Skip to main content

Cheapest Public Relations Colleges in Missouri

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

College of the Ozarks stands out dramatically in Missouri's Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication market with a net cost of just $7,669, nearly half the price of the second most affordable option at Missouri Western State University ($12,638). This $5,000 gap reflects the college's unique work-study program that helps students graduate debt-free. The 20 programs across Missouri show striking variation, with costs ranging from College of the Ozarks' strong value to private institutions reaching $24,051. Graduates entering Missouri's communications field find opportunities with major employers like Cerner, which requires skilled communicators for healthcare technology marketing, and agricultural giants like Monsanto that need public relations professionals. The state's A+ Scholarship program adds another layer of affordability by covering community college tuition for qualifying students. Northwest Missouri State University graduates command the highest median earnings at $39,153, while public institutions generally offer the best value proposition with in-state tuition under $11,000 at most schools.
23
Programs
$7,669 – $26,196
Net Price Range
$34,645
Avg. Program Earnings
52.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

23 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
2 $12,638 $9,800 39.8%
3 $13,375 $8,044 32.1%
4 $14,532 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
5 $14,824 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
6 $15,336 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
7 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
8 $16,602 $19,890 61.6% 41.0%
9 $16,939 $38,672 42.6% 67.6%
10 $17,502 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
11 $17,945 $23,000 24.5% 61.2%
12 $18,251 $28,976 56.8% 94.4%
13 $18,516 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
14 $18,705 $27,192 64.8% 67.9%
15 $21,082 $28,320 51.2% 99.6%
16 $21,123 $26,880 44.3% 67.1%
17 $21,523 $35,235 66.0% 63.4%
18 $22,080 $29,915 50.2% 97.0%
19 $22,117 $62,982 94.4% 11.8%
20 $24,051 $24,326 45.7%
21 $25,807 $33,122 48.2% 70.9%
22 $26,111 $34,188 57.5% 75.3%
23 $26,196 $30,730 61.1% 55.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes College of the Ozarks so much cheaper than other Missouri programs?

College of the Ozarks operates on a unique work-study model where students work campus jobs to offset educational costs, resulting in a net price of $7,669 compared to the state average of around $16,000. The college maintains a highly selective 21.13% acceptance rate and achieves a strong 61.30% graduation rate. Students graduate with minimal debt while gaining practical work experience that complements their communications studies.

How do public versus private school costs compare for this major in Missouri?

Public universities offer significantly better value, with in-state tuition ranging from $9,024 at Missouri State to $10,181 at Northwest Missouri State. Private institutions show much wider cost variation, from College of the Ozarks at $7,669 to Avila University at $16,939 net cost. The six public schools in this ranking all maintain net costs under $18,000, while private schools span from $7,669 to over $21,000.

Which Missouri programs offer the best earning potential after graduation?

Northwest Missouri State University graduates earn the highest median salary at $39,153, followed by Southeast Missouri State at $36,848 and University of Central Missouri at $36,488. These three public universities combine strong earning potential with affordable education costs under $16,000 net price. The earnings gap between the highest and lowest is significant, with Evangel University graduates earning $27,476, a difference of nearly $12,000 annually.

Does Missouri's job market support communications graduates effectively?

Missouri's economy provides solid opportunities for communications graduates through major employers like Cerner in healthcare technology, agricultural companies requiring public relations expertise, and the defense sector. The state's mix of Fortune 500 companies, healthcare systems like BJC HealthCare, and agricultural businesses creates demand for advertising and public relations professionals. Graduate earnings ranging from $27,476 to $39,153 reflect the varied opportunities across different industry sectors and geographic regions within the state.

What graduation rates can students expect from these programs?

Graduation rates vary considerably, from Missouri Valley College's concerning 24.50% to Evangel University's strong 64.80% rate. Most programs fall between 40-60%, with College of the Ozarks, William Jewell College, and Evangel University achieving rates above 60%. The three highest-earning programs (Northwest Missouri State, Southeast Missouri State, and University of Central Missouri) maintain graduation rates between 49.40% and 57.50%, showing reasonable completion alongside strong career outcomes.

More Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Rankings

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

Related

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

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