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