2026 Best Value Public Relations Advertising Schools
Looking for the best-value Public Relations Advertising programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 509 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor analyzed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Public Relations Advertising Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Brigham Young University Provo earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $11,975. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Set against $11,975 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Metropolitan State University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,840 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $30,822 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,705. That is a strong return on a $30,822 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. More on Metropolitan State University
You'll get strong value at Franklin University, which ranked #3 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Columbus, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $9,577. Students borrow a median of $42,017 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,892 ten years after entry. Set against $42,017 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Franklin University
Out of the 509 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Bellevue University landed the #4 spot. Set in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,873. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $27,852. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,289 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,852 median debt. See the full Bellevue University profile
South Dakota State University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Public Relations Advertising ranking in the United States. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. South Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $55,070 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. More on South Dakota State University
University Of Maryland University College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Maryland University College is a public school based in Adelphi, MD. Students from in state pay about $8,136 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,336. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $23,276. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,287. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on University Of Maryland University College
University Of Florida Online ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida Online is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,876, compared with $16,579 for out-of-state students. University Of Florida Online Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $17,439 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,588 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Florida Online admits about 61% of applicants. More on University Of Florida Online
North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
University Of Dayton placed #9 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit school based in Dayton, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,140. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $25,033. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,537 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Dayton admits about 65% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Dayton
Ashland University placed #10 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Set in Ashland, OH, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,210. Graduates carry a median of $27,125 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,928. Set against $27,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ashland University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read more about Ashland University
Miami University Hamilton landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Hamilton, OH. Students from in state pay about $7,012 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,811. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,076 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Miami University Hamilton
University Of Sacred Heart offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Set in Santurce, PR, University Of Sacred Heart is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410. University Of Sacred Heart Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $12,375 in debt. University Of Sacred Heart alumni report median earnings of $31,754 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,375 median debt. University Of Sacred Heart has an acceptance rate of 58%. More on University Of Sacred Heart
Johnson And Wales University Online placed #14 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Set in Providence, RI, Johnson And Wales University Online is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,365. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $24,500. Johnson And Wales University Online alumni report median earnings of $43,418 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,500 median debt. Johnson And Wales University Online has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read more about Johnson And Wales University Online
Villanova University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Located in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,776. Villanova University Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $26,184 in debt. Villanova University alumni report median earnings of $100,423 a decade after entry. Set against $26,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. More on Villanova University
Miami University Middletown offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Located in Middletown, OH, Miami University Middletown is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,012, with out-of-state students paying around $18,811. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,076 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. See the full Miami University Middletown profile
Concordia University Saint Paul offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,600. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $29,026. Concordia University Saint Paul alumni report median earnings of $59,871 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Saint Paul admits about 79% of applicants. See the full Concordia University Saint Paul profile
San Jose State University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. San Jose State University is a public school based in San Jose, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full San Jose State University report
Valparaiso University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Based in Valparaiso, IN, Valparaiso University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $48,450. Valparaiso University Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $26,724 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,191. That is a strong return on a $26,724 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read the full report on Valparaiso University
Central Michigan University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Central Michigan University is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Central Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $55,874 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Central Michigan University
Arizona State University Skysong offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $23,742. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,742 median debt. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
University Of Akron Main Campus placed #28 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. This public school is set in Akron, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,600 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. See the full University Of Akron Main Campus profile
Southeast Missouri State University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,903. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,030 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Southeast Missouri State University
Youngstown State University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Graduates carry a median of $26,373 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,544. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Get the full Youngstown State University report
Liberty University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,414 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. Set against $27,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read more about Liberty University
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh placed #32 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public school based in Oshkosh, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,532, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. Graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,548 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Public Relations Advertising Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Ferris State University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Ferris State University is a public school based in Big Rapids, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $14,778. Graduates carry a median of $22,580 in student loans. Ferris State University alumni report median earnings of $54,735 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,580 median debt. Ferris State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. Get the full Ferris State University report
Eastern Illinois University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Set in Charleston, IL, Eastern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,859. Graduates carry a median of $23,745 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,989. Set against $23,745 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 65%. Get the full Eastern Illinois University report
University Of North Dakota landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,951 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $25,110. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,552. Set against $25,110 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of North Dakota profile
University Of Northern Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. This public school is set in Cedar Falls, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,936, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,096 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,177. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Northern Iowa report
University Of Florida ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $17,439. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants. Get the full University Of Florida report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #40 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,258 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,258 median debt. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. This public school is set in Eau Claire, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,642, compared with $19,228 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,574 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,561 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire report
Black Hills State University placed #42 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Based in Spearfish, SD, Black Hills State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,916, with out-of-state students paying around $12,018. Graduates carry a median of $26,820 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,674. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Black Hills State University admits about 96% of applicants. Read more about Black Hills State University
Grand Valley State University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Set in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,502, compared with $21,894 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,377 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Median earnings reach $56,118 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Grand Valley State University
University Of Memphis came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Memphis, TN. Students from in state pay about $10,728 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,458. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Memphis admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full University Of Memphis report
University Of Central Oklahoma placed #45 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Based in Edmond, OK, University Of Central Oklahoma is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,818, while out-of-state students pay about $19,704. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,351. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Central Oklahoma has an acceptance rate of 78%. More on University Of Central Oklahoma
Arkansas State University Main Campus placed #46 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public school based in Jonesboro, AR. Students from in state pay about $8,090 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $23,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,617. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read more about Arkansas State University Main Campus
Kennesaw State University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Located in Kennesaw, GA, Kennesaw State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,808, with out-of-state students paying around $17,736. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,552 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 69%. More on Kennesaw State University
Western Michigan University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Kalamazoo, MI. Students from in state pay about $15,987 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $53,562 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. See the full Western Michigan University profile
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This public school is set in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $20,031. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 57%. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
Saint Cloud State University offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. Set in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,245 in tuition and fees. Saint Cloud State University Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $25,076 in debt. Saint Cloud State University alumni report median earnings of $55,813 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Cloud State University admits about 95% of applicants. Read more about Saint Cloud State University
University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #52 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public school based in Tampa, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $17,082. Median earnings reach $57,743 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,082 median debt. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of South Florida Main Campus
Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #53 position. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, MO. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $23,329. Missouri State University Springfield alumni report median earnings of $49,827 a decade after entry. Set against $23,329 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Missouri State University Springfield
Iowa State University ranked #54 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $24,750. Median earnings reach $63,386 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. See the full Iowa State University profile
Appalachian State University landed the #55 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Boone, NC, Appalachian State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,579, while out-of-state students pay about $25,212. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,836 ten years after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Appalachian State University admits about 90% of applicants. More on Appalachian State University
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #56 position. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
Grand Canyon University landed the #57 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,508. Students borrow a median of $25,100 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Grand Canyon University alumni report median earnings of $42,186 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,100 median debt. Grand Canyon University admits about 79% of applicants. Read more about Grand Canyon University
Sinclair Community College ranked #58 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Based in Dayton, OH, Sinclair Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,675, compared with $8,556 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $12,525. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,558 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,525 median debt. Read the full report on Sinclair Community College
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania landed the #59 spot for value in the United States this year. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Kutztown, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,206, while out-of-state students pay about $16,330. Students borrow a median of $26,867 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,775. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read more about Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
Ohio University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #61 position. This public school is set in Athens, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Ohio University Main Campus Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $24,546 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,581. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report
Best Value Public Relations Advertising Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Public Relations Advertising Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Relations Advertising Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Relations Advertising Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Relations Advertising Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Relations Advertising Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Relations Advertising Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Relations Advertising Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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 · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 509 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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