2026 Best Value Public Relations Advertising Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Public Relations Advertising master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 509 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Ashland University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Based in Ashland, OH, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $31,210 in tuition and fees. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $27,125. 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 admits about 76% of applicants. Read the full report on Ashland University
You'll get strong value at Concordia University Saint Paul, which ranked #2 this year. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $25,600 in tuition and fees. Concordia University Saint Paul Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $29,026 in debt. 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
Out of the 509 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Bellevue University landed the #3 spot. Located in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. 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. That is a strong return on a $27,852 median debt. See the full Bellevue University profile
Out of the 509 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Sacred Heart landed the #4 spot. Set in Santurce, PR, University Of Sacred Heart is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees. University Of Sacred Heart Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $12,375 in debt. Median earnings reach $31,754 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,375 median debt. University Of Sacred Heart admits about 58% of applicants. See the full University Of Sacred Heart profile
Biola University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Set in La Mirada, CA, Biola University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $48,984. Graduates carry a median of $21,104 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,778 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on Biola University
Valparaiso University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Valparaiso, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,450. Students borrow a median of $26,724 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Median earnings reach $63,191 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Valparaiso University admits about 89% of applicants. More on Valparaiso University
Arizona State University Skysong ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Arizona State University Skysong Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $23,742 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. More on Arizona State University Skysong
Mississippi College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Located in Clinton, MS, Mississippi College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,500. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $25,510. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,485. That is a strong return on a $25,510 median debt. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Mississippi College
Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Students borrow a median of $27,414 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,813 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,414 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Liberty University
Arkansas State University Main Campus landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $23,250. Median earnings reach $42,617 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arkansas State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full Arkansas State University Main Campus report
Webster University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,750. Students borrow a median of $25,939 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,876 ten years after entry. Set against $25,939 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Webster University has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full Webster University profile
Texas Tech University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. More on Texas Tech University
Quinnipiac University placed #15 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Hamden, CT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,480. Quinnipiac University Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Quinnipiac University alumni report median earnings of $83,759 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. See the full Quinnipiac University profile
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Graduates carry a median of $20,031 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. Set against $20,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
University Of Northern Iowa came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $21,096. University Of Northern Iowa alumni report median earnings of $55,177 a decade after entry. Set against $21,096 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. See the full University Of Northern Iowa profile
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Graduates carry a median of $21,577 in student loans. Median earnings reach $69,020 ten years out. Set against $21,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Rider University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Rider University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lawrenceville, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,120. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,208 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%. More on Rider University
Rowan University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,574 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $26,932. Students borrow a median of $23,125 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. 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. Rowan University admits about 78% of applicants. More on Rowan University
Ohio University Main Campus placed #21 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. This public school is set in Athens, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $24,546. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,581. That is a strong return on a $24,546 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Ohio University Main Campus
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #23 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
Temple University placed #24 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Temple University is a public school based in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $23,005 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,727. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Temple University report
Towson University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Towson University is a public school based in Towson, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $11,728, with out-of-state students paying around $29,820. Towson University Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $21,241 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,390. That is a strong return on a $21,241 median debt. Towson University admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on Towson University
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #26 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
University Of North Texas ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. This public school is set in Denton, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $21,817. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. That is a strong return on a $21,817 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read more about University Of North Texas
University Of Houston came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Houston, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $23,800. University Of Houston alumni report median earnings of $62,377 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Houston report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Public Relations Advertising Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Southern Mississippi ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. This public school is set in Hattiesburg, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,998, with out-of-state students paying around $11,998. Students borrow a median of $25,415 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. University Of Southern Mississippi alumni report median earnings of $44,140 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,415 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read the full report on University Of Southern Mississippi
Depaul University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Depaul University is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $24,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,751. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. More on Depaul University
George Washington University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Set 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. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $23,250. George Washington University alumni report median earnings of $90,873 a decade after entry. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 47% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on George Washington University
Murray State University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Murray State University is a public school based in Murray, KY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,900, compared with $19,836 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $22,250. Murray State University alumni report median earnings of $44,737 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Murray State University admits about 86% of applicants. More on Murray State University
