2026 Best Value Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication Schools in California

1

Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA

For return on investment in public relations, advertising, & applied communication, no school beat Azusa Pacific University this year. Azusa Pacific University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Azusa. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,458. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $18,493 in student loans. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of Azusa Pacific University earn a median of $58,302 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Azusa Pacific University admits about 88% of applicants.

2

California Baptist University
Riverside, CA

A rank of #2 makes California Baptist University one of the best values for public relations, advertising, & applied communication. Set in the city of Riverside, California Baptist University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,228 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,718 to complete the public relations, advertising, & applied communication program here. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $49,165. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California Baptist University admits about 85% of applicants.

3

Biola University
La Mirada, CA

Biola University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value public relations, advertising, & applied communication schools. Set in the suburb of La Mirada, Biola University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $48,984 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $21,104. Soon after graduation, public relations, advertising, & applied communication degree recipients from Biola University generally make around $36,319. That is a strong return on a $21,104 median debt. Biola University admits about 74% of applicants.

4

National University
San Diego, CA

National University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value public relations, advertising, & applied communication schools. National University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of San Diego. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,284. Students borrow a median of $30,622 to complete the public relations, advertising, & applied communication program here. Soon after graduation, public relations, advertising, & applied communication degree recipients from National University generally make around $50,070. That is a strong return on a $30,622 median debt.

5

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California is a great value for students pursuing a degree in public relations, advertising, & applied communication, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. Students borrow a median of $20,251 to complete the public relations, advertising, & applied communication program here. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $50,338. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 10% of applicants are accepted.

6

Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA

Pepperdine University placed #6 among the best values for public relations, advertising, & applied communication. Located in the suburb of Malibu, Pepperdine University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $69,918. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the public relations, advertising, & applied communication program here. Soon after graduation, public relations, advertising, & applied communication degree recipients from Pepperdine University generally make around $45,988. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Pepperdine University admits about 63% of applicants.

7

Chapman University
Orange, CA

Chapman University placed #7 among the best values for public relations, advertising, & applied communication. Located in the city of Orange, Chapman University is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,984. Students borrow a median of $22,625 to complete the public relations, advertising, & applied communication program here. Soon after graduation, public relations, advertising, & applied communication degree recipients from Chapman University generally make around $40,141. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 65%.