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Indiana's Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication programs show a remarkable cost divide, with Indiana University-Indianapolis offering the lowest net price at $11,408 while Taylor University reaches $24,327. The state's strong healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, led by employers like Eli Lilly and Indiana University Health, create abundant opportunities for communications graduates to develop messaging around complex medical innovations and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Ball State University graduates earn $34,526 annually with manageable debt of $23,250, reflecting solid career prospects in the state's growing economy. Public universities dominate the affordability rankings, with three of the top five spots offering in-state tuition below $11,000. The 21st Century Scholars program adds another layer of affordability for qualifying students across Indiana's public institutions.
16
Programs
$11,408 – $38,472
Net Price Range
$35,567
Avg. Program Earnings
61.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

16 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,408 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
2 $12,621 $10,136 52.0% 94.4%
3 $13,710 $29,982 68.2% 77.5%
4 $15,725 $37,760 60.5% 93.5%
5 $15,898 $10,758 63.3% 69.0%
6 $16,767 $8,216 37.2%
7 $18,406 $30,034 69.9% 84.6%
8 $19,268 $37,090 44.8% 66.4%
9 $20,230 $42,676 71.3% 76.3%
10 $20,361 $35,420 60.7% 98.1%
11 $21,826 $42,894 63.6% 74.1%
12 $22,144 $35,640 49.4% 51.8%
13 $22,762 $37,350 63.4% 92.9%
14 $23,069 $31,168 66.3% 86.7%
15 $24,327 $39,104 76.6% 74.6%
16 $38,472 $45,980 80.2% 82.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Indiana University-Indianapolis the most affordable option for communications students?

Indiana University-Indianapolis offers the lowest net price at $11,408 with in-state tuition of just $10,449. The school maintains an 82.89% acceptance rate while achieving a 53.90% graduation rate. Students benefit from Indianapolis's position as Indiana's media and corporate center, providing internship and job opportunities with local agencies and Fortune 500 companies.

How do earnings compare between Indiana's public and private communications programs?

Ball State University graduates earn $34,526 annually with $23,250 in debt, while University of Southern Indiana graduates earn $36,608 with $25,135 in debt. Both public universities offer strong return on investment compared to private alternatives. The earnings data shows communications graduates can expect competitive salaries that support manageable debt repayment in Indiana's job market.

Is there a significant cost difference between public and private communications programs in Indiana?

The gap between public and private options spans over $12,000 annually. While Indiana University-Indianapolis costs $11,408, private schools like Taylor University reach $24,327 for comparable programs. However, some private institutions like Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global offer competitive pricing at $16,767. The state's public universities consistently rank among the most affordable nationwide.

What role does Indiana's 21st Century Scholars program play in communications education affordability?

The 21st Century Scholars program covers tuition for qualifying students at Indiana's public universities, making schools like Ball State University and Indiana University-Indianapolis even more accessible. This state initiative particularly benefits communications students who can graduate debt-free and immediately enter Indiana's growing healthcare, manufacturing, and technology sectors. The program applies to all 15 public institutions offering communications programs across the state.

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