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Cheapest Public Relations Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Holy Family University breaks the mold for Pennsylvania communications programs, delivering a net cost of just $12,251 despite being a private institution in expensive Philadelphia. This represents savings of over $7,000 compared to the next cheapest option, University of Pittsburgh-Bradford at $16,630. The 20 programs span a remarkable price spectrum, with costs ranging up to $27,686 at the top end. Pennsylvania's media market creates strong demand for communications graduates, with major employers like Comcast headquarters in Philadelphia and UPMC's extensive marketing operations across the state. Point Park University graduates command the highest starting salaries at $40,017, reflecting Pittsburgh's growing tech and healthcare communications needs. Public options like Kutztown University offer in-state tuition of $11,230, while selective Haverford College maintains an acceptance rate of just 14.21%. The state's mix of urban markets, healthcare giants, and Fortune 500 companies provides ample internship and career opportunities for communications students across all program price points.
29
Programs
$12,251 – $38,428
Net Price Range
$37,000
Avg. Program Earnings
67.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

29 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,251 $33,968 60.4% 77.4%
2 $16,630 $14,620 43.4% 93.6%
3 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
4 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
5 $21,043 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
6 $21,205 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
7 $22,222 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
8 $22,746 $36,864 43.5% 82.3%
9 $22,909 $44,934 58.2% 84.3%
10 $23,206 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
11 $24,791 $38,160 59.6% 82.1%
12 $25,157 $29,460 60.5% 75.6%
13 $25,210 $68,300 89.4% 14.2%
14 $25,544 $28,185 71.4% 88.1%
15 $25,885 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
16 $26,198 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
17 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
18 $27,499 $24,510 56.1% 82.4%
19 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
20 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
21 $28,163 $45,683 68.2% 88.9%
22 $29,219 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
23 $30,074 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
24 $30,465 $44,800 71.0% 77.2%
25 $30,470 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
26 $30,528 $52,309 80.8% 84.4%
27 $33,549 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
28 $34,978 $47,146 75.5% 87.5%
29 $38,428 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Holy Family University achieve such low costs for a private school?

Holy Family University offers the lowest net price at $12,251, despite having a published tuition of $33,968. This massive discount of over $21,000 suggests substantial financial aid packages for communications students. The school maintains a 77.44% acceptance rate and 60.40% graduation rate, indicating solid accessibility and completion metrics. The Philadelphia location provides direct access to major media markets and advertising agencies.

What salary differences exist between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Point Park University graduates earn $40,017 annually compared to Westminster College's $32,711, despite Westminster costing $4,000 less per year. This $7,306 salary difference represents a 22% earnings premium for Point Park graduates. The higher earnings likely reflect Point Park's location in Pittsburgh's growing tech and healthcare sectors. Both schools maintain similar graduation rates around 60-66%.

Is Haverford College worth its premium pricing for communications students?

Haverford College charges $68,300 in published tuition but nets to $25,210 after aid, placing it in the middle cost range. The school maintains an elite 14.21% acceptance rate and strong 89.40% graduation rate. However, earnings data isn't available to compare return on investment. The liberal arts focus may suit students seeking broader communication skills rather than technical advertising training.

How do Pennsylvania's public universities compare for communications value?

University of Pittsburgh-Bradford offers the best public option at $16,630 net cost with in-state tuition of just $14,620. Kutztown University provides another affordable choice at $21,205 net cost and $11,230 in-state tuition. However, both public options show lower graduation rates at 43.40% and 54.10% respectively. The 96% acceptance rates at both schools indicate open access but potentially less selective programs.

Where do communications graduates find the most opportunities in Pennsylvania?

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh anchor Pennsylvania's communications job market, with Comcast's headquarters and UPMC's extensive operations driving demand. The healthcare sector, including major pharmaceutical companies, requires substantial marketing and public relations support. Finance companies throughout the state also need communications professionals for investor relations and marketing. Programs near these urban centers typically offer better internship access and networking 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.