by our College Data Analytics TeamPublic Relations degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.
For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 11 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for public relations students pursuing a degree.
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If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the public relations degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked San Jose State University the best school in the country for a degree in public relations. San Jose State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Jose. About 69% of students finish within six years. About 24 public relations degrees were awarded at San Jose State University in the most recent year. More information about a degree in public relations from San Jose State University
Washington State University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in public relations, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the town of Pullman, Washington State University is a very large public university. Washington State University graduates 60% of students within six years. Washington State University awarded about 89 public relations degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, public relations degree recipients from Washington State University generally make around $45,820. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete this degree. Get the full public relations details for Washington State University
University Of Southern California is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in public relations, ranking #3. University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Los Angeles. About 92% of students finish within six years. University Of Southern California awarded about 77 public relations degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, public relations degree recipients from University Of Southern California generally make around $50,338. University Of Southern California graduates carry a median of $20,251 in student loans. More information about a degree in public relations from University Of Southern California
University Of Oregon is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in public relations, landing the #4 spot this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Eugene. The six-year graduation rate is 72%. University Of Oregon awarded about 142 public relations degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, public relations degree recipients from University Of Oregon generally make around $54,461. University Of Oregon graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Read more about the public relations program at University Of Oregon
Gonzaga University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in public relations, ranking #5. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Spokane. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. Gonzaga University awarded about 17 public relations degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their public relations degree from Gonzaga University earn around $39,013 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete this degree. Get the full public relations details for Gonzaga University
California State University Dominguez Hills came in at #6 for public relations this year. Located in the city of Carson, California State University Dominguez Hills is a large public university. California State University Dominguez Hills graduates 43% of students within six years. There were roughly 55 public relations students who graduated with this degree at California State University Dominguez Hills in the most recent data year. Public Relations graduates of California State University Dominguez Hills earn a median of $38,798 early in their careers. California State University Dominguez Hills graduates carry a median of $13,000 in student loans. Read more about the public relations program at California State University Dominguez Hills
Central Washington University placed #7 among the best public relations schools. This very large public university is located in the town of Ellensburg. Roughly 54% of students complete a degree within six years here. Central Washington University awarded about 12 public relations degrees in the most recent data year. Public Relations graduates of Central Washington University earn a median of $40,976 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $23,342. See the full public relations program report for Central Washington University
California State University Long Beach placed #8 among the best public relations schools. California State University Long Beach is a very large public school located in the city of Long Beach. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. California State University Long Beach awarded about 60 public relations degrees in the most recent data year. Public Relations graduates of California State University Long Beach earn a median of $28,226 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $23,012 to complete this degree. Read more about the public relations program at California State University Long Beach
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 11 schools evaluated.
More about our data sources and methodologies.