Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication: is this bachelor's degree worth it?
National picture across 198 reporting college programs.
MODELED SCENARIO · Negative payoff
−$98,350 over 10 years
National scenario across reporting bachelor's degree programs, using median year-4 earnings, their institutions’ average net prices and a typical 4-year duration.
At these assumptions, the estimated earnings premium does not recover the modeled economic investment within ten years.
15.8 yrsModeled economic break-even
−37%Modeled 10-year ROI
$62,087Observed earnings · year 4
Observed national outcomes
$62,087Median reported earnings · year 4
$60,517Average reported earnings · year 5
$24,693Median federal debt
50thYear-4 earnings percentile at this credential
198Reporting programs
183With year-4 earnings
The same field can produce a different equation.
Keep the federal field fixed and compare observed outcomes at every reportable credential level. These are separate graduate cohorts—not a promise that more schooling causes the difference.
OPEN PROFILE
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
- Year-4 earnings
- $44,556
- Federal debt
- $15,833
- Reporting programs
- 11
Associate's Degree
- Year-4 earnings
- $54,879
- Federal debt
- $12,000
- Reporting programs
- 1
Bachelor's Degree
- Year-4 earnings
- $62,087
- Federal debt
- $24,693
- Reporting programs
- 198
Master's Degree
- Year-4 earnings
- $81,298
- Federal debt
- Not available
- Reporting programs
- 30
Where the middle half of programs lands
Year‑4 earnings differ by college. This band shows the 25th percentile, national median and 75th percentile among reporting programs.
Median
25th percentile$55,197National median$62,08775th percentile$68,708
183 programs report year‑4 earnings.See the spread, not just the national number.
1Syracuse University$90,5352Southern Methodist University$89,3303University of Southern California$87,9464George Washington University$85,4595University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign$83,4516University of Miami$82,9997Pepperdine University$81,4178University of San Francisco$81,2859Brigham Young University$80,84110The University of Texas at Austin$80,221Observed year-4 earnings · top displayed records are not a universal ranking
Related occupations
Official CIP–SOC links add career context without claiming that every graduate enters the same job.
Communications Teachers, PostsecondarySOC 25-1122 · 8 crosswalk linksPublic Relations SpecialistsSOC 27-3031 · 6 crosswalk linksPublic Relations ManagersSOC 11-2032 · 5 crosswalk linksAdvertising and Promotions ManagersSOC 11-2011 · 3 crosswalk linksFundraisersSOC 13-1131 · 3 crosswalk linksFundraising ManagersSOC 11-2033 · 3 crosswalk linksNews Analysts, Reporters, and JournalistsSOC 27-3023 · 3 crosswalk linksAgents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and AthletesSOC 13-1011 · 1 crosswalk linksBroadcast Announcers and Radio Disc JockeysSOC 27-3011 · 1 crosswalk linksCommunity Health WorkersSOC 21-1094 · 1 crosswalk linksEditorsSOC 27-3041 · 1 crosswalk linksEntertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All OtherSOC 27-2099 · 1 crosswalk links
Same degree, different outcomes
Compare reported outcomes using the same federal field and credential. ROI uses each institution’s average net price as a scenario—not an individual aid offer.
