by our College Data Analytics Team
[Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication](/majors/communication-journalism-media/public-relations-advertising/public-relations-advertising-and-applied-communication/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 17 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value public relations, advertising, & applied communication schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Pennsylvania State University World Campus the best value for a degree in public relations, advertising, & applied communication in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public school located in the city of University Park. Students from in state pay about $15,356 in tuition and fees. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,435. The acceptance rate is 91%.
A rank of #2 makes West Chester University Of Pennsylvania one of the best values for public relations, advertising, & applied communication. Located in the suburb of West Chester, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,775, compared with $22,599 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,258. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
Point Park University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in public relations, advertising, & applied communication, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Pittsburgh, Point Park University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $39,570. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates carry a median of $28,850 in student loans. Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication graduates of Point Park University earn a median of $32,495 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Point Park University admits about 97% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Susquehanna University earned it the #4 place for public relations, advertising, & applied communication. Susquehanna University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Selinsgrove. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $59,850. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the public relations, advertising, & applied communication program here. Soon after graduation, public relations, advertising, & applied communication degree recipients from Susquehanna University generally make around $36,632. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%.
Students looking for strong value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication will find it at Messiah College, which ranked #5. Set in the suburb of Mechanicsburg, Messiah College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,240. Students borrow a median of $26,195 to complete the public relations, advertising, & applied communication program here. Soon after graduation, public relations, advertising, & applied communication degree recipients from Messiah College generally make around $48,957. That is a strong return on a $26,195 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%.
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Pennsylvania State University Main Campus came in at #6 for value in public relations, advertising, & applied communication this year. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of University Park. In-state tuition and fees average $20,644, while out-of-state students pay about $41,790. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants.
Drexel University placed #7 among the best values for public relations, advertising, & applied communication. Set in the city of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,412. Typical student debt for public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates is $27,000. Early-career public relations, advertising, & applied communication graduates make about $41,800. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 17 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.