2026 Best Value Public Relations & Advertising Schools in Tennessee
[Public Relations & Advertising](/majors/communication-journalism-media/public-relations-advertising/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 14 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for public relations & advertising students.
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Featured Public Relations & Advertising Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
MA in Communication - Public Relations
Learn how to use the latest technology and tactics to manage the flow of information between brands and the public with your Master's in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations at Southern New Hampshire University.
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2026 Best Value Public Relations & Advertising Schools in Tennessee
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in public relations & advertising, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Public Relations & Advertising Schools
Our analysis ranked The University Of Tennessee the best value for a degree in public relations & advertising in Tennessee. The University Of Tennessee is a very large public school located in the city of Knoxville. In-state tuition and fees average $13,812, compared with $33,256 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,368 to complete the public relations & advertising program here. Early-career public relations & advertising graduates make about $42,173. That is a strong return on a $21,368 median debt. The University Of Tennessee admits about 42% of applicants.
A rank of #2 makes University Of Memphis one of the best values for public relations & advertising. Located in the city of Memphis, University Of Memphis is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the public relations & advertising program here. Soon after graduation, public relations & advertising degree recipients from University Of Memphis generally make around $39,819. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Memphis admits about 72% of applicants.
Freed Hardeman University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value public relations & advertising schools. Freed Hardeman University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Henderson. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,620. Public Relations & Advertising graduates carry a median of $24,479 in student loans. Early-career public relations & advertising 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.
Students looking for strong value in public relations & advertising will find it at Lee University, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Cleveland, Lee University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,790. Typical student debt for public relations & advertising graduates is $27,000. Public Relations & Advertising graduates of Lee University earn a median of $33,162 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 70%.
Lipscomb University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in public relations & advertising, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Nashville, Lipscomb University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,572. Students borrow a median of $23,529 to complete the public relations & advertising program here. Early-career public relations & advertising graduates make about $48,949. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
Belmont University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value public relations & advertising schools. Located in the city of Nashville, Belmont University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,540. Students borrow a median of $23,447 to complete the public relations & advertising program here. Public Relations & Advertising graduates of Belmont University earn a median of $49,699 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%.
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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 · 14 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
