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2023 Best Public Relations & Advertising Schools

255 Colleges in the United States
21,099 Public Relations Degrees Awarded
$38,287 Avg Early-Career Salary
A degree in public relations and advertising is more popular than many other degrees. In fact, it ranks #52 out of 395 on popularity of all such degrees in the nation. This means you won't have too much trouble finding schools that offer the degree.

College Factual reviewed 255 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for degree seekers in the field of public relations and advertising. Combined, these schools handed out 21,099 degrees in public relations and advertising to qualified students.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Public Relations & Advertising School

Best Public Relations & Advertising Schools The public relations program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Public Relations & Advertising rankings. In order to come up with a best overall ranking for public relations and advertising schools, we combine our degree-level rankings, weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each level.

You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.

Pick Your Public Relations & Advertising Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Public Relations
Bachelor's Degrees in Public Relations
Master's Degrees in Public Relations
Doctor's Degrees in Public Relations

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we've developed the Best Public Relations & Advertising Schools ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision. You can also filter this list by location to find schools closer to you.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.

More information on how we come up with our rankings can be found here: College Factual's Data Methodology.

Best Schools for Public Relations & Advertising in the United States

Although we recommend filtering by degree level first, you can view the list below to see which schools give the educational experience for the public relations degree levels they offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools in Public Relations

1
Georgetown crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
157 Public Relations Degrees Awarded
$76,798 Median Starting Salary

Any student who is interested in public relations and advertising needs to take a look at Georgetown University. Located in the city of Washington, Georgetown is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #19 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means Georgetown is a great university overall.

There were about 157 public relations and advertising students who graduated with this degree at Georgetown in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the public relations and advertising degree program at Georgetown University make $38,511 more than the standard graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in public relations and advertising from Georgetown University

2
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
178 Public Relations Degrees Awarded
$49,816 Median Starting Salary

University of Southern California is a wonderful decision for students interested in a degree in public relations and advertising. USC is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Los Angeles. A Best Colleges rank of #18 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means USC is a great university overall.

There were roughly 178 public relations and advertising students who graduated with this degree at USC in the most recent year we have data available. Public Relations & Advertising degree recipients from University of Southern California get an earnings boost of around $11,529 above the typical income of public relations and advertising graduates.

More information about a degree in public relations and advertising from University of Southern California

3
Syracuse crest
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
373 Public Relations Degrees Awarded
$50,861 Median Starting Salary

It is difficult to beat Syracuse University if you want to pursue a degree in public relations and advertising. Syracuse is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the midsize city of Syracuse. A Best Colleges rank of #71 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means Syracuse is a great university overall.

There were approximately 373 public relations and advertising students who graduated with this degree at Syracuse in the most recent year we have data available. Those public relations and advertising students who get their degree from Syracuse University make $12,574 more than the typical public relations student.

More information about a degree in public relations and advertising from Syracuse University

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
616 Public Relations Degrees Awarded
0.2% Growth in Graduates

The University of Texas at Austin is one of the best schools in the country for getting a degree in public relations and advertising. Located in the large city of Austin, UT Austin is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #52 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means UT Austin is a great university overall.

There were roughly 616 public relations and advertising students who graduated with this degree at UT Austin in the most recent year we have data available. Those public relations and advertising students who get their degree from The University of Texas at Austin receive $6,322 more than the standard public relations graduate.

More information about a degree in public relations and advertising from The University of Texas at Austin

5
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
114 Public Relations Degrees Awarded
9.6% Growth in Graduates

GWU is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Washington. A Best Colleges rank of #40 out of 2,241 colleges nationwide means GWU is a great university overall.

There were roughly 114 public relations and advertising students who graduated with this degree at GWU in the most recent year we have data available. Public Relations & Advertising degree recipients from George Washington University receive an earnings boost of around $17,414 over the average income of public relations and advertising majors.

More information about a degree in public relations and advertising from George Washington University

6
UF crest
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
409 Public Relations Degrees Awarded
0.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Gainesville, UF is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #65 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means UF is a great university overall.

There were roughly 409 public relations and advertising students who graduated with this degree at UF in the most recent year we have data available. After graduating, public relations degree recipients generally make about $40,235 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in public relations and advertising from University of Florida

7
Boston U crest
Boston University
Boston, MA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
148 Public Relations Degrees Awarded
29.7% Growth in Graduates

Boston U is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Boston. A Best Colleges rank of #41 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means Boston U is a great university overall.

