Best Value Public Relations Colleges in Florida

University of Florida's online program delivers the same earning power as its campus counterpart at just $4,702 net cost, creating an unusual value proposition in Florida's communications market. The state's 20 programs span from this remarkable bargain to Lynn University's $38,222 price point, yet graduates across all schools earn between $23,014 and $43,575 annually. Florida's tourism industry, which generates over $130 billion annually, creates steady demand for PR and advertising professionals who can craft campaigns for theme parks, cruise lines, and hospitality brands. Public universities dominate the value equation here, with Florida State producing graduates earning $40,635 while charging in-state students just $5,656. The state's lack of income tax means these starting salaries stretch further than comparable wages elsewhere, while the Bright Futures scholarship program can cover full tuition for qualifying residents. However, the data reveals significant variation in outcomes, with graduation rates ranging from 30% at Florida Memorial to 92% at the University of Florida's main campus.

Programs

$4,702 – $38,222

Net Price Range

$35,769

Avg. Program Earnings

59.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

23 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Florida-Online Gainesville, Florida	$4,702	$40,089	$3,876	77.7%	64.6%
2	University of Florida Gainesville, Florida	$6,351	$40,089	$6,381	91.5%	23.4%
3	Florida State University Tallahassee, Florida	$10,997	$40,635	$5,656	83.0%	25.0%
4	University of Central Florida Orlando, Florida	$10,650	$33,518	$6,368	75.1%	41.0%
5	Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Tallahassee, Florida	$15,847	$23,014	$5,785	51.9%	32.9%
6	Barry University Miami, Florida	$22,978	$29,685	$33,450	36.6%	59.6%
7	Florida Southern College Lakeland, Florida	$29,664	$37,928	$42,360	69.3%	56.6%
8	University of Miami Coral Gables, Florida	$36,803	$43,575	$59,926	84.2%	18.9%
9	The University of Tampa Tampa, Florida	$35,634	$35,701	$33,424	61.9%	26.4%
10	Lynn University Boca Raton, Florida	$38,222	$33,459	$42,950	52.7%	80.1%
11	Florida Memorial University Miami Gardens, Florida	$18,675		$19,110	30.2%	69.9%
12	Florida International University Miami, Florida	$9,133		$6,565	73.9%	63.9%
13	Full Sail University Winter Park, Florida	$31,759		$26,417	49.6%
14	Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida	$34,439		$24,136	44.2%	96.5%
15	Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne, Florida	$35,300		$44,360	65.5%	64.4%
16	Palm Beach Atlantic University West Palm Beach, Florida	$32,751		$37,990	58.9%	94.7%
17	Rollins College Winter Park, Florida	$33,847		$58,300	76.9%	50.0%
18	University of South Florida Tampa, Florida	$10,043		$6,410	74.6%	43.9%
19	Southeastern University Lakeland, Florida	$30,209		$31,732	43.3%	60.9%
20	Florida College Temple Terrace, Florida	$22,527		$18,920	50.6%	71.7%
21	Warner University Lake Wales, Florida	$21,007		$28,160	34.9%	55.1%
22	Webber International University Babson Park, Florida	$29,932		$32,150	26.0%	49.0%
23	Flagler College Saint Augustine, Florida	$29,951		$26,610	55.9%	81.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Florida's online program such an strong value?

UF Online charges just $4,702 in net costs while producing graduates who earn $40,089 annually, matching the earnings of traditional campus graduates. The program maintains a 77.7% graduation rate and accepts 64.6% of applicants. Students receive the same degree and faculty instruction as on-campus students but avoid housing and transportation expenses.

How do public universities compare to private schools for communications value?

Florida's public universities charge between $4,702 and $15,847 in net costs while private schools range from $18,675 to $38,222. However, University of Miami justifies its $36,803 cost with the highest graduate earnings at $43,575 annually. Public school graduates typically carry less debt, with UCF students averaging $17,883 compared to $30,500 at Full Sail University.

Does Florida's tourism industry create strong job prospects for communications graduates?

Florida's massive tourism sector, along with growing aerospace and healthcare industries, provides steady employment for PR and advertising professionals. Walt Disney World alone employs thousands of communications specialists, while companies like Carnival Cruise Lines and Universal Studios maintain large marketing departments. The state's lack of income tax means a $35,000 salary provides more take-home pay than similar positions in high-tax states.

Is the University of Miami worth its high price tag for communications students?

Miami graduates earn $43,575 annually, about $3,000 more than Florida State graduates, but pay $36,803 in net costs compared to FSU's $10,997. The school's 84.2% graduation rate and 18.9% acceptance rate indicate selectivity and strong outcomes. Students graduate with $17,000 in debt, relatively modest for a private university of this caliber.

Where should students look if they need the lowest possible costs?

University of Florida's online program offers the absolute lowest net cost at $4,702, followed by UF's main campus at $6,351. Florida State charges $10,997 while still producing graduates earning over $40,000 annually. The Bright Futures scholarship can reduce costs further for Florida residents with strong academic records, potentially covering full tuition at state universities.

More Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Rankings

Cheapest Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication in Florida Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Under $20,000 in Florida

All Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Programs Best Colleges in Florida Best Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication in Florida

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.