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Northern Kentucky University offers the state's most affordable Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication program at just $7,168 net cost, creating an unusual pricing gap where the cheapest option costs $16,695 less than the most expensive at Midway University. Kentucky's media market benefits from major employers like UPS Worldport, which requires extensive communications coordination, and Humana's healthcare marketing operations. Graduates across the state earn between $29,926 and $37,631, with University of Kentucky leading at the higher end despite charging $17,218 annually. The 10 programs show acceptance rates ranging from 64% to 97%, giving students multiple entry points into communications careers.
10
Programs
$7,168 – $23,863
Net Price Range
$33,214
Avg. Program Earnings
52.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

10 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
2 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
3 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
4 $10,089 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
5 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
6 $17,218 $13,212 69.9% 94.9%
7 $18,246 $26,990 47.1%
8 $19,960 $16,398 34.0% 67.1%
9 $20,428 $33,640 65.0% 78.7%
10 $23,863 $26,080 46.4% 93.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $16,695 cost difference between Kentucky's cheapest and most expensive communications programs?

Northern Kentucky University's $7,168 net cost reflects strong state funding and local student demographics, while private institutions like Midway University at $23,863 operate without state subsidies. The six public universities cluster between $7,168 and $17,218, showing more consistent pricing structures than the four private options.

How do graduation rates compare across Kentucky's communications programs?

University of Kentucky leads with a 69.9% graduation rate, followed by Asbury University at 65%. Most programs fall between 47% and 59%, with Simmons College showing the lowest completion rate at 34% despite moderate pricing at $19,960 net cost.

Does choosing a more expensive program guarantee higher earnings in Kentucky communications?

University of Kentucky graduates earn the highest at $37,631 annually, but Northern Kentucky University graduates earn $34,847 while paying $10,050 less in net costs. Eastern Kentucky University shows the lowest earnings at $29,926 despite reasonable $9,962 pricing.

Where do Kentucky communications graduates find the most opportunities?

Louisville and Lexington anchor the state's media markets, while UPS Worldport in Louisville creates logistics communication needs. Healthcare companies like Humana require marketing specialists, and the bourbon industry demands brand management professionals throughout central Kentucky.

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