2027 Best Value Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication Master’s Degree 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.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 33 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for public relations, advertising, & applied communication students.
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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 Florida State University this year. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $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 $51,722 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted.
The University Of West Florida is a great value for students pursuing a degree in public relations, advertising, & applied communication, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the rural area of Pensacola, The University Of West Florida is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,776 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,658. 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. That is a strong return on a $19,677 median debt. The acceptance rate is 58%.
University Of North Florida came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value public relations, advertising, & applied communication schools. Located in the city of Jacksonville, University Of North Florida is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,964, compared with $19,407 for out-of-state students. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $18,523 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public relations, advertising, & applied communication degree recipients from University Of North Florida generally make around $48,628. That is a strong return on a $18,523 median debt. Roughly 53% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication will find it at Saint Peters College, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Jersey City, Saint Peters College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,552. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $22,969. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $50,944. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Peters College admits about 90% of applicants.
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best value public relations, advertising, & applied communication schools. Located in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,762, 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. Soon after graduation, public relations, advertising, & applied communication degree recipients from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis generally make around $56,930. That is a strong return on a $23,146 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
Arkansas State University Main Campus landed the #6 spot for public relations, advertising, & applied communication value this year. Located in the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,090, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete the public relations, advertising, & applied communication program here. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $40,812. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Mississippi Main Campus landed the #7 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. Students from in state pay about $9,772 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,600. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $22,444. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $43,057. That is a strong return on a $22,444 median debt. The acceptance rate is 97%.
University Of Delaware landed the #8 spot for public relations, advertising, & applied communication value this year. Set in the suburb of Newark, University Of Delaware is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $24,861. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of University Of Delaware earn a median of $54,155 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.
Middle Georgia State University came in at #9 for value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication this year. Set in the city of Macon, Middle Georgia State University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. That is a strong return on a $26,976 median debt. Middle Georgia State University admits about 100% of applicants.
University Of North Texas landed the #10 spot for public relations, advertising, & applied communication value this year. Located in the city of Denton, University Of North Texas is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,309 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $21,817. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of University Of North Texas earn a median of $49,157 early in their careers. Set against $21,817 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
Ball State University earned the #11 position 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Students borrow a median of $23,879 to complete the public relations, advertising, & applied communication program here. Soon after graduation, public relations, advertising, & applied communication degree recipients from Ball State University generally make around $38,020. That is a strong return on a $23,879 median debt. Ball State University admits about 86% of applicants.
Kennesaw State University landed the #12 spot for public relations, advertising, & applied communication value this year. Located in the suburb of Kennesaw, Kennesaw State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,808, compared with $17,736 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $26,000. Soon after graduation, public relations, advertising, & applied communication degree recipients from Kennesaw State University generally make around $41,460. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted.
Bellevue University ranked #13 on our 2027 list of the best value public relations, advertising, & applied communication schools. Set in the suburb of Bellevue, Bellevue University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,873. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $27,852 in student loans. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of Bellevue University earn a median of $61,548 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Central Connecticut State University earned the #14 position for value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication this year. Central Connecticut State University is a large public school located in the suburb of New Britain. In-state tuition and fees average $13,050, with out-of-state students paying around $16,550. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $22,625 in student loans. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of Central Connecticut State University earn a median of $35,444 early in their careers. Set against $22,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Sacred Heart ranked #15 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. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $12,375. Soon after graduation, public relations, advertising, & applied communication degree recipients from University Of Sacred Heart generally make around $32,818. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 58%.
Texas Tech University came in at #16 for value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication this year. Located in the city of Lubbock, Texas Tech University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public relations, advertising, & applied communication degree recipients from Texas Tech University generally make around $59,124. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%.
Pennsylvania State University World Campus ranked #17 on our 2027 list of the best value public relations, advertising, & applied communication schools. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,356. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $24,693. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of Pennsylvania State University World Campus earn a median of $50,587 early in their careers. Set against $24,693 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%.
Michigan State University landed the #18 spot for public relations, advertising, & applied communication value this year. Michigan State University is a very large public school located in the city of East Lansing. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $23,899 in student loans. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $54,166. That is a strong return on a $23,899 median debt. Michigan State University admits about 85% of applicants.
University Of Oregon ranked #19 on our 2027 list of the best value public relations, advertising, & applied communication schools. University Of Oregon is a very large public school located in the city of Eugene. In-state tuition and fees average $15,320, compared with $42,516 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the public relations, advertising, & applied communication program here. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of University Of Oregon earn a median of $66,763 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
Rowan University landed the #20 spot for public relations, advertising, & applied communication value this year. Set in the suburb of Glassboro, Rowan University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,574, with out-of-state students paying around $26,932. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $23,125. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $35,116. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rowan University admits about 78% of applicants.
National University landed the #21 spot for public relations, advertising, & applied communication value this year. Set in the city of San Diego, National University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. 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. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of National University earn a median of $50,070 early in their careers. Set against $30,622 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
California Baptist University landed the #22 spot for public relations, advertising, & applied communication value this year. Set in the city of Riverside, California Baptist University is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,228. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $22,718. Soon after graduation, public relations, advertising, & applied communication degree recipients from California Baptist University generally make around $65,547. Set against $22,718 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
Saint Bonaventure University came in at #23 for value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication this year. Saint Bonaventure University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Saint Bonaventure. Students from in state pay about $41,735 in tuition and fees. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $25,917 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public relations, advertising, & applied communication degree recipients from Saint Bonaventure University generally make around $43,190. Set against $25,917 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%.
University Of Southern California placed #24 among the best values for public relations, advertising, & applied communication. University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Los Angeles. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,647. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $20,251 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public relations, advertising, & applied communication degree recipients from University Of Southern California generally make around $50,634. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 10%.
Belmont University ranked #25 on our 2027 list of the best value public relations, advertising, & applied communication schools. Set in the city of Nashville, Belmont University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $42,540 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $23,447. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $49,699. Set against $23,447 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%.
Rest of the Top 33 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
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
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 · 33 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 33 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.
