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Best Value Public Relations Colleges in Missouri

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

College of the Ozarks delivers the most affordable Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication education in Missouri at just $7,669 net cost, nearly half the price of the next closest option at Northwest Missouri State University ($14,824). This stark difference highlights how institutional funding models create dramatic cost variations across the state's 20 programs. Missouri's corporate market offers strong career prospects for communication graduates, with major employers like Cerner requiring skilled professionals to manage healthcare technology messaging, while agricultural giant Monsanto relies heavily on public relations teams to navigate complex industry communications. The earnings data reveals notable consistency, with most graduates earning between $30,000-$39,000 annually. Northwest Missouri State leads in post-graduation income at $39,153, while maintaining reasonable costs for a public institution. The 21% acceptance rate at College of the Ozarks reflects its unique work-study model, contrasting sharply with Missouri State University-Springfield's 92% acceptance rate.
23
Programs
$7,669 – $26,196
Net Price Range
$34,645
Avg. Program Earnings
52.3%
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 $7,669 $32,391 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
2 $13,375 $35,416 $8,044 32.1%
3 $14,824 $39,153 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
4 $14,532 $36,848 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
5 $15,336 $36,488 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
6 $17,502 $35,653 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
7 $18,516 $30,616 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
8 $21,523 $35,416 $35,235 66.0% 63.4%
9 $18,705 $27,476 $27,192 64.8% 67.9%
10 $26,196 $36,992 $30,730 61.1% 55.1%
11 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
12 $16,939 $38,672 42.6% 67.6%
13 $16,602 $19,890 61.6% 41.0%
14 $26,111 $34,188 57.5% 75.3%
15 $22,117 $62,982 94.4% 11.8%
16 $24,051 $24,326 45.7%
17 $21,082 $28,320 51.2% 99.6%
18 $22,080 $29,915 50.2% 97.0%
19 $12,638 $9,800 39.8%
20 $17,945 $23,000 24.5% 61.2%
21 $25,807 $33,122 48.2% 70.9%
22 $21,123 $26,880 44.3% 67.1%
23 $18,251 $28,976 56.8% 94.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes College of the Ozarks so much cheaper than other Missouri communication programs?

College of the Ozarks operates a work-study program where students work on campus to cover educational costs, resulting in a net price of just $7,669 compared to the state average of $17,502. The school accepts only 21% of applicants, making admission highly competitive. This model allows graduates to enter the workforce with significantly less debt while gaining practical work experience during their studies.

How do public university costs compare to private institutions for communication majors in Missouri?

Public universities like Northwest Missouri State ($14,824) and Southeast Missouri State ($14,532) offer substantially lower net costs than most private institutions. However, some private schools like Drury's continuing education program ($13,375) compete closely with public options. The gap widens significantly at the high end, with Webster University costing $26,196 compared to Missouri State University-Springfield at $17,502.

Does higher cost correlate with better earnings for Missouri communication graduates?

The data shows mixed results, with Northwest Missouri State producing the highest-earning graduates at $39,153 despite moderate costs of $14,824. Webster University, the most expensive option at $26,196, generates graduates earning $36,992. College of the Ozarks, the cheapest program, produces graduates earning $32,391, demonstrating that cost doesn't directly predict earning potential.

What graduation rates can students expect from Missouri communication programs?

Graduation rates vary significantly across Missouri programs, ranging from 30% at Park University to 94% at Washington University in St Louis. Most affordable options maintain solid completion rates, with College of the Ozarks at 61% and Northwest Missouri State at 57%. The data suggests that moderately priced programs often achieve graduation rates between 50-67%.

Where do Missouri communication graduates find the best job opportunities in the state?

Missouri's healthcare, agriculture, and defense sectors create strong demand for communication professionals, particularly around major employers like Cerner in Kansas City and BJC HealthCare in St Louis. The state's corporate headquarters require skilled public relations teams to manage complex industry messaging. Agricultural communications represent a specialized niche given Missouri's farming economy, while the state's defense contractors need professionals skilled in technical communication.

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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.