Skip to main content

Cheapest Public Relations Colleges in Iowa

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

Public relations and communication graduates in Iowa face a stark cost divide that could shape career trajectories for decades. The University of Northern Iowa offers the state's most affordable option at just $14,609 net cost, while some private colleges charge over $23,000 annually for similar programs. This $8,000+ gap becomes more significant when considering that even top earners from Iowa State University average $39,559 after graduation. Iowa's corporate market, anchored by insurance giants like Principal Financial and agricultural leaders like John Deere, creates steady demand for communication professionals who understand both traditional PR and agricultural marketing. The state's 17 programs show unusual variation in outcomes, with graduation rates spanning from 29% at some institutions to nearly 76% at Iowa State, suggesting that program choice matters as much as cost in this field.
17
Programs
$14,609 – $30,042
Net Price Range
$38,045
Avg. Program Earnings
57.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,609 $9,728 68.9% 95.0%
2 $18,165 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
3 $18,321 $40,190 47.3% 77.3%
4 $19,155 $52,576 59.0%
5 $20,068 $39,600 54.9% 84.8%
6 $21,057 $38,298 69.9% 89.8%
7 $21,616 $33,450 55.8% 98.4%
8 $21,683 $25,220 29.0% 73.9%
9 $22,115 $28,750 29.2% 57.7%
10 $22,231 $46,212 65.7% 89.1%
11 $22,750 $35,598 62.8% 73.9%
12 $23,169 $38,190 52.8% 70.6%
13 $23,172 $19,000 41.5% 54.2%
14 $23,435 $39,070 55.9% 75.3%
15 $23,519 $35,300 63.6% 87.3%
16 $25,383 $35,960 65.3% 87.7%
17 $30,042 $49,944 77.3% 67.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Northern Iowa's program such a standout value?

UNI delivers the lowest net cost at $14,609 while maintaining strong outcomes with a 68.90% graduation rate and $40,453 average earnings. The school accepts 94.95% of applicants, making it accessible to most students. With only $19,500 in typical debt, graduates enter Iowa's job market with manageable financial obligations.

How do private college costs compare to earnings potential in this field?

Private colleges charge between $18,321 and $23,519 net cost, yet even the highest-earning programs produce graduates averaging under $41,000 annually. Saint Ambrose University graduates earn $32,382 despite paying $22,750 in net costs. This cost-to-earnings ratio suggests public options provide better financial returns for most students.

Is the graduation rate gap between schools concerning for this major?

Graduation rates vary dramatically from 29% at Waldorf University to 75.50% at Iowa State University. William Penn University also shows a concerning 29.20% rate despite charging $22,115 net cost. Students should prioritize schools with rates above 60% to ensure degree completion and career entry.

Where do Iowa's major employers create the best opportunities for communication graduates?

Des Moines hosts Principal Financial and other insurance companies requiring corporate communication expertise. Cedar Falls and Ames benefit from university partnerships and technology companies. The Quad Cities region around Davenport offers positions with John Deere and agricultural communication firms that value practical marketing skills.

More Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Rankings

Best Value Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication in Iowa Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Under $20,000 in Iowa

Related

All Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Programs Best Colleges in Iowa Best Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication in Iowa

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