Washburn University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Based in Topeka, KS, Washburn University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,945, with out-of-state students paying around $20,949. Washburn University Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $21,175 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,774 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Washburn University report
California Baptist University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. California Baptist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Riverside, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,228. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $22,718. Median earnings reach $61,504 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%. See the full California Baptist University profile
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,380, while out-of-state students pay about $16,297. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $26,513. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $51,019 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,513 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
Southern Methodist University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Set in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,040. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $19,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,354. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Methodist University has an acceptance rate of 63%. Read the full report on Southern Methodist University
University Of South Florida Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public school based in Tampa, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. 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. That is a strong return on a $17,082 median debt. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus
Georgetown University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,089. Graduates carry a median of $16,483 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $103,494 ten years after entry. Set against $16,483 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Georgetown University admits about 13% of applicants. See the full Georgetown University profile
University Of North Carolina At Wilmington offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a public school based in Wilmington, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,277, while out-of-state students pay about $24,152. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $23,013. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,967. Set against $23,013 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of North Carolina At Wilmington
West Virginia University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This public school is set in Morgantown, WV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $28,608. Students borrow a median of $23,772 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,939. Set against $23,772 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read the full report on West Virginia University
Kennesaw State University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. This public school is set in Kennesaw, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,808, compared with $17,736 for out-of-state students. Kennesaw State University Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,552 ten years after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Kennesaw State University
Colorado State University Fort Collins ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public school based in Fort Collins, CO. Students from in state pay about $13,373 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. Graduates carry a median of $22,843 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,543. 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
Washington State University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This public school is set in Pullman, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Washington State University Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,905. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. More on Washington State University
The University Of Alabama placed #50 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. This public school is set in Tuscaloosa, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,180, with out-of-state students paying around $34,172. The University Of Alabama Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,221. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The University Of Alabama report
The University Of Tennessee Martin came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Based in Martin, TN, The University Of Tennessee Martin is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,560 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,600. Graduates carry a median of $23,770 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,213 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,770 median debt. The University Of Tennessee Martin has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on The University Of Tennessee Martin
Georgia Southern University placed #52 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Located in Statesboro, GA, Georgia Southern University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,022, while out-of-state students pay about $17,734. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,236 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Georgia Southern University admits about 88% of applicants. More on Georgia Southern University
Kean University placed #53 among the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools in the United States. Based in Union, NJ, Kean University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,299, compared with $22,446 for out-of-state students. The median Public Relations Advertising program debt is $26,703. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,237 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,703 median debt. Kean University admits about 76% of applicants. Read the full report on Kean University
Troy University ranked #53 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. Based in Troy, AL, Troy University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,176, compared with $20,352 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,439 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,062 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Troy University admits about 96% of applicants. More on Troy University
Chapman University offered strong value this year, earning the #55 position. Based in Orange, CA, Chapman University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,984. Typical Public Relations Advertising student debt is $22,625. Chapman University alumni report median earnings of $70,070 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,625 median debt. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. More on Chapman University
Ball State University came in at #56 in this year's value ranking. Ball State University is a public school based in Muncie, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,082, with out-of-state students paying around $29,630. Ball State University Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $23,879 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,833. Set against $23,879 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Ball State University profile
William Paterson University Of New Jersey ranked #58 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. William Paterson University Of New Jersey is a public school based in Wayne, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $15,704, while out-of-state students pay about $25,344. William Paterson University Of New Jersey Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $25,644 in debt. William Paterson University Of New Jersey alumni report median earnings of $57,780 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full William Paterson University Of New Jersey profile
Texas A And M International University landed the #58 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Laredo, TX, Texas A And M International University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,894, compared with $19,454 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,095 to complete their Public Relations Advertising program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,386. That is a strong return on a $15,095 median debt. Texas A And M International University has an acceptance rate of 44%. See the full Texas A And M International University profile
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis ranked #60 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Relations Advertising schools. This public school is set in Indianapolis, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,762, with out-of-state students paying around $34,891. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis Public Relations Advertising students take on a median of $23,146 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,198 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read the full report on Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Related Public Relations Advertising Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Public Relations Advertising Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Public Relations Advertising Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Relations Advertising Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Relations Advertising Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Relations Advertising Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Relations Advertising Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Relations Advertising Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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).