There were approximately 148 public relations and advertising students who graduated with this degree at Boston U in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the public relations and advertising degree program at Boston University get $17,556 above the average college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in public relations and advertising from Boston University

8
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
107 Public Relations Degrees Awarded
$42,606 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of Dallas, SMU is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 4th out of 116 schools for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were approximately 107 public relations and advertising students who graduated with this degree at SMU in the most recent data year. Public Relations & Advertising degree recipients from Southern Methodist University get an earnings boost of around $4,319 over the typical income of public relations and advertising majors.

More information about a degree in public relations and advertising from Southern Methodist University

9
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
54 Public Relations Degrees Awarded
7.4% Growth in Graduates

Northwestern is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the small city of Evanston. A Best Colleges rank of #5 out of 2,241 colleges nationwide means Northwestern is a great university overall.

There were approximately 54 public relations and advertising students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the public relations and advertising major at Northwestern University make $21,511 above the average college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in public relations and advertising from Northwestern University

10
U Miami crest
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
176 Public Relations Degrees Awarded
13.6% Growth in Graduates

Located in the small city of Coral Gables, U Miami is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 77 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were approximately 176 public relations and advertising students who graduated with this degree at U Miami in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the public relations program make about $40,082 for their early career.

More information about a degree in public relations and advertising from University of Miami

11
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
247 Public Relations Degrees Awarded
$54,541 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Champaign, UIUC is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #44 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means UIUC is a great university overall.

There were about 247 public relations and advertising students who graduated with this degree at UIUC in the most recent year we have data available. Those public relations and advertising students who get their degree from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign make $16,254 more than the typical public relations graduate.

More information about a degree in public relations and advertising from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

12
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
384 Public Relations Degrees Awarded
$40,201 Median Starting Salary

Located in the midsize city of Athens, UGA is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #79 out of 2,241 colleges nationwide means UGA is a great university overall.

There were approximately 384 public relations and advertising students who graduated with this degree at UGA in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the public relations program state that they receive average early career wages of $40,201.

More information about a degree in public relations and advertising from University of Georgia

13
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
148 Public Relations Degrees Awarded
26.4% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large suburb of Malibu, Pepperdine is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 19th out of 170 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were roughly 148 public relations and advertising students who graduated with this degree at Pepperdine in the most recent year we have data available. Those public relations and advertising students who get their degree from Pepperdine University earn $8,493 more than the standard public relations student.

More information about a degree in public relations and advertising from Pepperdine University

14
Graduate Certificate Highest Degree Type
262 Public Relations Degrees Awarded
11.1% Growth in Graduates

UNL is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Lincoln. This university ranks 1st out of 19 schools for overall quality in the state of Nebraska.

There were approximately 262 public relations and advertising students who graduated with this degree at UNL in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the public relations program state that they receive average early career wages of $39,532.

More information about a degree in public relations and advertising from University of Nebraska - Lincoln

15
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In NC
159 Public Relations Degrees Awarded

Located in the suburb of Elon, Elon is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. This university ranks 4th out of 93 colleges for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were roughly 159 public relations and advertising students who graduated with this degree at Elon in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in public relations and advertising from Elon University

16
Michigan State crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
588 Public Relations Degrees Awarded
10.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 57 schools for overall quality in the state of Michigan.

There were roughly 588 public relations and advertising students who graduated with this degree at Michigan State in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the public relations program report average early career wages of $38,973.

More information about a degree in public relations and advertising from Michigan State University

17
The American University crest
American University
Washington, DC
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
125 Public Relations Degrees Awarded
$48,123 Median Starting Salary

The American University is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Washington. A Best Colleges rank of #80 out of 2,241 colleges nationwide means The American University is a great university overall.

There were roughly 125 public relations and advertising students who graduated with this degree at The American University in the most recent data year. Those public relations and advertising students who get their degree from American University receive $9,836 more than the average public relations student.

More information about a degree in public relations and advertising from American University

18
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
609 Public Relations Degrees Awarded
17.1% Growth in Graduates

UO is a very large public university located in the medium-sized city of Eugene. This university ranks 1st out of 31 colleges for overall quality in the state of Oregon.

There were approximately 609 public relations and advertising students who graduated with this degree at UO in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the public relations program make about $36,861 for their early career.

