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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Public Relations & Advertising Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

39 Colleges in the United States
$24,698 Avg Student Debt
$67,157 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Public Relations & Advertising Badge [Public Relations & Advertising](/majors/communication-journalism-media/public-relations-advertising/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 104 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for public relations & advertising students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Public Relations & Advertising Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

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

Best Value Public Relations & Advertising Schools

1

Leading the list is Cuny Queens College, our #1 best value for public relations & advertising in the Middle Atlantic Region. Located in the city of Queens, Cuny Queens College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,538 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,488. Students borrow a median of $12,157 to complete the public relations & advertising program here. Early-career public relations & advertising graduates make about $41,847. Set against $12,157 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 64%.

2

University Of Delaware came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value public relations & advertising schools. Set in the suburb of Newark, University Of Delaware is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Typical student debt for public relations & advertising graduates is $24,861. Soon after graduation, public relations & advertising degree recipients from University Of Delaware generally make around $54,155. That is a strong return on a $24,861 median debt. University Of Delaware admits about 71% of applicants.

3

Montclair State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value public relations & advertising schools. Located in the suburb of Montclair, Montclair State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Students borrow a median of $25,286 to complete the public relations & advertising program here. Soon after graduation, public relations & advertising degree recipients from Montclair State University generally make around $44,369. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Montclair State University admits about 88% of applicants.

4
Kean University crest
Kean University
Union, NJ

Kean University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value public relations & advertising schools. Set in the suburb of Union, Kean University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,299 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,446 for out-of-state students. Public Relations & Advertising graduates carry a median of $26,703 in student loans. Early-career public relations & advertising graduates make about $48,705. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

5

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Maryland University College earned it the #5 place for public relations & advertising. University Of Maryland University College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Adelphi. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,136, compared with $12,336 for out-of-state students. Public Relations & Advertising graduates carry a median of $23,276 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public relations & advertising degree recipients from University Of Maryland University College generally make around $65,890. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

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Towson University crest
Towson University
Towson, MD

Towson University came in at #6 for value in public relations & advertising this year. Located in the city of Towson, Towson University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,728, with out-of-state students paying around $29,820. Typical student debt for public relations & advertising graduates is $21,241. Soon after graduation, public relations & advertising degree recipients from Towson University generally make around $50,370. That is a strong return on a $21,241 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%.

7
Stony Brook University crest
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY

Stony Brook University landed the #7 spot for public relations & advertising value this year. Located in the suburb of Stony Brook, Stony Brook University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,931 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,741. Public Relations & Advertising graduates carry a median of $20,537 in student loans. Public Relations & Advertising graduates of Stony Brook University earn a median of $60,047 early in their careers. Set against $20,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 49% of applicants are accepted.

8

Columbia University In The City Of New York earned the #8 position for value in public relations & advertising this year. Located in the city of New York, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,517. Public Relations & Advertising graduates carry a median of $23,258 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public relations & advertising degree recipients from Columbia University In The City Of New York generally make around $86,770. Set against $23,258 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%.

9

Suny College At Oswego landed the #9 spot for public relations & advertising value this year. Set in the town of Oswego, Suny College At Oswego is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,825, with out-of-state students paying around $18,735. Public Relations & Advertising graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public relations & advertising degree recipients from Suny College At Oswego generally make around $37,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.

10

Suny College At Buffalo came in at #10 for value in public relations & advertising this year. Set in the city of Buffalo, Suny College At Buffalo is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,533, with out-of-state students paying around $19,653. Public Relations & Advertising graduates carry a median of $25,257 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public relations & advertising degree recipients from Suny College At Buffalo generally make around $39,412. That is a strong return on a $25,257 median debt. Suny College At Buffalo admits about 73% of applicants.

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11

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania earned the #11 position for value in public relations & advertising this year. Set in the town of Slippery Rock, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, with out-of-state students paying around $14,676. Typical student debt for public relations & advertising graduates is $26,330. Public Relations & Advertising graduates of Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $44,294 early in their careers. Set against $26,330 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania admits about 72% of applicants.

12
Suny At Fredonia crest
Suny At Fredonia
Fredonia, NY

Suny At Fredonia landed the #12 spot for public relations & advertising value this year. Located in the town of Fredonia, Suny At Fredonia is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $8,831 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,771. Typical student debt for public relations & advertising graduates is $23,450. Soon after graduation, public relations & advertising degree recipients from Suny At Fredonia generally make around $33,126. Set against $23,450 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.

