2026 Best Value Public Relations Advertising Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Public Relations Advertising master’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. 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat Ashland University this year in the United States. Located in Ashland, OH, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,210. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $27,125. Ashland University alumni report median earnings of $52,928 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,125 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%. See the full Ashland University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Concordia University Saint Paul earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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 has an acceptance rate of 79%. More on Concordia University Saint Paul
You'll get strong value at Bellevue University, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,873. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $27,852. Bellevue University alumni report median earnings of $61,289 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,852 median debt. See the full Bellevue University profile
Out of the 509 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Sacred Heart landed the #4 spot. University Of Sacred Heart is a private not-for-profit school based in Santurce, PR. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,410. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $12,375. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $31,754. Set against $12,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Sacred Heart
Biola University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in La Mirada, CA, Biola University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $48,984. Biola University Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $21,104 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,778 ten years out. Set against $21,104 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Biola University report
Valparaiso University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Valparaiso, IN, Valparaiso University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $48,450. Graduates carry a median of $26,724 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,191. Set against $26,724 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Valparaiso University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read the full report on Valparaiso University
Arizona State University Skysong landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $23,742. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. More on Arizona State University Skysong
Mississippi College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Mississippi College is a private not-for-profit school based in Clinton, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $23,500. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $25,510. Median earnings reach $47,485 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,510 median debt. The acceptance rate is 29%. See the full Mississippi College profile
Liberty University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $16,173. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $27,414. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,813 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full Liberty University profile
Arkansas State University Main Campus came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,090, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. Arkansas State University Main Campus Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,617. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. See the full Arkansas State University Main Campus profile
Webster University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,750. Graduates carry a median of $25,939 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,876. That is a strong return on a $25,939 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full Webster University profile
Texas Tech University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $21,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
Quinnipiac University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Quinnipiac University is a private not-for-profit school based in Hamden, CT. In-state tuition and fees run about $55,480. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $23,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $83,759 ten years after entry. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. See the full Quinnipiac University profile
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Graduates carry a median of $20,031 in student loans. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade 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
University Of Northern Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Based in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,936, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $21,096. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,177. Set against $21,096 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Northern Iowa has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read the full report on University Of Northern Iowa
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Graduates carry a median of $21,577 in student loans. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities alumni report median earnings of $69,020 a decade after entry. Set against $21,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Rider University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lawrenceville, NJ, Rider University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,120 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,208 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Rider University profile
Rowan University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Set in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,574, with out-of-state students paying around $26,932. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $23,125. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,988. That is a strong return on a $23,125 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Rowan University report
Ohio University Main Campus came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $24,546. Ohio University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $52,581 a decade after entry. Set against $24,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #23 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Temple University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $23,005 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $26,000. Temple University alumni report median earnings of $63,727 a decade after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%. See the full Temple University profile
Towson University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Towson, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,728, with out-of-state students paying around $29,820. Graduates carry a median of $21,241 in student loans. Median earnings reach $64,390 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Towson University has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Towson University
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $20,995. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of North Texas came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Based in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. Graduates carry a median of $21,817 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. That is a strong return on a $21,817 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of North Texas report
University Of Houston landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Houston, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Students borrow a median of $23,800 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,377. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Houston has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read the full report on University Of Houston
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Public Relations Advertising Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Southern Mississippi landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Hattiesburg, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,998, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $25,415. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,140 ten years after entry. Set against $25,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Southern Mississippi
Depaul University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Set in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $45,405 in tuition and fees. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $24,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,751. Set against $24,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. See the full Depaul University profile
George Washington University placed #33 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. Students from in state pay about $67,710 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Median earnings reach $90,873 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 47%. More on George Washington University
Washburn University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Located in Topeka, KS, Washburn University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,945, while out-of-state students pay about $20,949. Graduates carry a median of $21,175 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,774 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Washburn University
