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Best Value Public Relations Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Pennsylvania's Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication programs reveal a striking cost paradox. York College of Pennsylvania delivers the lowest net cost at $19,685 while producing graduates earning $33,993 annually, creating one of the state's strongest value propositions. Meanwhile, private institutions like University of Scranton command net costs exceeding $30,000 but justify expenses with the highest graduate earnings at $42,682. The state's media market provides ample opportunities for communication professionals, with Comcast's Philadelphia headquarters and Pittsburgh's growing tech sector creating demand for skilled practitioners. Public options like Temple University offer competitive alternatives at $29,219 net cost, though their Philadelphia location connects students directly to major advertising agencies and corporate communications departments. Pennsylvania's 20 programs span from small liberal arts colleges to major research universities, with graduation rates varying dramatically from 43.5% at Thiel College to 84.3% at University of Pittsburgh. The PA State Grant helps offset costs for residents, making even higher-priced private programs more accessible for qualified students seeking careers in an industry where networking and internship opportunities often matter as much as classroom learning.
29
Programs
$12,251 – $38,428
Net Price Range
$37,000
Avg. Program Earnings
67.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

29 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $19,685 $33,993 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
2 $24,791 $40,017 $38,160 59.6% 82.1%
3 $20,800 $32,711 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
4 $30,528 $42,682 $52,309 80.8% 84.4%
5 $26,539 $35,060 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
6 $29,219 $38,210 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
7 $34,978 $36,324 $47,146 75.5% 87.5%
8 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
9 $30,470 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
10 $25,157 $29,460 60.5% 75.6%
11 $25,544 $28,185 71.4% 88.1%
12 $27,499 $24,510 56.1% 82.4%
13 $28,163 $45,683 68.2% 88.9%
14 $22,746 $36,864 43.5% 82.3%
15 $30,074 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
16 $16,630 $14,620 43.4% 93.6%
17 $30,465 $44,800 71.0% 77.2%
18 $22,222 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
19 $33,549 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
20 $21,205 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
21 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
22 $12,251 $33,968 60.4% 77.4%
23 $25,210 $68,300 89.4% 14.2%
24 $21,043 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
25 $23,206 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
26 $26,198 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
27 $25,885 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
28 $38,428 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
29 $22,909 $44,934 58.2% 84.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes York College of Pennsylvania such strong value for communications students?

York College combines the lowest net cost among Pennsylvania's communication programs at $19,685 with solid graduate earnings of $33,993. The school maintains a 95.61% acceptance rate while achieving a 59.70% graduation rate, making it accessible to most applicants. Its location between Baltimore and Philadelphia provides internship access to major markets without urban premium costs.

How do public universities compare to private schools for communication program costs?

Pennsylvania's public universities like Temple ($29,219 net cost) and University of Pittsburgh ($30,074) fall in the middle range despite lower sticker prices. Temple graduates earn $38,210 annually with manageable debt at $23,827. Private schools span from York's bargain $19,685 to Duquesne's premium $34,978, showing private doesn't always mean more expensive.

Does University of Scranton justify its $30,528 net cost for communication students?

Scranton produces the highest-earning graduates at $42,682 annually, significantly above the state average. The university achieves an 80.80% graduation rate, the second-highest among listed programs. Students graduate with $26,000 in debt, reasonable considering their earning potential exceeds most Pennsylvania communication programs by $4,000-$10,000.

Where do Pennsylvania communication graduates find the best job opportunities?

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh dominate Pennsylvania's communication job market, with Comcast's headquarters and UPMC's extensive marketing operations leading demand. The state's pharmaceutical sector, including major companies in the Philadelphia area, requires skilled communication professionals for regulatory and consumer messaging. Temple University and Point Park University benefit from direct urban access to internships and entry-level positions.

What graduation rate differences should students consider when choosing programs?

Pennsylvania communication programs show dramatic graduation rate variations, from University of Pittsburgh's excellent 84.30% to Thiel College's concerning 43.50%. Messiah University leads private schools at 78.50%, while most fall between 60-75%. These differences often correlate with admission selectivity, with University of Pittsburgh's 49.14% acceptance rate producing better outcomes than schools admitting 80%+ of applicants.

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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.