13
Wilmington University crest
Wilmington University
New Castle, DE

Wilmington University placed #13 among the best values for public relations & advertising. Set in the suburb of New Castle, Wilmington University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,630. Typical student debt for public relations & advertising graduates is $32,308. Early-career public relations & advertising graduates make about $40,408. Set against $32,308 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

14
Canisius College crest
Canisius College
Buffalo, NY

Canisius College earned the #14 position for value in public relations & advertising this year. Canisius College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Buffalo. In-state tuition and fees average $34,200. Public Relations & Advertising graduates carry a median of $24,673 in student loans. Public Relations & Advertising graduates of Canisius College earn a median of $42,672 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,673 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%.

15

Pennsylvania State University World Campus landed the #15 spot for public relations & advertising value this year. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,356 in tuition and fees. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,435. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

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16

Fashion Institute Of Technology earned the #16 position for value in public relations & advertising this year. Fashion Institute Of Technology is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of New York. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,174, with out-of-state students paying around $22,696. Typical student debt for public relations & advertising graduates is $16,750. Early-career public relations & advertising graduates make about $28,928. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 60%.

17

West Chester University Of Pennsylvania earned the #17 position for value in public relations & advertising this year. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a large public school located in the suburb of West Chester. In-state tuition and fees average $10,775, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,258 ten years after entry. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania admits about 78% of applicants.

18
Rowan University crest
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ

Rowan University earned the #18 position for value in public relations & advertising this year. Located in the suburb of Glassboro, Rowan University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $16,574 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $26,932. Public Relations & Advertising graduates carry a median of $23,125 in student loans. Public Relations & Advertising graduates of Rowan University earn a median of $35,116 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

19

Rutgers University New Brunswick placed #19 among the best values for public relations & advertising. Rutgers University New Brunswick is a very large public school located in the city of New Brunswick. In-state tuition and fees average $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Students borrow a median of $25,120 to complete the public relations & advertising program here. Early-career public relations & advertising graduates make about $58,402. Set against $25,120 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 58%.

20
Hood College crest
Hood College
Frederick, MD

Hood College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value public relations & advertising schools. Located in the city of Frederick, Hood College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $47,700 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,703 to complete the public relations & advertising program here. Public Relations & Advertising graduates of Hood College earn a median of $59,332 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,703 median debt. Hood College admits about 78% of applicants.

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Rider University crest
Rider University
Lawrenceville, NJ

Rider University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value public relations & advertising schools. Set in the suburb of Lawrenceville, Rider University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,120. Typical student debt for public relations & advertising graduates is $25,000. Soon after graduation, public relations & advertising degree recipients from Rider University generally make around $45,962. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.

22
Point Park University crest
Point Park University
Pittsburgh, PA

Point Park University earned the #22 position for value in public relations & advertising this year. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, Point Park University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,570. Students borrow a median of $28,850 to complete the public relations & advertising program here. Soon after graduation, public relations & advertising degree recipients from Point Park University generally make around $32,495. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Point Park University admits about 97% of applicants.

23
Susquehanna University crest
Susquehanna University
Selinsgrove, PA

Susquehanna University placed #23 among the best values for public relations & advertising. Set in the town of Selinsgrove, Susquehanna University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $59,850. Public Relations & Advertising graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career public relations & advertising graduates make about $36,632. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.

24

St Johns University New York ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value public relations & advertising schools. St Johns University New York is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Queens. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,529. Public Relations & Advertising graduates carry a median of $26,848 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public relations & advertising degree recipients from St Johns University New York generally make around $43,585. Set against $26,848 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.

25
Saint Bonaventure University crest
Saint Bonaventure University
Saint Bonaventure, NY

Saint Bonaventure University came in at #25 for value in public relations & advertising this year. Set in the town of Saint Bonaventure, Saint Bonaventure University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,735 in tuition and fees. Public Relations & Advertising graduates carry a median of $25,917 in student loans. Public Relations & Advertising graduates of Saint Bonaventure University earn a median of $43,190 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.

Rest of the Top 45 Best Value Public Relations & Advertising Schools

Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in public relations & advertising:

26
Messiah College crest
Messiah College
Mechanicsburg, PA
27
Iona College crest
Iona College
New Rochelle, NY
28
29
Seton Hall University crest
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ
30
Temple University crest
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA
31
32
33
34
Siena College crest
Siena College
Loudonville, NY
35
Ithaca College crest
Ithaca College
Ithaca, NY
36
Duquesne University crest
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA
37
Hofstra University crest
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY
38
39
Georgetown University crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC
40
Drexel University crest
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA
41
Marist College crest
Marist College
Poughkeepsie, NY
42
Syracuse University crest
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY
43
American University crest
American University
Washington, DC
44
Howard University crest
Howard University
Washington, DC
45

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 104 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 39 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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