2026 Best Value Public Relations Advertising Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Public Relations Advertising bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 509 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Brigham Young University Provo this year in the United States. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $11,975. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Franklin University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in Columbus, OH, Franklin University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,577. Graduates carry a median of $42,017 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,892 ten years out. Set against $42,017 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Franklin University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Bellevue University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bellevue, NE. Students from in state pay about $12,873 in tuition and fees. Bellevue University Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $27,852 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,289 ten years after entry. Set against $27,852 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Bellevue University report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at South Dakota State University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants. More on South Dakota State University
A rank of #5 makes University Of Florida Online one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,876, compared with $16,579 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,439 in student loans. University Of Florida Online alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Florida Online
North Dakota State University Main Campus placed #6 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
Miami University Hamilton landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Miami University Hamilton is a public school based in Hamilton, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,012, with out-of-state students paying around $18,811. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,076 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Miami University Hamilton report
Johnson And Wales University Online offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Johnson And Wales University Online is a private not-for-profit school based in Providence, RI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,365. Johnson And Wales University Online Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $24,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $43,418 ten years out. Set against $24,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Johnson And Wales University Online report
University Of Sacred Heart ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Located in Santurce, PR, University Of Sacred Heart is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $12,375. Median earnings reach $31,754 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Sacred Heart report
Miami University Middletown offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in Middletown, OH, Miami University Middletown is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,012, with out-of-state students paying around $18,811. Miami University Middletown Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,076. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Get the full Miami University Middletown report
San Jose State University placed #12 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. San Jose State University is a public school based in San Jose, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. See the full San Jose State University profile
Central Michigan University placed #14 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Central Michigan University is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. Central Michigan University Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. 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. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full Central Michigan University report
University Of Akron Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. University Of Akron Main Campus Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,600 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus
Southeast Missouri State University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Located in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,903. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $44,030 ten years out. 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 ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $26,373. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,544. Set against $26,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Youngstown State University
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,532, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $24,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,548. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh report
Ferris State University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Ferris State University is a public school based in Big Rapids, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. Graduates carry a median of $22,580 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,735 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ferris State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read the full report on Ferris State University
Eastern Illinois University placed #22 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. This public school is set in Charleston, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $13,377, while out-of-state students pay about $15,859. Graduates carry a median of $23,745 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,989 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,745 median debt. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Eastern Illinois University profile
University Of Northern Iowa placed #23 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Set in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,936 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $21,096. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,177 ten years after entry. Set against $21,096 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Northern Iowa report
University Of Florida landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. 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. The acceptance rate is 24%. Read the full report on University Of Florida
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire placed #26 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Located in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,642, while out-of-state students pay about $19,228. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $22,574. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,561. Set against $22,574 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Southern New Hampshire University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Manchester, NH. Students from in state pay about $17,200 in tuition and fees. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $27,799. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,318. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Southern New Hampshire University
Black Hills State University placed #28 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Black Hills State University is a public school based in Spearfish, SD. Students from in state pay about $8,916 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,018. Students borrow a median of $26,820 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,674. That is a strong return on a $26,820 median debt. Black Hills State University admits about 96% of applicants. Read more about Black Hills State University
Grand Valley State University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,502, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $26,377. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,118 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Grand Valley State University has an acceptance rate of 83%. More on Grand Valley State University
University Of Memphis landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,728, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. University Of Memphis alumni report median earnings of $48,458 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Memphis admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Memphis
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Public Relations Advertising Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Central Oklahoma came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Edmond, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,818, compared with $19,704 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $21,500. A decade after starting, 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%. Read the full report on University Of Central Oklahoma
University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $23,258. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. That is a strong return on a $23,258 median debt. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Kennesaw State University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Kennesaw State University is a public school based in Kennesaw, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,808, with out-of-state students paying around $17,736. Kennesaw State University Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,552. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 69%. Get the full Kennesaw State University report
Western Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Located in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Western Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $53,562 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Western Michigan University admits about 85% of applicants. Get the full Western Michigan University report
University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #35 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Located in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,410, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $17,082. Median earnings reach $57,743 ten years out. Set against $17,082 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants. See the full University Of South Florida Main Campus profile
Georgia Southern University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Based in Statesboro, GA, Georgia Southern University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,022, while out-of-state students pay about $17,734. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,236 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Georgia Southern University
Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Based in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $24,750. Median earnings reach $63,386 ten years out. Set against $24,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. More on Iowa State University
Appalachian State University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Located in Boone, NC, Appalachian State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,579, with out-of-state students paying around $25,212. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,836 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Appalachian State University
Grand Canyon University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. Students from in state pay about $18,508 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,100 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,186. That is a strong return on a $25,100 median debt. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Grand Canyon University
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Kutztown, PA, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,206 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,330. Graduates carry a median of $26,867 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,775 ten years out. Set against $26,867 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania report
Fashion Institute Of Technology ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. This public school is set in New York, NY. Students from in state pay about $8,174 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,696. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $16,750. Median earnings reach $62,696 ten years out. Set against $16,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Fashion Institute Of Technology
Arkansas State University Main Campus came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Set in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,090, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. Typical Public Relations Advertising student 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. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Arkansas State University Main Campus
Cleveland State University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cleveland, OH, Cleveland State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,982, compared with $18,502 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,750 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Median earnings reach $52,131 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,750 median debt. Cleveland State University admits about 91% of applicants. More on Cleveland State University
Illinois State University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,117 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Illinois State University
Northwest Missouri State University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Maryville, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,611, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,585 in student loans. Northwest Missouri State University alumni report median earnings of $47,885 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,585 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full Northwest Missouri State University profile
Eastern Michigan University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Eastern Michigan University is a public school based in Ypsilanti, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,990. Eastern Michigan University Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $24,755 in debt. Eastern Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $51,793 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read the full report on Eastern Michigan University
Texas Tech University placed #49 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $21,500. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%. Read more about Texas Tech University
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public school based in Norman, OK. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,718 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read the full report on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
San Diego State University landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. Graduates carry a median of $17,038 in student loans. Median earnings reach $64,909 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 36% of those who apply are admitted. More on San Diego State University
Missouri State University Springfield landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Missouri State University Springfield Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $23,329 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,329 median debt. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full Missouri State University Springfield report
Missouri Western State University offered strong value this year, earning the #53 position. Located in Saint Joseph, MO, Missouri Western State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,545 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,455 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,362 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,647. That is a strong return on a $24,362 median debt. See the full Missouri Western State University profile
University Of Central Missouri placed #53 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Based in Warrensburg, MO, University Of Central Missouri is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,050, compared with $18,600 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,560 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Central Missouri
University Of Southern Mississippi landed the #55 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,998, with out-of-state students paying around $11,998. Graduates carry a median of $25,415 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,140 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,415 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Southern Mississippi
California State University Long Beach ranked #56 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. This public school is set in Long Beach, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $23,012. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,403. That is a strong return on a $23,012 median debt. The acceptance rate is 46%. More on California State University Long Beach
University Of Georgia placed #57 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. This public school is set in Athens, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $23,394. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,726. That is a strong return on a $23,394 median debt. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. Get the full University Of Georgia report
Related Public Relations Advertising Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Public Relations Advertising Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Relations Advertising Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Relations Advertising Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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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