More information about a degree in public relations and advertising from University of Oregon

19
Temple crest
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
346 Public Relations Degrees Awarded
5.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Philadelphia, Temple is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 13th out of 117 schools for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were approximately 346 public relations and advertising students who graduated with this degree at Temple in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, public relations degree recipients typically make about $37,662 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in public relations and advertising from Temple University

20
Marquette crest
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
103 Public Relations Degrees Awarded
$39,449 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Milwaukee, Marquette is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 46 schools for overall quality in the state of Wisconsin.

There were approximately 103 public relations and advertising students who graduated with this degree at Marquette in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the public relations program state that they receive average early career income of $39,449.

More information about a degree in public relations and advertising from Marquette University

21
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
404 Public Relations Degrees Awarded
6.7% Growth in Graduates

CU - Boulder is a very large public university located in the city of Boulder. This university ranks 2nd out of 34 colleges for overall quality in the state of Colorado.

There were roughly 404 public relations and advertising students who graduated with this degree at CU - Boulder in the most recent year we have data available. Public Relations & Advertising degree recipients from University of Colorado Boulder get an earnings boost of about $4,676 over the average income of public relations and advertising majors.

More information about a degree in public relations and advertising from University of Colorado Boulder

22
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
307 Public Relations Degrees Awarded
6.2% Growth in Graduates

Located in the town of Pullman, Wazzu is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 51 schools for overall quality in the state of Washington.

There were about 307 public relations and advertising students who graduated with this degree at Wazzu in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the public relations program make an average of $39,530 for their early career.

More information about a degree in public relations and advertising from Washington State University

23
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In MN
83 Public Relations Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Minneapolis, UMN Twin Cities is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #60 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means UMN Twin Cities is a great university overall.

There were approximately 83 public relations and advertising students who graduated with this degree at UMN Twin Cities in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in public relations and advertising from University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

24
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
340 Public Relations Degrees Awarded
$38,904 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small city of Tuscaloosa, UA is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 40 colleges for overall quality in the state of Alabama.

There were approximately 340 public relations and advertising students who graduated with this degree at UA in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the public relations program make an average of $38,904 for their early career.

More information about a degree in public relations and advertising from The University of Alabama

25
Emerson crest
Emerson College
Boston, MA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
68 Public Relations Degrees Awarded
25.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Boston, Emerson is a private not-for-profit college with a medium-sized student population. This college ranks 14th out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were roughly 68 public relations and advertising students who graduated with this degree at Emerson in the most recent year we have data available. Public Relations & Advertising degree recipients from Emerson College get an earnings boost of approximately $4,345 over the average earnings of public relations and advertising majors.

More information about a degree in public relations and advertising from Emerson College

Rest of the Top Best Public Relations & Advertising Schools

25
Emerson crest
Emerson College
Boston, MA
26
Ithaca crest
Ithaca College
Ithaca, NY
27
Drake crest
Drake University
Des Moines, IA
28
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30
31

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33
DePaul crest
DePaul University
Chicago, IL
34
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38

Additional Noteworthy Schools

Here are some additional great schools for Public Relations & Advertising students that almost earned our Best Public Relations & Advertising Schools award.

Rank College Location
39 Loyola University Chicago Chicago, IL
40 Gonzaga University Spokane, WA
41 Chapman University Orange, CA
42 Fairfield University Fairfield, CT
43 Arizona State University - Tempe Tempe, AZ
44 Duquesne University Pittsburgh, PA
45 San Jose State University San Jose, CA
46 Rowan University Glassboro, NJ
47 Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, LA
48 Xavier University Cincinnati, OH
49 University of Houston Houston, TX
50 Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ
51 Colorado State University - Fort Collins Fort Collins, CO

Public Relations & Advertising by Region

View the Best Public Relations & Advertising Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

Public Relations & Advertising is one of 5 different types of Communication & Journalism programs to choose from.

Public Relations Focus Areas

Major Annual Graduates
Public Relations 5,216
Advertising 4,918
Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication 4,203
General Organizational Communication 2,013
Other Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication 1,553
Communication Management and Strategic Communications 1,397
Sports Communication 729
Health Communication 410
International & Intercultural Communication 256
Technical & Scientific Communication 217

View All Public Relations Focus Areas >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Communication & Media Studies 66,787
Radio, Television & Digital Communication 17,669
Journalism 13,552
Communication & Journalism (Other) 1,128
Publishing 336

View All Public Relations Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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