2026 Best Public Relations Schools in Iowa
Public Relations is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. The schools below stand out for the quality of their public relations programs.
College Factual analyzed 10 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best public relations schools.
What’s on this page:
Best Schools for Public Relations in Iowa
If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the public relations degrees they offer, see the list below.
Top Schools in Public Relations
Leading the list is Drake University, our #1 school for public relations. Set in the city of Des Moines, Drake University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 73%. There were roughly 23 public relations students who graduated with this degree at Drake University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the public relations program make about $44,492 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,250.
Get the full public relations details for Drake University
Iowa State University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in public relations, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a very large public university. About 75% of students finish within six years. About 45 public relations degrees were awarded at Iowa State University in the most recent year. Public Relations graduates of Iowa State University earn a median of $42,530 early in their careers. Iowa State University graduates carry a median of $24,750 in student loans.
Read more about the public relations program at Iowa State University
A rank of #3 makes University Of Northern Iowa one of the top schools for public relations. Located in the city of Cedar Falls, University Of Northern Iowa is a large public university. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 23 public relations students who graduated with this degree at University Of Northern Iowa in the most recent data year. Graduates of the public relations program make about $43,755 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,096.
More information about a degree in public relations from University Of Northern Iowa
More Public Relations Rankings
View All Public Relations Rankings >
Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 10 schools evaluated.
- 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.
