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Cheapest Public Relations Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Three California State schools dominate the most affordable Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication programs nationwide, with net costs ranging from $3,659 at CSU Dominguez Hills to $8,931 at CSU Long Beach. The gap between the cheapest program and most expensive reaches $6,423, creating vastly different financial outcomes for communication students. California's position as the nation's largest advertising market, housing major agencies in Los Angeles and San Francisco, makes these accessible programs particularly valuable for students entering a field where starting salaries can vary dramatically. University of Florida graduates earn $40,089 annually, more than double the $18,498 earned by University of Puerto Rico graduates. This earnings spread of $21,591 reflects both regional job markets and program quality differences. The California State system's dominance in affordable communication education aligns with the state's media industry concentration, where entertainment, technology, and traditional advertising converge. Public institutions claim 10 of the 15 most affordable spots, though private options like College of the Ozarks offer competitive net costs through extensive work-study programs.
50
Programs
$3,659 – $13,670
Net Price Range
$32,647
Avg. Program Earnings
51.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
2 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
3 $4,694 $3,283 29.6%
4 $4,702 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
5 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
6 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
7 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
8 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
9 $7,559 $6,920 31.1%
10 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
11 $7,668 $6,920 30.2%
12 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
13 $8,245 $5,580 43.1% 52.8%
14 $8,327 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
15 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
16 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
17 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
18 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
19 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
20 $10,082 $6,340 47.9% 94.7%
21 $10,089 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
22 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
23 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
24 $10,726 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
25 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
26 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
27 $10,988 $10,986 46.2% 87.5%
28 $10,997 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
29 $11,408 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
30 $11,429 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
31 $11,812 $7,912 22.1% 64.8%
32 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
33 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
34 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
35 $12,251 $33,968 60.4% 77.4%
36 $12,473 $21,000 23.0%
37 $12,621 $10,136 52.0% 94.4%
38 $12,638 $9,800 39.8%
39 $12,832 $7,388 44.7% 86.8%
40 $12,869 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
41 $13,024 $6,360 43.6% 55.2%
42 $13,085 $7,754 55.1% 69.5%
43 $13,253 $10,344 49.4% 94.6%
44 $13,346 $7,278 21.6%
45 $13,375 $8,044 32.1%
46 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
47 $13,493 $5,633 47.8% 88.0%
48 $13,584 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
49 $13,630 $25,950 51.8% 60.1%
50 $13,670 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes California State University-Dominguez Hills the cheapest option at $3,659?

CSU Dominguez Hills offers the lowest net cost due to substantial state funding and need-based aid packages. The program sits in Carson, providing access to Los Angeles media markets without downtown costs. Graduates earn $36,099 annually with relatively low debt loads of $13,375. The school accepts 89% of applicants while maintaining a 47% graduation rate.

How do earnings compare between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

University of Florida graduates earn $40,089, the highest among these affordable programs, despite having a net cost of $6,351. This creates a strong return on investment compared to University of Puerto Rico graduates who earn $18,498 annually. The $21,591 earnings gap reflects regional job market differences and program reputation. Florida's tourism and media industries provide more high-paying entry-level positions than other markets.

Is College of the Ozarks worth considering despite being private?

College of the Ozarks maintains a competitive $7,669 net cost through its mandatory work program where students work campus jobs instead of paying tuition. The school accepts only 21% of applicants, making it highly selective among affordable options. Graduates earn $32,391 annually, positioning them well in regional markets. The 61% graduation rate exceeds many public alternatives on this list.

Does University of Florida's online program offer the same value as the traditional campus?

University of Florida Online costs $4,702 compared to $6,351 for the main campus while producing identical $40,089 graduate earnings. Both programs share the same faculty and curriculum, with online students receiving the same degree. The online format allows students to avoid housing costs while accessing Florida's strong job market. The 78% graduation rate for online students approaches the main campus's 92% rate.

Where do Puerto Rico programs fit in the national job market?

University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras costs $6,507 but graduates earn only $18,498, reflecting the island's limited advertising market. Students carry minimal debt loads of $5,500, making the program accessible despite lower earning potential. The 53% acceptance rate indicates moderate selectivity for the region. These programs primarily serve local markets rather than preparing students for mainland opportunities.

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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.