2026 Best Value Public Relations Advertising Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Public Relations Advertising certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 509 colleges 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 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 Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
You'll get strong value at Arkansas State University Main Campus, which ranked #2 this year. Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public school based in Jonesboro, AR. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,617. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arkansas State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about Arkansas State University Main Campus
A rank of #3 makes University Of North Dakota one of the best values in the United States. Set in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. University Of North Dakota Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $25,110 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,552. Set against $25,110 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Dakota has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read more about University Of North Dakota
Out of the 509 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh landed the #4 spot. Based in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,532, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. Graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,548 ten years out. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh report
Ferris State University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Public Relations Advertising ranking in the United States. Ferris State University is a public school based in Big Rapids, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. Ferris State University Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $22,580 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,735. That is a strong return on a $22,580 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Ferris State University
Saint Cloud State University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $25,076. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,813 ten years 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 Wisconsin Eau Claire ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public school based in Eau Claire, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,642, while out-of-state students pay about $19,228. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $22,574 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,561 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,574 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire has an acceptance rate of 82%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire profile
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #8 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Students borrow a median of $21,577 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. 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. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities report
Western Michigan University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Western Michigan University is a public school based in Kalamazoo, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $15,987, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,562. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. More on Western Michigan University
University Of Florida came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. 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. University Of Florida Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $17,439 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,439 median debt. University Of Florida has an acceptance rate of 24%. See the full University Of Florida profile
University Of Georgia came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,394 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,726 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,394 median debt. The acceptance rate is 38%. See the full University Of Georgia profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Madison, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $21,813 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #14 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Students borrow a median of $20,995 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
Dixie State College Of Utah placed #15 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. This public school is set in Saint George, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,306, while out-of-state students pay about $18,246. Dixie State College Of Utah Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $18,666 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,570. Set against $18,666 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Dixie State College Of Utah
Wichita State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,684, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. Students borrow a median of $24,262 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,532 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,262 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read more about Wichita State University
Rowan University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Set in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,574, while out-of-state students pay about $26,932. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $23,125. Rowan University alumni report median earnings of $59,988 a decade after entry. Set against $23,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Rowan University
Arizona State University placed #17 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Arizona State University Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $20,847 in debt. Arizona State University alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Set against $20,847 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on Arizona State University
Boise State University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Boise State University is a public school based in Boise, ID. Students from in state pay about $9,048 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,788. Graduates carry a median of $22,977 in student loans. Boise State University alumni report median earnings of $51,658 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,977 median debt. Boise State University admits about 87% of applicants. Get the full Boise State University report
University Of Kentucky placed #20 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lexington, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, compared with $34,140 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,813 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,025. That is a strong return on a $24,813 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Kentucky profile
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Indianapolis, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,762, while out-of-state students pay about $34,891. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $23,146. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis alumni report median earnings of $55,198 a decade after entry. Set against $23,146 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis report
University Of Michigan Dearborn offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Dearborn, MI, University Of Michigan Dearborn is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,640 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,896 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,516 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. University Of Michigan Dearborn alumni report median earnings of $59,649 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,516 median debt. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Michigan Dearborn report
Boston University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Boston, MA, Boston University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,102 in tuition and fees. Boston University Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $25,232 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $83,238. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Boston University has an acceptance rate of 11%. See the full Boston University profile
Illinois Media School came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. Students borrow a median of $15,833 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,284. That is a strong return on a $15,833 median debt. See the full Illinois Media School profile
Ohio Media School Cincinnati offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. This private for-profit school is set in Norwood, OH. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $9,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $28,918 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt. Read the full report on Ohio Media School Cincinnati
The Ohio Media School Columbus offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Columbus, OH, The Ohio Media School Columbus is a private for-profit institution. Students borrow a median of $15,833 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,423. Set against $15,833 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full The Ohio Media School Columbus profile
Illinois Media School Chicago Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Chicago, IL, Illinois Media School Chicago Campus is a private for-profit institution. Graduates carry a median of $15,833 in student loans. Median earnings reach $38,284 ten years out. Set against $15,833 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Illinois Media School Chicago Campus
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Public Relations Advertising Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Colorado Media School ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. This private for-profit school is set in Denver, CO. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $15,833. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,423. Set against $15,833 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Colorado Media School profile
Ohio Media School Valley View placed #25 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Ohio Media School Valley View is a private for-profit school based in Valley View, OH. Ohio Media School Valley View Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $15,833 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,423 ten years after entry. Set against $15,833 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Ohio Media School Valley View
Long Island University C W Post Campus placed #28 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. See the full Long Island University C W Post Campus profile
Pennsylvania State University Brandywine placed #29 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Read more about Pennsylvania State University Brandywine
Black Hills State University placed #30 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Read the full report on Black Hills State University
Juniata College
Juniata College offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. More on Juniata College
Nichols College
Nichols College landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Nichols College
East Texas Baptist University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Read the full report on East Texas Baptist University
Taylor University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Get the full Taylor University report
Tufts University
Tufts University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. See the full Tufts University profile
Keiser University Ft Lauderdale placed #36 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Read the full report on Keiser University Ft Lauderdale
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota placed #37 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Get the full Saint Marys University Of Minnesota report
Canadian Valley Technology Center came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Canadian Valley Technology Center
University Of Northern Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Read more about University Of Northern Iowa
University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras
Utah State University placed #41 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Get the full Utah State University report
Vincennes University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Vincennes University
Barry University
Barry University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. More on Barry University
Biola University
Biola University placed #44 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Get the full Biola University report
Morehead State University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Read the full report on Morehead State University
University Of Idaho landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about University Of Idaho
University Of Kansas placed #47 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. See the full University Of Kansas profile
University Of Oregon offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Read the full report on University Of Oregon
Sam Houston State University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Read the full report on Sam Houston State University
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. See the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus profile
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 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. 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).