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2023 Best Value Colleges for Public Relations & Advertising (With Aid)

255 Ranked Colleges
21,099 Degrees Awarded
$12,800 Avg Net Price*
Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid

Students have lots of options to chooose from today when trying to decide which college to attend. One of our goals at College Factual is to give you as much information as we can - such as our “Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid” ranking - to help you make that decision.

In 2020-2021, 21,099 people earned their degree in public relations and advertising, making the major the 52nd most popular in the United States. In 2019-2020, public relations and advertising graduates who were awarded their degree in 2017-2019, earned an average of $38,287 and had an average of $23,973 in loans still to pay off.

For this year’s “Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid” ranking, we looked at 255 colleges that offer a degree in public relations and advertising. Not only do the schools that top this list have excellent public relations and advertising programs, but they also cost less that schools of similar quality.

Some of the factors we look at when determining these rankings are overall quality of the public relations and advertising program at the school and the cost of the school after aid is awarded among other things. See our ranking methodology to learn more.

More Ways to Rank Public Relations & Advertising Schools

Rankings by Degree Other Award Levels
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More Public Relations Rankings Other Ranking Categories

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we’ve developed the “Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid” ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision.

To further help you make the college decision, we’ve developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid.

Top 25 Best Value Colleges for Public Relations & Advertising (With Aid)

1
UF crest
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Florida. The school came in at #1 for the Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid. University of Florida is a large school located in Gainesville, Florida that handed out 409 ’s public relations degrees in 2020-2021.

UF did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #6 on our “Best Public Relations & Advertising Schools” list. The estimated yearly cost for University of Florida is $5,135 for Public Relations students with aid.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.7%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 97%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read more about Public Relations & Advertising at University of Florida

2

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Fashion Institute of Technology. The school came in at #2 for the Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid. This medium-sized school is located in New York, New York, and it awarded 598 ’s public relations degrees in 2020-2021.

FIT SUNY also claimed a top spot on our “Best Public Relations & Advertising Schools” list. It’s in the top [COLLEGE_QUALITY_PECTENTILE_ALL_LEVES]% of all schools in this category. It costs about $10,389 for Public Relations students with aid per year to attend Fashion Institute of Technology.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 88%. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.0%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Public Relations & Advertising at FIT SUNY

3

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend The University of Texas at Austin. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid list. This large school is located in Austin, Texas, and it awarded 616 ’s public relations degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UT Austin, the school also landed the #4 spot in our “Best Public Relations & Advertising Schools” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for UT Austin is $18,350 for public relations students with aid.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.3%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 97%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Full The University of Texas at Austin Public Relations & Advertising Report

4

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The school came in at #4 for the Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid. UIUC is located in Champaign, Illinois and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 247 ’s public relations degrees to qualified students.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UIUC, the school also landed the #11 spot in our “Best Public Relations & Advertising Schools” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is $14,321 for public relations students with aid.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.3% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 94%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read full report on Public Relations & Advertising at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

5
UGA crest
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia

Out of the 255 schools in the Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Georgia landed the #5 spot on the list. Located in Athens, Georgia, this large public school handed out 384 diplomas to qualified ’s public relations students in 2020-2021.

UGA also took the #12 spot in our “Best Public Relations & Advertising Schools” ranking. It costs about $14,257 for Public Relations students with aid per year to attend University of Georgia.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 94%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.9%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full UGA Public Relations & Advertising Report

6
CCNY crest
The City College of New York
New York, New York

The City College of New York came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid ranking. New York, New York is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s public relations degrees to 31 students in 2020-2021.

It costs about $2,805 for Public Relations students with aid per year to attend The City College of New York.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.6%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Public Relations & Advertising at The City College of New York

7
Appalachian State crest
Appalachian State University
Boone, North Carolina

Appalachian State University came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid ranking. Appalachian State is a large public school situated in Boone, North Carolina. It awarded 157 ’s public relations degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend Appalachian State University is $13,989 for Public Relations students with aid.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.6%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 86%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read more about Public Relations & Advertising at Appalachian State

8

Brigham Young University - Provo did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid ranking, coming in at #8. Brigham Young University - Provo is a large private not-for-profit school situated in Provo, Utah. It awarded 187 ’s public relations degrees in 2020-2021.

