Best Value Public Relations Colleges in Texas

UT Austin graduates in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication earn $43,680 annually, nearly double what their counterparts make at UT El Paso where starting salaries average $24,904. This massive earning gap reflects the concentrated media market across Texas, where major advertising agencies and corporate communications departments cluster in metropolitan areas like Dallas and Austin. The state's $10,726 to $41,778 net price range creates equally dramatic cost variations. Public universities dominate the affordable end with UT El Paso offering the lowest net cost statewide, while private institutions like Southern Methodist University command premium prices at $41,778 annually. Texas offers unique advantages for communications students, with Houston's energy sector, Dallas's financial services industry, and Austin's technology companies all requiring extensive public relations and marketing expertise. The state's media markets rank among the nation's largest, providing internship and career opportunities that smaller states cannot match.

Programs

$10,726 – $41,778

Net Price Range

$38,510

Avg. Program Earnings

55.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

24 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Houston Houston, Texas	$13,853	$38,424	$9,711	64.9%	66.2%
2	The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington, Texas	$15,235	$38,289	$11,728	56.5%	80.8%
3	The University of Texas at El Paso El Paso, Texas	$10,726	$24,904	$9,744	45.9%	99.9%
4	The University of Texas at Austin Austin, Texas	$19,678	$43,680	$11,678	87.6%	31.4%
5	Texas State University San Marcos, Texas	$16,438	$36,236	$11,450	56.2%	87.7%
6	Texas Tech University Lubbock, Texas	$20,071	$37,443	$11,852	67.5%	67.3%
7	West Texas A & M University Canyon, Texas	$20,841	$32,284	$9,101	47.3%	91.6%
8	Texas Christian University Fort Worth, Texas	$33,531	$46,924	$57,220	85.6%	56.1%
9	Abilene Christian University Abilene, Texas	$27,401	$37,568	$42,380	60.2%	65.8%
10	Southern Methodist University Dallas, Texas	$41,778	$49,344	$64,460	83.3%	52.3%
11	Saint Edward's University Austin, Texas	$23,636		$51,384	64.2%	85.1%
12	Texas Wesleyan University Fort Worth, Texas	$19,398		$37,934	32.4%	60.9%
13	Southwestern Adventist University Keene, Texas	$20,581		$24,588	41.1%	53.6%
14	Stephen F Austin State University Nacogdoches, Texas	$15,152		$10,600	51.7%	89.5%
15	Our Lady of the Lake University San Antonio, Texas	$17,760		$31,728	42.4%
16	University of North Texas Denton, Texas	$14,352		$11,164	59.6%	79.1%
17	University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Belton, Texas	$28,690		$33,150	53.4%	95.7%
18	Lubbock Christian University Lubbock, Texas	$25,910		$27,298	48.7%	81.6%
19	LeTourneau University Longview, Texas	$25,314		$35,500	61.1%	48.8%
20	Lamar University Beaumont, Texas	$11,429		$8,690	37.2%	83.7%
21	Howard Payne University Brownwood, Texas	$25,255		$33,322	31.1%	62.3%
22	Hardin-Simmons University Abilene, Texas	$21,031		$31,686	49.6%	88.3%
23	East Texas Baptist University Marshall, Texas	$23,790		$30,050	48.0%	67.7%
24	Dallas Baptist University Dallas, Texas	$30,092		$38,140	60.4%	91.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $18,776 earning difference between the highest and lowest-paying programs?

UT Austin graduates earn $43,680 compared to $24,904 at UT El Paso, reflecting geographic job market differences. Austin's technology sector and state government presence create higher-paying communications roles. El Paso's border economy and lower cost of living translate to reduced salary expectations. Alumni networks and employer recruiting patterns also concentrate in major metropolitan areas.

How do public university costs compare to private options for this major?

Public universities range from $10,726 to $20,071 in net costs, while private institutions span $17,760 to $41,778. UT El Paso offers the state's most affordable option at $10,726 annually. Southern Methodist University represents the premium choice at $41,778, though graduates earn $49,344 starting salaries. Texas Christian University falls in the middle at $33,531 with $46,924 graduate earnings.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Texas?

UT Austin combines high costs ($19,678) with strong outcomes, graduating 87.60% of students who earn top salaries. However, affordability doesn't always predict poor results. University of Houston graduates 64.90% of students at just $13,853 net cost, demonstrating strong value. UT El Paso's 45.90% graduation rate reflects its open admissions policy rather than program quality.

Where do Texas communications graduates find the best job markets?

Dallas-Fort Worth houses major advertising agencies, corporate headquarters, and media companies creating abundant opportunities. Austin's tech industry and state government require extensive communications staff. Houston's energy sector and medical complex generate demand for specialized PR professionals. San Antonio's military presence and tourism industry also support communications careers.

Is student debt manageable for graduates in this field?

Most programs maintain reasonable debt levels between $18,250 and $23,668, well below national averages. UT Austin graduates carry $20,402 in debt but earn $43,680 starting salaries, creating favorable debt-to-income ratios. Texas public universities generally offer better debt management opportunities. Private institutions like TCU require higher borrowing but lead to increased earning potential.

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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.