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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Public Relations Schools in Tennessee

4 Colleges in the United States
$24,137 Avg Student Debt
$51,814 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.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 8 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for public relations students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Public Relations Schools in Tennessee

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

Best Value Public Relations Schools

1

The University Of Tennessee earned the #1 spot for value among public relations schools in Tennessee. Set in the city of Knoxville, The University Of Tennessee is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,812, with out-of-state students paying around $33,256. Students borrow a median of $21,368 to complete the public relations program here. Public Relations graduates of The University Of Tennessee earn a median of $42,173 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Tennessee admits about 42% of applicants.

2

Students looking for strong value in public relations will find it at University Of Memphis, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Memphis, University Of Memphis is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,728, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. Public Relations graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Public Relations graduates of University Of Memphis earn a median of $39,819 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

3

Freed Hardeman University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value public relations schools. Located in the town of Henderson, Freed Hardeman University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $25,620 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,479 to complete the public relations program here. Public Relations graduates of Freed Hardeman University earn a median of $54,530 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 60%.

4
Lee University crest
Lee University
Cleveland, TN

A rank of #4 makes Lee University one of the best values for public relations. Located in the city of Cleveland, Lee University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $23,790 in tuition and fees. Public Relations graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Public Relations graduates of Lee University earn a median of $33,162 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.

5
Lipscomb University crest
Lipscomb University
Nashville, TN

Lipscomb University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value public relations schools. Set in the city of Nashville, Lipscomb University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,572 in tuition and fees. Public Relations graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. 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. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.

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6
Belmont University crest
Belmont University
Nashville, TN

Belmont University came in at #6 for value in public relations this year. Set in the city of Nashville, Belmont University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $42,540. Students borrow a median of $23,447 to complete the public relations program here. Early-career public relations graduates make about $49,699. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Belmont University admits about 95% of applicants.

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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 · 8 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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