BYU also claimed a top spot on our “Best Public Relations & Advertising Schools” list. It’s ranked in the top 15% of all schools on our “Best Public Relations & Advertising Schools” list. It costs about $13,474 for Public Relations students with aid per year to attend BYU.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.3%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 92%.

Read more about Public Relations & Advertising at BYU

9

With a ranking of #9, University of Nebraska - Lincoln did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid list. Lincoln, Nebraska is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s public relations degrees to 262 students in 2020-2021.

UNL not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #14 on our “Best Public Relations & Advertising Schools” list. The estimated yearly cost for UNL is $17,013 for public relations students with aid.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 85%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.2% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Public Relations & Advertising at UNL

10
Michigan State crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan

Michigan State University landed the #10 spot on the 2023 Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid ranking. This large school is located in East Lansing, Michigan, and it awarded 588 ’s public relations degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our public relations students with aid list, Michigan State has also earned the #16 rank in our “Best Public Relations & Advertising Schools” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Michigan State is $19,058 for public relations students with aid.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.6% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 91%.

Read more about Public Relations & Advertising at Michigan State

11
UO crest
University of Oregon
Eugene, Oregon

University of Oregon landed the #11 spot on the 2023 Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid ranking. This large school is located in Eugene, Oregon, and it awarded 609 ’s public relations degrees in 2020-2021.

UO not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #18 on our “Best Public Relations & Advertising Schools” list. The estimated yearly cost for University of Oregon is $18,047 for public relations students with aid.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.1% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full University of Oregon Public Relations & Advertising Report

12

Iowa State University came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid ranking. This large school is located in Ames, Iowa, and it awarded 135 ’s public relations degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on this list, Iowa State is in the top on our “Best Public Relations & Advertising Schools” list. It’s in the top 15% of all schools reviewed in that analysis. The yearly cost to attend Iowa State is $16,002 for public relations students with aid.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.4%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 89%.

Full Iowa State Public Relations & Advertising Report

13

Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid ranking, coming in at #13. Indianapolis, Indiana is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s public relations degrees to 17 students in 2020-2021.

It costs about $12,416 for Public Relations students with aid per year to attend Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.2%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Public Relations & Advertising at IUPUI

14

University of South Florida - Main Campus landed the #14 spot on the 2023 Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid ranking. University of South Florida - Main Campus is located in Tampa, Florida and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 188 ’s public relations degrees to qualified students.

The estimated yearly cost for University of South Florida - Main Campus is $8,346 for Public Relations students with aid.

With a freshman retention rate of 92%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.3% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Public Relations & Advertising at University of South Florida - Main Campus

15
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida

With a ranking of #15, Florida State University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid list. Florida State is a large public school situated in Tallahassee, Florida. It awarded 139 ’s public relations degrees in 2020-2021.

On top of its placing in this ranking, Florida State also did well on our “Best Public Relations & Advertising Schools” list. It’s in the top [COLLEGE_QUALITY_PECTENTILE_ALL_LEVES]% of all schools in this category. It costs about $9,946 for Public Relations students with aid per year to attend Florida State.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.8%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 95%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Full Florida State Public Relations & Advertising Report

16

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities ranked #16 on this year’s Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid list. Minneapolis, Minnesota is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s public relations degrees to 83 students in 2020-2021.

UMN Twin Cities not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #23 on our “Best Public Relations & Advertising Schools” list. It costs about $17,878 for public relations students with aid per year to attend University of Minnesota - Twin Cities.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 93%. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.7%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Public Relations & Advertising at UMN Twin Cities

17

With a ranking of #17, Arizona State University - Tempe did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid list. Located in Tempe, Arizona, this large public school awarded 107 degrees to qualified ’s public relations students in 2020-2021.

