Cheapest Public Relations Colleges in Texas

The University of Texas at El Paso breaks the mold for communications education at just $10,726 net cost, making it Texas's most affordable option for Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication programs. This dramatic affordability contrasts sharply with private alternatives that can reach $51,384 annually, creating a price spread of over $40,000 between the cheapest and most expensive options. Texas offers unique advantages for communications students, with Houston's energy sector and Dallas's telecommunications industry providing abundant internship and career opportunities. The state's 20 programs show remarkable variation in outcomes, from UT Austin's 87.6% graduation rate to more accessible options with 99.9% acceptance rates. Public universities dominate the affordable tier, with 13 of the 15 cheapest programs offered by state institutions. Graduates earn between $24,904 and $43,680 annually, reflecting the varied career paths available in corporate communications, media relations, and digital marketing across Texas's major metropolitan areas.

Programs

$10,726 – $41,778

Net Price Range

$38,510

Avg. Program Earnings

55.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

24 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	The University of Texas at El Paso El Paso, Texas	$10,726	$9,744	45.9%	99.9%
2	Lamar University Beaumont, Texas	$11,429	$8,690	37.2%	83.7%
3	University of Houston Houston, Texas	$13,853	$9,711	64.9%	66.2%
4	University of North Texas Denton, Texas	$14,352	$11,164	59.6%	79.1%
5	Stephen F Austin State University Nacogdoches, Texas	$15,152	$10,600	51.7%	89.5%
6	The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington, Texas	$15,235	$11,728	56.5%	80.8%
7	Texas State University San Marcos, Texas	$16,438	$11,450	56.2%	87.7%
8	Our Lady of the Lake University San Antonio, Texas	$17,760	$31,728	42.4%
9	Texas Wesleyan University Fort Worth, Texas	$19,398	$37,934	32.4%	60.9%
10	The University of Texas at Austin Austin, Texas	$19,678	$11,678	87.6%	31.4%
11	Texas Tech University Lubbock, Texas	$20,071	$11,852	67.5%	67.3%
12	Southwestern Adventist University Keene, Texas	$20,581	$24,588	41.1%	53.6%
13	West Texas A & M University Canyon, Texas	$20,841	$9,101	47.3%	91.6%
14	Hardin-Simmons University Abilene, Texas	$21,031	$31,686	49.6%	88.3%
15	Saint Edward's University Austin, Texas	$23,636	$51,384	64.2%	85.1%
16	East Texas Baptist University Marshall, Texas	$23,790	$30,050	48.0%	67.7%
17	Howard Payne University Brownwood, Texas	$25,255	$33,322	31.1%	62.3%
18	LeTourneau University Longview, Texas	$25,314	$35,500	61.1%	48.8%
19	Lubbock Christian University Lubbock, Texas	$25,910	$27,298	48.7%	81.6%
20	Abilene Christian University Abilene, Texas	$27,401	$42,380	60.2%	65.8%
21	University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Belton, Texas	$28,690	$33,150	53.4%	95.7%
22	Dallas Baptist University Dallas, Texas	$30,092	$38,140	60.4%	91.4%
23	Texas Christian University Fort Worth, Texas	$33,531	$57,220	85.6%	56.1%
24	Southern Methodist University Dallas, Texas	$41,778	$64,460	83.3%	52.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UT El Paso so much cheaper than other Texas communications programs?

UT El Paso's $10,726 net cost reflects both low in-state tuition at $9,744 and substantial financial aid packages for students. The university's 99.92% acceptance rate indicates less selectivity, which often correlates with lower costs and more accessible education. Despite the low price point, graduates still enter the workforce, though median earnings of $24,904 represent the lower end of the state's range.

How do public universities compare to private schools for communications affordability in Texas?

Public universities dominate the affordable communications market, with costs ranging from $10,726 to $20,841 for the cheapest options. Private institutions like Saint Edward's University charge $51,384 annually, more than four times the cost of UT El Paso. Even mid-range private schools like Our Lady of the Lake at $17,760 fall within the public university price range, making careful comparison essential.

Is the graduation rate worth considering when choosing affordable programs?

Graduation rates vary dramatically among affordable options, from UT Austin's strong 87.6% to Texas Wesleyan's 32.4%. University of Houston offers a compelling middle ground at $13,853 with a solid 64.9% graduation rate and $38,424 median earnings. Students should balance low costs with completion likelihood, as unfinished degrees provide no return on investment.

What earning potential can graduates expect from Texas communications programs?

Median earnings range from $24,904 at UT El Paso to $43,680 at UT Austin, showing that program choice significantly impacts career outcomes. University of Houston graduates earn $38,424 despite the school's modest $13,853 cost, demonstrating strong value. West Texas A&M offers another solid option with $32,284 earnings at just $20,841 total cost.

Does student debt load vary significantly among these affordable programs?

Student debt remains relatively consistent across most programs, ranging from $18,250 to $20,402 for schools reporting this data. UT El Paso's $20,200 debt load nearly equals its annual cost, suggesting students often finance their entire education. The similarity in debt levels means students should focus on total costs and earning potential rather than borrowing differences when making decisions.

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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.