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Best Value Public Relations Colleges in Iowa

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Public communications programs across Iowa's 17 schools show remarkable cost variation, with net prices spanning from $14,609 at University of Northern Iowa to $30,042 at Drake University. This $15,433 gap reflects different institutional approaches to value, particularly when Drake graduates earn $41,870 annually compared to the state average of $37,558. Iowa's insurance giants like Principal Financial and agricultural communications needs at companies like John Deere create steady demand for public relations and advertising professionals. The state's affordable living costs amplify the value proposition, especially at public institutions where in-state students pay under $11,000 annually. Northern Iowa stands out with 94.95% acceptance rates while maintaining strong graduate earnings of $40,453, suggesting accessible quality education. Private options like Coe College offer competitive net pricing at $19,155 despite higher sticker prices, while regional employers benefit from graduates trained in agricultural marketing, corporate communications, and financial services advertising.
17
Programs
$14,609 – $30,042
Net Price Range
$38,045
Avg. Program Earnings
57.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,609 $40,453 $9,728 68.9% 95.0%
2 $18,165 $39,559 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
3 $19,155 $37,568 $52,576 59.0%
4 $21,057 $36,437 $38,298 69.9% 89.8%
5 $22,750 $32,382 $35,598 62.8% 73.9%
6 $30,042 $41,870 $49,944 77.3% 67.2%
7 $23,169 $38,190 52.8% 70.6%
8 $22,115 $28,750 29.2% 57.7%
9 $21,683 $25,220 29.0% 73.9%
10 $23,172 $19,000 41.5% 54.2%
11 $22,231 $46,212 65.7% 89.1%
12 $23,519 $35,300 63.6% 87.3%
13 $23,435 $39,070 55.9% 75.3%
14 $18,321 $40,190 47.3% 77.3%
15 $21,616 $33,450 55.8% 98.4%
16 $25,383 $35,960 65.3% 87.7%
17 $20,068 $39,600 54.9% 84.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Northern Iowa such a standout value for communications?

UNI combines the lowest net cost at $14,609 with impressive graduate earnings of $40,453, creating strong return on investment. The 94.95% acceptance rate means accessible admission, while the 68.90% graduation rate indicates solid program completion. With only $19,500 in average debt, graduates enter the workforce with manageable financial obligations and strong earning potential in Iowa's growing communications sector.

How do private school costs compare to potential earnings in Iowa?

Private institutions range from $19,155 at Coe College to $30,042 at Drake University, with Drake graduates earning the highest at $41,870 annually. Coe College offers middle-ground value with $37,568 graduate earnings at a competitive net price. Saint Ambrose University presents the lowest private earnings at $32,382, making cost-benefit analysis important for prospective students considering private options.

Is Iowa State University worth the slightly higher cost than UNI?

Iowa State's $18,165 net cost runs $3,556 higher than UNI but delivers a 75.50% graduation rate compared to UNI's 68.90%. Graduate earnings of $39,559 fall just $894 below UNI's figures, while debt levels reach $23,125 versus UNI's $19,500. The choice often depends on program specialization preferences and campus environment priorities rather than pure financial metrics.

Where do graduates typically find employment in Iowa's job market?

Iowa's insurance sector, led by Principal Financial, actively recruits communications graduates for corporate relations and marketing roles. Agricultural giants like John Deere need specialists in B2B communications and technical marketing for farming equipment. Manufacturing companies throughout the state seek public relations professionals to manage community relations, while Des Moines' growing business sector creates opportunities in agency work and corporate communications.

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