On top of its placing in this ranking, ASU - Tempe also did well on our “Best Public Relations & Advertising Schools” list. It’s ranked in the top 20% of all schools on our “Best Public Relations & Advertising Schools” list. It costs about $13,107 for public relations students with aid per year to attend Arizona State University - Tempe.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.5%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 86%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read more about Public Relations & Advertising at Arizona State University - Tempe

18
UH crest
University of Houston
Houston, Texas

University of Houston came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid ranking. UH is a large public school situated in Houston, Texas. It awarded 184 ’s public relations degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on this list, UH is in the top on our “Best Public Relations & Advertising Schools” list. It’s in the top 20% of all schools reviewed in that analysis. The estimated yearly cost for University of Houston is $13,721 for public relations students with aid.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.4%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 86%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read full report on Public Relations & Advertising at University of Houston

19
Texas Tech crest
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas

With a ranking of #19, Texas Tech University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid list. Texas Tech is a large public school situated in Lubbock, Texas. It awarded 417 ’s public relations degrees in 2020-2021.

Texas Tech excels when it comes to public relations quality. It’s in the top 15% of all schools reviewed in that analysis. It costs about $16,194 for Public Relations students with aid per year to attend Texas Tech University.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 87%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.5%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full Texas Tech University Public Relations & Advertising Report

20

Florida International University landed the #20 spot on the 2023 Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid ranking. Miami, Florida is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s public relations degrees to 276 students in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for Florida International University is $5,298 for Public Relations students with aid.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 91%. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.4%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full Florida International University Public Relations & Advertising Report

21
San Jose State crest
San Jose State University
San Jose, California

San Jose State University landed the #21 spot on the 2023 Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid ranking. San Jose, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s public relations degrees to 80 students in 2020-2021.

San Jose State also claimed a top spot on our “Best Public Relations & Advertising Schools” list. It’s in the top 20% of all schools reviewed in that analysis. The estimated yearly cost for San Jose State University is $16,542 for Public Relations students with aid.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.9%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 86%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read full report on Public Relations & Advertising at San Jose State

22

University of Central Florida ranked #22 on this year’s Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid list. UCF is a large school located in Orlando, Florida that handed out 110 ’s public relations degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend University of Central Florida is $8,618 for Public Relations students with aid.

With a freshman retention rate of 92%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.7%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full University of Central Florida Public Relations & Advertising Report

23
Wazzu crest
Washington State University
Pullman, Washington

Washington State University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid ranking, coming in at #23. Located in Pullman, Washington, this large public school awarded 307 diplomas to qualified ’s public relations students in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our public relations students with aid list, Wazzu has also earned the #22 rank in our “Best Public Relations & Advertising Schools” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Washington State University is $15,300 for Public Relations students with aid.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.3% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full Washington State University Public Relations & Advertising Report

24

California State University - Dominguez Hills ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid list. California State University - Dominguez Hills is a fairly large public school situated in Carson, California. It awarded 96 ’s public relations degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend CSUDH is $4,026 for public relations students with aid.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.1%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Public Relations & Advertising at California State University - Dominguez Hills

25
Texas State crest
Texas State University
San Marcos, Texas

With a ranking of #25, Texas State University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid list. This large school is located in San Marcos, Texas, and it awarded 334 ’s public relations degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend Texas State is $14,887 for Public Relations students with aid.

Read more about Public Relations & Advertising at Texas State

Rest of the Best 39 in Best Value Public Relations Schools For Those Getting Aid

Not only did these schools make the top 39 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

26
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Ball State University
Muncie, Indiana
27
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Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, Kentucky
28
NAU crest
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona
29
WKU crest
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, Kentucky
30
Murray State crest
Murray State University
Murray, Kentucky
31
32
SDSU crest
San Diego State University
San Diego, California
33
WVU crest
West Virginia University
Morgantown, West Virginia
34
35
36
UA crest
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
37
38
Bellevue University crest
Bellevue University
Bellevue, Nebraska
39

Notes and References

References

Read more about our data sources and methodologies

Footnotes

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