ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Public Relations Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

17 Colleges in the United States
$24,439 Avg Student Debt
$67,339 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Public Relations Badge [Public Relations](/majors/communication-journalism-media/public-relations-advertising/public-relations/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong public relations education at a price that pays off.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 35 schools to find the best return on investment for public relations students.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/communication-journalism-media/public-relations-advertising/public-relations/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/communication-journalism-media/public-relations-advertising/public-relations/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/communication-journalism-media/public-relations-advertising/public-relations/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/communication-journalism-media/public-relations-advertising/public-relations/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/communication-journalism-media/public-relations-advertising/public-relations/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/communication-journalism-media/public-relations-advertising/public-relations/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/communication-journalism-media/public-relations-advertising/public-relations/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 13
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 09.09), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Public Relations (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Public Relations (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Public Relations (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Public Relations (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BA in Communication - Public Relations" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BA in Communication - Public Relations" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MA in Communication - Public Relations" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MA in Communication - Public Relations" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "AS in Marketing" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "AS in Marketing" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Marketing" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "BS in Marketing" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MBA in Marketing" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MBA in Marketing" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Marketing" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MS in Marketing" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Marketing - New Media & Communications" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MS in Marketing - New Media & Communications" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Social Media (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Social Media (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Social Media (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Social Media (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Social Media (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Social Media (I Have a Bachelors)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Social Media Marketing (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Social Media Marketing (I Have a Bachelors)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 4
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 2 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.8
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 2
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 2 offers with relevance >= 1.0

2026 Best Value Public Relations Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in public relations, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Public Relations Schools

1

Leading the list is University Of Maryland University College, our #1 best value for public relations in the Middle Atlantic Region. Set in the suburb of Adelphi, University Of Maryland University College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,136, while out-of-state students pay about $12,336. Public Relations graduates carry a median of $23,276 in student loans. Public Relations graduates of University Of Maryland University College earn a median of $65,890 early in their careers. Set against $23,276 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2
Kean University crest
Kean University
Union, NJ

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Kean University earned it the #2 place for public relations. Located in the suburb of Union, Kean University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,299, while out-of-state students pay about $22,446. Typical student debt for public relations graduates is $26,703. Early-career public relations graduates make about $48,705. Set against $26,703 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%.

3
Suny At Fredonia crest
Suny At Fredonia
Fredonia, NY

Suny At Fredonia is a great value for students pursuing a degree in public relations, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the town of Fredonia, Suny At Fredonia is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,831, while out-of-state students pay about $19,771. Public Relations graduates carry a median of $23,450 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public relations degree recipients from Suny At Fredonia generally make around $33,126. Set against $23,450 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny At Fredonia admits about 78% of applicants.

4

Students looking for strong value in public relations will find it at Suny College At Oswego, which ranked #4. Located in the town of Oswego, Suny College At Oswego is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,825, with out-of-state students paying around $18,735. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the public relations program here. Soon after graduation, public relations degree recipients from Suny College At Oswego generally make around $37,203. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny College At Oswego admits about 80% of applicants.

5

Students looking for strong value in public relations will find it at Pennsylvania State University World Campus, which ranked #5. Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public school located in the city of University Park. In-state tuition and fees average $15,356. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 91%.

ADBLOCK #101
6
Rowan University crest
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ

Rowan University earned the #6 position for value in public relations this year. Set in the suburb of Glassboro, Rowan University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,574, compared with $26,932 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,125 to complete the public relations program here. Soon after graduation, public relations degree recipients from Rowan University generally make around $35,116. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

7
Hood College crest
Hood College
Frederick, MD

Hood College placed #7 among the best values for public relations. Hood College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Frederick. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,700. Typical student debt for public relations graduates is $24,703. Early-career public relations graduates make about $59,332. That is a strong return on a $24,703 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

8
Rider University crest
Rider University
Lawrenceville, NJ

Rider University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value public relations schools. Located in the suburb of Lawrenceville, Rider University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $41,120 in tuition and fees. Public Relations graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Public Relations graduates of Rider University earn a median of $45,962 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Rider University admits about 79% of applicants.

9
Point Park University crest
Point Park University
Pittsburgh, PA

Point Park University came in at #9 for value in public relations this year. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, Point Park University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,570. Public Relations graduates carry a median of $28,850 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public relations degree recipients from Point Park University generally make around $32,495. That is a strong return on a $28,850 median debt. Point Park University admits about 97% of applicants.

10
Iona College crest
Iona College
New Rochelle, NY

Iona College earned the #10 position for value in public relations this year. Set in the suburb of New Rochelle, Iona College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $47,260. Typical student debt for public relations graduates is $25,745. Early-career public relations graduates make about $51,530. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Iona College admits about 87% of applicants.

ADBLOCK #115
11
Susquehanna University crest
Susquehanna University
Selinsgrove, PA

Susquehanna University placed #11 among the best values for public relations. Located in the town of Selinsgrove, Susquehanna University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $59,850 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for public relations graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, public relations degree recipients from Susquehanna University generally make around $36,632. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Susquehanna University admits about 81% of applicants.

12
Seton Hall University crest
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ

Seton Hall University earned the #12 position for value in public relations this year. Located in the suburb of South Orange, Seton Hall University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,170. Students borrow a median of $19,439 to complete the public relations program here. Public Relations graduates of Seton Hall University earn a median of $40,602 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,439 median debt. Seton Hall University admits about 73% of applicants.

13
Temple University crest
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA

Temple University landed the #13 spot for public relations value this year. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Temple University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $23,005 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the public relations program here. Early-career public relations graduates make about $41,165. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%.

14
Hofstra University crest
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY

Hofstra University landed the #14 spot for public relations value this year. Located in the suburb of Hempstead, Hofstra University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $57,660. Typical student debt for public relations graduates is $24,000. Soon after graduation, public relations degree recipients from Hofstra University generally make around $49,280. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.

15

George Washington University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value public relations schools. George Washington University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. Students from in state pay about $67,710 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for public relations graduates is $23,250. Public Relations graduates of George Washington University earn a median of $73,569 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. George Washington University admits about 47% of applicants.

ADBLOCK #145
16
Georgetown University crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC

Georgetown University came in at #16 for value in public relations this year. Located in the city of Washington, Georgetown University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,089. Students borrow a median of $16,483 to complete the public relations program here. Early-career public relations graduates make about $91,362. Set against $16,483 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 13% of applicants are accepted.

17
Syracuse University crest
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY

Syracuse University placed #17 among the best values for public relations. Located in the city of Syracuse, Syracuse University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,528. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the public relations program here. Public Relations graduates of Syracuse University earn a median of $58,798 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 46%.

18
American University crest
American University
Washington, DC

American University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value public relations schools. Set in the city of Washington, American University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,771. Students borrow a median of $26,442 to complete the public relations program here. Public Relations graduates of American University earn a median of $56,877 early in their careers. Set against $26,442 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted.

ADBLOCK #173
View All Public Relations Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

This list is compiled 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 · 35 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 17 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options