2026 Best Value Public Relations Advertising Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Public Relations Advertising graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 509 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on 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 evaluated schools to produce 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Metropolitan State University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Public Relations Advertising graduate certificate degree schools in the United States. Metropolitan State University is a public school based in Saint Paul, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,840. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $30,822. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,705. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Metropolitan State University admits about 99% of applicants. Read more about Metropolitan State University
A rank of #2 makes University Of Maryland University College one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Adelphi, MD. Students from in state pay about $8,136 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,336. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $23,276. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,287 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about University Of Maryland University College
You'll get strong value at University Of Nebraska Lincoln, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Graduates carry a median of $23,258 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. Set against $23,258 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
A rank of #4 makes Liberty University one of the best values in the United States. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $16,173. Students borrow a median of $27,414 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. 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
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Dayton earned it the #5 place in the United States. Set in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $49,140 in tuition and fees. University Of Dayton Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $25,033 in debt. Median earnings reach $75,537 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,033 median debt. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Dayton report
Villanova University placed #6 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Set in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,776. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $26,184. Median earnings reach $100,423 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Villanova University has an acceptance rate of 27%. See the full Villanova University profile
Missouri State University Springfield landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Missouri State University Springfield Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $23,329 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,827. That is a strong return on a $23,329 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield
Texas Tech University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $21,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas Tech University report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $21,577. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,020. That is a strong return on a $21,577 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Western Kentucky University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Located in Bowling Green, KY, Western Kentucky University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,652 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,000 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,889. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Kentucky University has an acceptance rate of 94%. Get the full Western Kentucky University report
University Of North Texas placed #12 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. This public school is set in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. University Of North Texas Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $21,817 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,010 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,817 median debt. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full University Of North Texas report
Temple University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,005, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $63,727 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Temple University admits about 80% of applicants. See the full Temple University profile
University Of Kansas ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Located in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,102, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $23,608. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,945 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Kansas profile
Washington State University placed #15 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. This public school is set in Pullman, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,905 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. See the full Washington State University profile
Colorado State University Fort Collins ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Located in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,373, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $22,843. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,543 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,843 median debt. Colorado State University Fort Collins has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Colorado State University Fort Collins
Stony Brook University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Stony Brook, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,931, with out-of-state students paying around $32,741. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $20,537. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,502 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 49%. Read the full report on Stony Brook University
University Of Utah came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. University Of Utah is a public school based in Salt Lake City, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,620, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $20,798. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,170. Set against $20,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full University Of Utah report
George Washington University placed #18 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,710. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,873. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. George Washington University has an acceptance rate of 47%. Read the full report on George Washington University
Ball State University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Muncie, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $23,879. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,833 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ball State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on Ball State University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #21 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $22,113. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,758. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Southern Methodist University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Set in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,040. Southern Methodist University Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $19,750 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,354. Set against $19,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted. See the full Southern Methodist University profile
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Based in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,954 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,631. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $21,348. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,251 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%. See the full Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College profile
University Of Arizona placed #24 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. University Of Arizona is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Students borrow a median of $21,861 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. University Of Arizona alumni report median earnings of $59,979 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Arizona report
University Of Alabama At Birmingham ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Located in Birmingham, AL, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,098, compared with $22,562 for out-of-state students. University Of Alabama At Birmingham Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $26,162 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,501. That is a strong return on a $26,162 median debt. University Of Alabama At Birmingham admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full University Of Alabama At Birmingham report
Northern Arizona University placed #26 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Set in Flagstaff, AZ, Northern Arizona University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,619 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,044. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $21,625. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,384. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Arizona University has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Northern Arizona University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Public Relations Advertising Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of South Carolina Columbia placed #27 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Based in Columbia, SC, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,688, while out-of-state students pay about $36,298. Graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. University Of South Carolina Columbia alumni report median earnings of $62,177 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of South Carolina Columbia
Oregon State University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. This public school is set in Corvallis, OR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400, compared with $38,190 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,043 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,010. That is a strong return on a $24,043 median debt. Oregon State University admits about 77% of applicants. Read more about Oregon State University
Northwestern University placed #29 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Based in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $16,616. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $89,363. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Northwestern University
Columbia University In The City Of New York offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Set in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,517. Columbia University In The City Of New York Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $23,258 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $102,491. That is a strong return on a $23,258 median debt. Columbia University In The City Of New York has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read the full report on Columbia University In The City Of New York
Ivy Tech Community College placed #30 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. More on Ivy Tech Community College
Point Park University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Point Park University report
Canadian Valley Technology Center came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Canadian Valley Technology Center
Grand Canyon University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. More on Grand Canyon University
Harding University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Read the full report on Harding University
Johnson And Wales University Providence offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Read the full report on Johnson And Wales University Providence
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
Lamar University
Lamar University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Lamar University report
Seton Hill University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Get the full Seton Hill University report
Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. See the full Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania profile
Miami University Hamilton offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. More on Miami University Hamilton
University Of Mount Union landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. More on University Of Mount Union
Warner University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Read the full report on Warner University
Benedict College
Benedict College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. See the full Benedict College profile
Biola University
Biola University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. More on Biola University
Black Hills State University placed #45 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Get the full Black Hills State University report
Drexel University placed #46 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. More on Drexel University
North Park University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. More on North Park University
Brenau University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Read the full report on Brenau University
College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Read more about College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland
Colorado Christian University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Read more about Colorado Christian University
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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Relations Advertising Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Relations Advertising Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Business Degree Central (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 509 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).