2026 Best Public Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH

Our analysis ranked University Of Cincinnati Main Campus the best school in the country for a degree in public relations. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Cincinnati. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus graduates 74% of students within six years. There were roughly 51 public relations students who graduated with this degree at University Of Cincinnati Main Campus in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, public relations degree recipients from University Of Cincinnati Main Campus generally make around $58,659. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus graduates carry a median of $23,530 in student loans. Read more about the public relations program at University Of Cincinnati Main Campus

2

Illinois State University
Normal, IL

Illinois State University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in public relations, ranking #2. Illinois State University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Normal. Illinois State University graduates 64% of students within six years. There were roughly 41 public relations students who graduated with this degree at Illinois State University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, public relations degree recipients from Illinois State University generally make around $43,874. Typical student debt for the program is $22,500. More information about a degree in public relations from Illinois State University

3

Taylor University
Upland, IN

A rank of #3 makes Taylor University one of the top schools for public relations. Set in the rural area of Upland, Taylor University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 74% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 18 public relations students who graduated with this degree at Taylor University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their public relations degree from Taylor University earn around $45,090 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $21,832 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in public relations from Taylor University

4

Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI

Marquette University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in public relations, ranking #4. Marquette University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Milwaukee. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 19 public relations students who graduated with this degree at Marquette University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the public relations program make about $40,583 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in public relations from Marquette University

5

Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Bowling Green, OH

Bowling Green State University Main Campus came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best public relations schools. Located in the town of Bowling Green, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 61%. About 11 public relations degrees were awarded at Bowling Green State University Main Campus in the most recent year. Public Relations graduates of Bowling Green State University Main Campus earn a median of $42,296 early in their careers. Bowling Green State University Main Campus graduates carry a median of $22,519 in student loans. Get the full public relations details for Bowling Green State University Main Campus

6

Kent State University At Kent
Kent, OH

Kent State University At Kent came in at #6 for public relations this year. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Kent. About 64% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 25 public relations students who graduated with this degree at Kent State University At Kent in the most recent data year. Public Relations graduates of Kent State University At Kent earn a median of $40,867 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $25,000. More information about a degree in public relations from Kent State University At Kent

7

Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL

Eastern Illinois University landed the #7 spot for public relations this year. Located in the town of Charleston, Eastern Illinois University is a large public university. Roughly 47% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 11 public relations degrees were awarded at Eastern Illinois University in the most recent year. Students who receive their public relations degree from Eastern Illinois University earn around $38,369 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,745. More information about a degree in public relations from Eastern Illinois University

8

Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI

Central Michigan University landed the #8 spot for public relations this year. This large public university is located in the town of Mount Pleasant. About 59% of students finish within six years. Central Michigan University awarded about 37 public relations degrees in the most recent data year. Public Relations graduates of Central Michigan University earn a median of $40,346 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. Get the full public relations details for Central Michigan University

9

Wayne State University
Detroit, MI

Wayne State University came in at #9 for public relations this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Detroit. Roughly 58% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 23 public relations students who graduated with this degree at Wayne State University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their public relations degree from Wayne State University earn around $41,306 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000. Get the full public relations details for Wayne State University

10

University Of Akron Main Campus
Akron, OH

University Of Akron Main Campus ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best public relations schools. Set in the city of Akron, University Of Akron Main Campus is a large public institution. Roughly 52% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 17 public relations students who graduated with this degree at University Of Akron Main Campus in the most recent data year. Graduates of the public relations program make about $41,396 in their early career. University Of Akron Main Campus graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. See the full public relations program report for University Of Akron Main Campus

11

Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH

Cleveland State University landed the #11 spot for public relations this year. This large public university is located in the city of Cleveland. The six-year graduation rate is 51%. Cleveland State University awarded about 24 public relations degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the public relations program make about $38,027 in their early career. Cleveland State University graduates carry a median of $26,750 in student loans. Read more about the public relations program at Cleveland State University