2027 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/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 78 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value public relations, advertising, & applied communication schools.
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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
For return on investment in public relations, advertising, & applied communication, no school beat Utah Valley University this year. Utah Valley University is a very large public school located in the city of Orem. Students from in state pay about $6,507 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,489. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $16,478 in student loans. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $51,242. Set against $16,478 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication will find it at Florida State University, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Tallahassee, Florida State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,517, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $13,849. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of Florida State University earn a median of $41,060 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida State University admits about 24% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of South Florida Main Campus earned it the #3 place for public relations, advertising, & applied communication. Set in the city of Tampa, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $17,082 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public relations, advertising, & applied communication degree recipients from University Of South Florida Main Campus generally make around $34,105. Set against $17,082 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 43%.
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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,565, while out-of-state students pay about $18,964. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $34,435. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #5 makes University Of Central Florida one of the best values for public relations, advertising, & applied communication. Set in the suburb of Orlando, University Of Central Florida is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,368, 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. Roughly 40% of applicants are accepted.
Northern Kentucky University landed the #6 spot for public relations, advertising, & applied communication value this year. Northern Kentucky University is a large public school located in the suburb of Highland Heights. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,088, compared with $21,912 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $24,225. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $52,565. Set against $24,225 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%.
Arkansas State University Main Campus placed #7 among the best values for public relations, advertising, & applied communication. Set in the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,090, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $23,250. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $40,812. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
Washington State University landed the #8 spot for public relations, advertising, & applied communication value this year. Located in the town of Pullman, Washington State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington State University admits about 87% of applicants.
University Of Memphis ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best value public relations, advertising, & applied communication schools. Located in the city of Memphis, University Of Memphis is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,728 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the public relations, advertising, & applied communication program here. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $39,819. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%.
Suny College At Buffalo earned the #10 position for value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication this year. Suny College At Buffalo is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Buffalo. In-state tuition and fees average $8,533, while out-of-state students pay about $19,653. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $25,257 in student loans. 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 Houston landed the #11 spot for public relations, advertising, & applied communication value 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, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Students borrow a median of $23,800 to complete the public relations, advertising, & applied communication program here. Soon after graduation, public relations, advertising, & applied communication degree recipients from University Of Houston generally make around $42,472. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants.
University Of Wisconsin River Falls landed the #12 spot for public relations, advertising, & applied communication value this year. Located in the town of River Falls, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,008, with out-of-state students paying around $17,470. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $24,245. 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.
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh earned the #13 position 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. 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. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Ball State University came in at #14 for value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication this year. 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, compared with $29,630 for out-of-state students. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $23,879 in student loans. 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 North Texas placed #15 among the best values for public relations, advertising, & applied communication. Set in the city of Denton, University Of North Texas is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $21,817 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public relations, advertising, & applied communication degree recipients from University Of North Texas generally make around $49,157. That is a strong return on a $21,817 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%.
Kennesaw State University earned the #16 position for value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication this year. Kennesaw State University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Kennesaw. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,808, while out-of-state students pay about $17,736. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the public relations, advertising, & applied communication program here. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $41,460. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kennesaw State University admits about 69% of applicants.
Albion College came in at #17 for value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication this year. Set in the town of Albion, Albion College is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $56,950. Students borrow a median of $26,254 to complete the public relations, advertising, & applied communication program here. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $40,829. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Albion College admits about 81% of applicants.
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #18 for value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication this year. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a very large public school located in the city of Lincoln. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $23,258 in student loans. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $42,168. Set against $23,258 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants.
University Of Louisiana Lafayette came in at #19 for value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication this year. Set in the city of Lafayette, University Of Louisiana Lafayette is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,418 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,146 for out-of-state students. 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. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. University Of Louisiana Lafayette admits about 87% of applicants.
University Of Arkansas placed #20 among the best values for public relations, advertising, & applied communication. University Of Arkansas is a very large public school located in the city of Fayetteville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $24,019. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $52,555. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%.
North Dakota State University Main Campus earned the #21 position for value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication this year. Set in the city of Fargo, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of North Dakota State University Main Campus earn a median of $39,223 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants.
University Of Sacred Heart ranked #22 on our 2027 list of the best value public relations, advertising, & applied communication schools. Set in the city of Santurce, University Of Sacred Heart is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees. 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. That is a strong return on a $12,375 median debt. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.
Central Connecticut State University earned the #23 position for value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication this year. Located in the suburb of New Britain, Central Connecticut State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $13,050 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,550 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $22,625. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of Central Connecticut State University earn a median of $35,444 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,625 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%.
Grand Valley State University ranked #24 on our 2027 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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,502, compared with $21,894 for out-of-state students. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $26,377 in student loans. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $38,172. Set against $26,377 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 83%.
Missouri State University Springfield earned the #25 position for value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication this year. Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public school located in the city of Springfield. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $23,329 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public relations, advertising, & applied communication degree recipients from Missouri State University Springfield generally make around $40,178. That is a strong return on a $23,329 median debt. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication Schools
These schools also delivered strong value for public relations, advertising, & applied communication this year:
Other Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication Degree Levels
Explore the best-value public relations, advertising, & applied communication schools at other degree levels:
View All Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication Rankings >
Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 78 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 78 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.
