2026 Best Value Public Relations Schools in the Southeast Region

1

University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

Leading the list is University Of Florida, our #1 best value for public relations in the Southeast Region. Set in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Students borrow a median of $17,439 to complete the public relations program here. Public Relations graduates of University Of Florida earn a median of $42,099 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,439 median debt. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Florida Online
Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida Online came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value public relations schools. Set in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida Online is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,876, compared with $16,579 for out-of-state students. Public Relations graduates carry a median of $17,439 in student loans. Public Relations graduates of University Of Florida Online earn a median of $42,099 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,439 median debt. The acceptance rate is 61%.

3

Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY

Northern Kentucky University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value public relations schools. Northern Kentucky University is a large public school located in the suburb of Highland Heights. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,088, with out-of-state students paying around $21,912. Students borrow a median of $24,225 to complete the public relations program here. Soon after graduation, public relations degree recipients from Northern Kentucky University generally make around $41,842. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.

4

Murray State University
Murray, KY

Murray State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in public relations, landing the #4 spot this year. Murray State University is a large public school located in the town of Murray. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,900, compared with $19,836 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,250 to complete the public relations program here. Early-career public relations graduates make about $38,054. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of Georgia
Athens, GA

University Of Georgia is a great value for students pursuing a degree in public relations, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Athens, University Of Georgia is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Typical student debt for public relations graduates is $23,394. Public Relations graduates of University Of Georgia earn a median of $43,255 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants.

6

Arkansas State University Main Campus
Jonesboro, AR

Arkansas State University Main Campus earned the #6 position for value in public relations this year. Located in the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public relations graduates is $23,250. Public Relations graduates of Arkansas State University Main Campus earn a median of $48,847 early in their careers. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%.

7

Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY

Western Kentucky University came in at #7 for value in public relations this year. Located in the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,652, compared with $27,000 for out-of-state students. Public Relations graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public relations degree recipients from Western Kentucky University generally make around $35,534. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.

8

University Of Memphis
Memphis, TN

University Of Memphis placed #8 among the best values for public relations. Set in the city of Memphis, University Of Memphis is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. Public Relations graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public relations degree recipients from University Of Memphis generally make around $39,819. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

9

Appalachian State University
Boone, NC

Appalachian State University earned the #9 position for value in public relations this year. Located in the town of Boone, Appalachian State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,579, compared with $25,212 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the public relations program here. Soon after graduation, public relations degree recipients from Appalachian State University generally make around $36,559. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

10

The University Of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN

The University Of Tennessee came in at #10 for value in public relations this year. Set in the city of Knoxville, The University Of Tennessee is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,812, compared with $33,256 for out-of-state students. Public Relations graduates carry a median of $21,368 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public relations degree recipients from The University Of Tennessee generally make around $42,173. Set against $21,368 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.

11

University Of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS

University Of Southern Mississippi placed #11 among the best values for public relations. University Of Southern Mississippi is a large public school located in the city of Hattiesburg. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,998, with out-of-state students paying around $11,998. Public Relations graduates carry a median of $25,415 in student loans. Public Relations graduates of University Of Southern Mississippi earn a median of $52,338 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.

12

Winthrop University
Rock Hill, SC

Winthrop University came in at #12 for value in public relations this year. Set in the city of Rock Hill, Winthrop University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,678, compared with $28,676 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the public relations program here. Public Relations graduates of Winthrop University earn a median of $40,487 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Winthrop University admits about 79% of applicants.

13

Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University
Tallahassee, FL

Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University came in at #13 for value in public relations this year. Set in the city of Tallahassee, Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,785, with out-of-state students paying around $17,725. Typical student debt for public relations graduates is $26,625. Early-career public relations graduates make about $28,516. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 21% of applicants are accepted.

14

Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA

Georgia Southern University placed #14 among the best values for public relations. Located in the town of Statesboro, Georgia Southern University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,022, compared with $17,734 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the public relations program here. Public Relations graduates of Georgia Southern University earn a median of $41,785 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Georgia Southern University admits about 88% of applicants.

15

Freed Hardeman University
Henderson, TN

Freed Hardeman University placed #15 among the best values for public relations. Located in the town of Henderson, Freed Hardeman University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $25,620. Typical student debt for public relations graduates is $24,479. Early-career public relations graduates make about $54,530. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Freed Hardeman University admits about 60% of applicants.

16

Lee University
Cleveland, TN

Lee University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value public relations schools. Located in the city of Cleveland, Lee University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $23,790. Public Relations graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career public relations graduates make about $33,162. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Lee University admits about 70% of applicants.

17

Harding University
Searcy, AR

Harding University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value public relations schools. Located in the town of Searcy, Harding University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,962. Students borrow a median of $26,854 to complete the public relations program here. Soon after graduation, public relations degree recipients from Harding University generally make around $33,577. Set against $26,854 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%.

18

The University Of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL

The University Of Alabama earned the #18 position for value in public relations this year. Set in the city of Tuscaloosa, The University Of Alabama is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,180, compared with $34,172 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the public relations program here. Soon after graduation, public relations degree recipients from The University Of Alabama generally make around $42,445. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%.

19

Auburn University
Auburn, AL

Auburn University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value public relations schools. Set in the city of Auburn, Auburn University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,890, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete the public relations program here. Soon after graduation, public relations degree recipients from Auburn University generally make around $41,458. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 46%.

20

University Of South Carolina Columbia
Columbia, SC

University Of South Carolina Columbia placed #20 among the best values for public relations. University Of South Carolina Columbia is a very large public school located in the city of Columbia. Students from in state pay about $12,688 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $36,298. Public Relations graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. Public Relations graduates of University Of South Carolina Columbia earn a median of $42,974 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Carolina Columbia admits about 60% of applicants.

21

Lipscomb University
Nashville, TN

Lipscomb University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value public relations schools. Lipscomb University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Nashville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,572. Typical student debt for public relations graduates is $23,529. Public Relations graduates of Lipscomb University earn a median of $48,949 early in their careers. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lipscomb University admits about 68% of applicants.

22

Belmont University
Nashville, TN

Belmont University earned the #22 position for value in public relations this year. Located in the city of Nashville, Belmont University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $42,540. Students borrow a median of $23,447 to complete the public relations program here. Public Relations graduates of Belmont University earn a median of $49,699 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,447 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.

23

Full Sail University
Winter Park, FL

Full Sail University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value public relations schools. Full Sail University is a very large private for-profit school located in the suburb of Winter Park. Students from in state pay about $26,906 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $32,103 to complete the public relations program here. Soon after graduation, public relations degree recipients from Full Sail University generally make around $32,072. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

24

Hampton University
Hampton, VA

Hampton University earned the #24 position for value in public relations this year. Set in the suburb of Hampton, Hampton University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,592. Students borrow a median of $26,169 to complete the public relations program here. Soon after graduation, public relations degree recipients from Hampton University generally make around $46,870. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 62%.

25

Palm Beach Atlantic University West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach, FL

Palm Beach Atlantic University West Palm Beach earned the #25 position for value in public relations this year. Located in the city of West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Atlantic University West Palm Beach is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $40,650. Typical student debt for public relations graduates is $24,787. Soon after graduation, public relations degree recipients from Palm Beach Atlantic University West Palm Beach generally make around $54,317. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.