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? Our ranking highlights 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 arm you with the information you need, Business Degree Central evaluated 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
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is Brigham Young University Provo, our #1 best-value Public Relations Advertising school in the United States. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $11,975. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. Set against $11,975 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
Out of the 509 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Franklin University landed the #2 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Columbus, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,577. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $42,017. 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. Read the full report on Franklin University
Out of the 509 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Bellevue University landed the #3 spot. Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bellevue, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,873. Students borrow a median of $27,852 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. 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
A rank of #4 makes South Dakota State University one of the best values in the United States. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,070. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read more about South Dakota State University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Florida Online earned it the #5 place in the United States. University Of Florida Online is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $3,876, while out-of-state students pay about $16,579. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $17,439. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Florida Online
North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. North Dakota State University Main Campus Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
Miami University Hamilton landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Hamilton, OH, Miami University Hamilton is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,076. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Miami University Hamilton profile
Johnson And Wales University Online came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Providence, RI, Johnson And Wales University Online is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,365. Students borrow a median of $24,500 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Johnson And Wales University Online alumni report median earnings of $43,418 a decade after entry. Set against $24,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Johnson And Wales University Online admits about 91% of applicants. More on Johnson And Wales University Online
University Of Sacred Heart placed #10 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Santurce, PR. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $12,375 in student loans. University Of Sacred Heart alumni report median earnings of $31,754 a decade after entry. Set against $12,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Sacred Heart
Miami University Middletown landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Based 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. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,076. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Miami University Middletown profile
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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 85%. See the full San Jose State University profile
Central Michigan University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,874 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Central Michigan University report
University Of Akron Main Campus placed #16 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. This public school is set in Akron, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,600. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Akron Main Campus report
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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,903. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $25,000. Southeast Missouri State University alumni report median earnings of $44,030 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. More on Southeast Missouri State University
Youngstown State University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Located in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,373 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. That is a strong return on a $26,373 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read more about Youngstown State University
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. This public school is set in Oshkosh, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,532, compared with $16,446 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $24,000 in debt. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumni report median earnings of $55,548 a decade after entry. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh report
Ferris State University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,778 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,580 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,735. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ferris State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read more about Ferris State University
Eastern Illinois University placed #22 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Based in Charleston, IL, Eastern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,377, with out-of-state students paying around $15,859. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $23,745. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,989. 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 landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Graduates carry a median of $21,096 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,177. Set against $21,096 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Northern Iowa profile
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. 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. University Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 24%. More on University Of Florida
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $19,228. Typical Public Relations Advertising student 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 has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Southern New Hampshire University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Located in Manchester, NH, Southern New Hampshire University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,200. Graduates carry a median of $27,799 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,318. Set against $27,799 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Southern New Hampshire University report
Black Hills State University placed #28 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Located in Spearfish, SD, Black Hills State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,916 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,018. Graduates carry a median of $26,820 in student loans. Median earnings reach $46,674 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,820 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read more about Black Hills State University
Grand Valley State University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Based in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,502, compared with $21,894 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,377 in student loans. Grand Valley State University alumni report median earnings of $56,118 a decade after entry. Set against $26,377 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 83%. Get the full Grand Valley State University report
University Of Memphis ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. This public school is set in Memphis, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,728, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $48,458 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. More on University Of Memphis
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Public Relations Advertising Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Central Oklahoma placed #31 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. This public school is set in Edmond, OK. 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. 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. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Central Oklahoma
University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $23,258. University Of Nebraska Lincoln alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. Set against $23,258 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Kennesaw State University placed #33 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. This public school is set in Kennesaw, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,808, while out-of-state students pay about $17,736. Kennesaw State University Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,552. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 69%. Read the full report on Kennesaw State University
Western Michigan University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,562. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Western Michigan University
University Of South Florida Main Campus landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public school based in Tampa, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $17,082. University Of South Florida Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,743 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Florida Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 43%. Read more about University Of South Florida Main Campus
Georgia Southern University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Statesboro, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Georgia Southern University
Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $24,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,386. That is a strong return on a $24,750 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Iowa State University profile
Appalachian State University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Located in Boone, NC, Appalachian State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,579, with out-of-state students paying around $25,212. Appalachian State University Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Appalachian State University alumni report median earnings of $51,836 a decade after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Appalachian State University profile
Grand Canyon University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Set in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,186. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Grand Canyon University
Fashion Institute Of Technology placed #40 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Fashion Institute Of Technology is a public school based in New York, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,174, 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Fashion Institute Of Technology profile
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania placed #40 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. This public school is set in Kutztown, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,206, while out-of-state students pay about $16,330. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $26,867 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,775. Set against $26,867 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania admits about 91% of applicants. More on Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
Arkansas State University Main Campus placed #40 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. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $23,250. Arkansas State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $42,617 a decade after entry. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arkansas State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full Arkansas State University Main Campus report
Cleveland State University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cleveland, OH, Cleveland State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,982, while out-of-state students pay about $18,502. Cleveland State University Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $26,750 in debt. Cleveland State University alumni report median earnings of $52,131 a decade after entry. Set against $26,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Cleveland State University
Illinois State University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Based in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Illinois State University Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. Illinois State University alumni report median earnings of $62,117 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Illinois State University report
Northwest Missouri State University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Set in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,611, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $23,585. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,885. That is a strong return on a $23,585 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on Northwest Missouri State University
Eastern Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. This public school is set in Ypsilanti, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,990. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $24,755. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,793. Set against $24,755 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 80%. More on Eastern Michigan University
Texas Tech University placed #49 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. More on 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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,718 in student loans. 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. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus report
San Diego State University came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,038 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,909. Set against $17,038 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Diego State University admits about 36% of applicants. Get the full San Diego State University report
Missouri State University Springfield ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $23,329. 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. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Missouri State University Springfield
Missouri Western State University landed the #53 spot for value in the United States this year. Missouri Western State University is a public school based in Saint Joseph, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,545, with out-of-state students paying around $18,455. Students borrow a median of $24,362 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,647 ten years after entry. Set against $24,362 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Missouri Western State University
University Of Central Missouri came in at #53 in this year's value ranking. Located in Warrensburg, MO, University Of Central Missouri is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,050, with out-of-state students paying around $18,600. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,560. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Central Missouri has an acceptance rate of 64%. More on University Of Central Missouri
University Of Southern Mississippi offered strong value this year, earning the #55 position. University Of Southern Mississippi is a public school based in Hattiesburg, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $9,998, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. University Of Southern Mississippi Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $25,415 in debt. 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. University Of Southern Mississippi has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full University Of Southern Mississippi report
California State University Long Beach placed #56 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. This public school is set in Long Beach, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $23,012. Median earnings reach $64,403 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,012 median debt. California State University Long Beach admits about 46% of applicants. Read the full report on California State University Long Beach
University Of Georgia landed the #57 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $23,394. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,726 ten years after entry. Set against $23,394 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Georgia
Related Public Relations Advertising Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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
This list is compiled 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).