applied communication schools. Located in the city of Fargo, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the public relations, advertising, & applied communication program here. Soon after graduation, public relations, advertising, & applied communication degree recipients from North Dakota State University Main Campus generally make around $39,223. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%.
University Of Southern Mississippi landed the #20 spot for public relations, advertising, & applied communication value this year. University Of Southern Mississippi is a large public school located in the city of Hattiesburg. In-state tuition and fees average $9,998, while out-of-state students pay about $11,998. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $25,415 in student loans. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of University Of Southern Mississippi earn a median of $52,338 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Southern Mississippi admits about 99% of applicants.
University Of Louisiana Lafayette earned the #21 position for value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication this year. Located in the city of Lafayette, University Of Louisiana Lafayette is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,418 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,146. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $26,000. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $34,434. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Louisiana Lafayette admits about 87% of applicants.
University Of Sacred Heart earned the #22 position for value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication this year. University Of Sacred Heart is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Santurce. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410. Students borrow a median of $12,375 to complete the public relations, advertising, & applied communication program here. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of University Of Sacred Heart earn a median of $13,085 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 58%.
Central Connecticut State University placed #23 among the best values for public relations, advertising, & applied communication. Set in the suburb of New Britain, Central Connecticut State University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,050, compared with $16,550 for out-of-state students. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $22,625 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public relations, advertising, & applied communication degree recipients from Central Connecticut State University generally make around $35,444. Set against $22,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Connecticut State University admits about 73% of applicants.
Suny College At Buffalo placed #24 among the best values for public relations, advertising, & applied communication. Suny College At Buffalo is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Buffalo. In-state tuition and fees average $8,533, with out-of-state students paying around $19,653. Students borrow a median of $25,257 to complete the public relations, advertising, & applied communication program here. 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. Suny College At Buffalo admits about 73% of applicants.
Grand Valley State University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value public relations, advertising, & applied communication schools. Set in the town of Allendale, Grand Valley State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,502, compared with $21,894 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,377 to complete the public relations, advertising, & applied communication program here. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $38,172. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication Schools
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s public relations, advertising, & applied communication value ranking:
Other Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication Degree Levels
Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication rankings across degree levels:
View All Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication Rankings >
Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 208 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 52 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.