Murray State University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. This public school is set in Murray, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $9,900, while out-of-state students pay about $19,836. Students borrow a median of $22,250 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,737. That is a strong return on a $22,250 median debt. Murray State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on Murray State University
California Baptist University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Set in Riverside, CA, California Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,228. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $22,718. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,504. Set against $22,718 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California Baptist University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read the full report on California Baptist University
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public school based in Indiana, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,380, compared with $16,297 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,513 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,019 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,513 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus profile
Southern Methodist University placed #39 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Based in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,040 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $19,750 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,354. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Methodist University has an acceptance rate of 63%. Read more about Southern Methodist University
University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Tampa, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,082 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,743. Set against $17,082 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Florida Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 43%. Get the full University Of South Florida Main Campus report
Georgetown University placed #41 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Based in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,089. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $16,483. Median earnings reach $103,494 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 13% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Georgetown University report
University Of North Carolina At Wilmington offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Set in Wilmington, NC, University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,277 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,152. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $23,013. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,967 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington admits about 64% of applicants. See the full University Of North Carolina At Wilmington profile
West Virginia University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $28,608. Graduates carry a median of $23,772 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,939. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. See the full West Virginia University profile
Kennesaw State University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in Kennesaw, GA, Kennesaw State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,808, compared with $17,736 for out-of-state students. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $57,552 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Kennesaw State University admits about 69% of applicants. Get the full Kennesaw State University report
Colorado State University Fort Collins came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Fort Collins, CO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,373, with out-of-state students paying around $35,061. Students borrow a median of $22,843 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Median earnings reach $60,543 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,843 median debt. Colorado State University Fort Collins admits about 88% of applicants. More on Colorado State University Fort Collins
Washington State University placed #49 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Located in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Median earnings reach $68,905 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Washington State University admits about 87% of applicants. Get the full Washington State University report
The University Of Alabama offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Set in Tuscaloosa, AL, The University Of Alabama is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,180, compared with $34,172 for out-of-state students. The University Of Alabama Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,221 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The University Of Alabama report
The University Of Tennessee Martin offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. This public school is set in Martin, TN. Students from in state pay about $10,560 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,600. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $23,770. Median earnings reach $44,213 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about The University Of Tennessee Martin
Georgia Southern University offered strong value this year, earning the #52 position. Located in Statesboro, GA, Georgia Southern University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,022, with out-of-state students paying around $17,734. Georgia Southern University Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,236 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Georgia Southern University profile
Kean University ranked #53 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. This public school is set in Union, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,299, compared with $22,446 for out-of-state students. Kean University Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $26,703 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,237 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,703 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%. More on Kean University
Troy University ranked #53 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. This public school is set in Troy, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $10,176, with out-of-state students paying around $20,352. Graduates carry a median of $26,439 in student loans. Troy University alumni report median earnings of $42,062 a decade after entry. Set against $26,439 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Troy University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on Troy University
Chapman University offered strong value this year, earning the #55 position. Located in Orange, CA, Chapman University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,984. Graduates carry a median of $22,625 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $70,070. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Chapman University report
Ball State University ranked #56 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. This public school is set in Muncie, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,082, compared with $29,630 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,879 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Median earnings reach $51,833 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ball State University admits about 86% of applicants. More on Ball State University
William Paterson University Of New Jersey ranked #58 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Based in Wayne, NJ, William Paterson University Of New Jersey is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,704, compared with $25,344 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,644 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. William Paterson University Of New Jersey alumni report median earnings of $57,780 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,644 median debt. William Paterson University Of New Jersey has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full William Paterson University Of New Jersey report
Texas A And M International University landed the #58 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Laredo, TX, Texas A And M International University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,894 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,454. Students borrow a median of $15,095 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Median earnings reach $48,386 ten years out. Set against $15,095 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 44% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas A And M International University report
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis ranked #60 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,762, compared with $34,891 for out-of-state students. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $23,146 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,198. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis admits about 76% of applicants. Read more about Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Relations Advertising Graduate Certificate 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. 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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