| # | College | Location | Earnings, year 4 | Federal debt | 10-year ROI | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Syracuse UniversityBachelor's Degree | Syracuse, NY | $90,535 | $26,000 | +36% | Positive payoff |
| 2 | Southern Methodist UniversityBachelor's Degree | Dallas, TX | $89,330 | $19,750 | +29% | Positive payoff |
| 3 | University of Southern CaliforniaBachelor's Degree | Los Angeles, CA | $87,946 | $20,251 | +38% | Positive payoff |
| 4 | George Washington UniversityBachelor's Degree | Washington, DC | $85,459 | $23,250 | +24% | Positive payoff |
| 5 | University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignBachelor's Degree | Champaign, IL | $83,451 | $23,250 | +62% | Positive payoff |
| 6 | University of MiamiBachelor's Degree | Coral Gables, FL | $82,999 | $18,000 | +16% | Positive payoff |
| 7 | Pepperdine UniversityBachelor's Degree | Malibu, CA | $81,417 | $26,000 | -12% | Negative payoff |
| 8 | University of San FranciscoBachelor's Degree | San Francisco, CA | $81,285 | $23,250 | +5% | Positive payoff |
| 9 | Brigham Young UniversityBachelor's Degree | Provo, UT | $80,841 | $11,975 | +48% | Positive payoff |
| 10 | The University of Texas at AustinBachelor's Degree | Austin, TX | $80,221 | $20,995 | +36% | Positive payoff |
| 11 | Chapman UniversityBachelor's Degree | Orange, CA | $80,139 | $22,625 | -4% | Negative payoff |
| 12 | Miami University-HamiltonBachelor's Degree | Hamilton, OH | $79,710 | $25,000 | +54% | Positive payoff |
| 13 | Miami University-MiddletownBachelor's Degree | Middletown, OH | $79,710 | $25,000 | +55% | Positive payoff |
| 14 | Miami University-OxfordBachelor's Degree | Oxford, OH | $79,710 | $25,000 | +18% | Positive payoff |
| 15 | Pace UniversityBachelor's Degree | New York, NY | $79,376 | $25,000 | +13% | Positive payoff |
| 16 | American UniversityBachelor's Degree | Washington, DC | $78,410 | $26,442 | -4% | Negative payoff |
| 17 | Endicott CollegeBachelor's Degree | Beverly, MA | $77,253 | $27,000 | -6% | Negative payoff |
| 18 | Pacific Union CollegeBachelor's Degree | Angwin, CA | $77,121 | Not available | -7% | Negative payoff |
| 19 | Johnson & Wales University-ProvidenceBachelor's Degree | Providence, RI | $77,025 | $24,500 | +5% | Positive payoff |
| 20 | Johnson & Wales University-OnlineBachelor's Degree | Providence, RI | $77,025 | $24,500 | +23% | Positive payoff |
| 21 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State HarrisburgBachelor's Degree | Middletown, PA | $76,246 | $24,693 | +14% | Positive payoff |
| 22 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State BrandywineBachelor's Degree | Media, PA | $76,246 | $24,693 | +16% | Positive payoff |
| 23 | Pennsylvania State University-Main CampusBachelor's Degree | University Park, PA | $76,246 | $24,693 | +0% | Positive payoff |
| 24 | Pennsylvania State University-World CampusBachelor's Degree | University Park, PA | $76,246 | $24,693 | +21% | Positive payoff |
| 25 | University of Oklahoma-Norman CampusBachelor's Degree | Norman, OK | $76,148 | $20,718 | +29% | Positive payoff |
| 26 | Manhattan UniversityBachelor's Degree | Riverdale, NY | $75,594 | $25,832 | +6% | Positive payoff |
| 27 | Butler UniversityBachelor's Degree | Indianapolis, IN | $75,382 | $26,176 | -6% | Negative payoff |
| 28 | Assumption UniversityBachelor's Degree | Worcester, MA | $74,900 | $27,000 | +0% | Positive payoff |
| 29 | University of Colorado BoulderBachelor's Degree | Boulder, CO | $74,779 | $19,433 | +6% | Positive payoff |
| 30 | University of GeorgiaBachelor's Degree | Athens, GA | $74,531 | $21,787 | +25% | Positive payoff |
| 31 | Quinnipiac UniversityBachelor's Degree | Hamden, CT | $73,547 | $23,250 | -17% | Negative payoff |
| 32 | University of OregonBachelor's Degree | Eugene, OR | $73,410 | $21,500 | +6% | Positive payoff |
| 33 | University of Rhode IslandBachelor's Degree | Kingston, RI | $72,328 | $23,000 | +3% | Positive payoff |
| 34 | Clemson UniversityBachelor's Degree | Clemson, SC | $71,968 | $23,375 | +0% | Positive payoff |
| 35 | Indiana Wesleyan University-MarionBachelor's Degree | Marion, IN | $71,669 | $32,082 | -2% | Negative payoff |
| 36 | Indiana Wesleyan University-National & GlobalBachelor's Degree | Marion, IN | $71,669 | $32,082 | +8% | Positive payoff |
| 37 | Texas Christian UniversityBachelor's Degree | Fort Worth, TX | $71,186 | $24,148 | -20% | Negative payoff |
| 38 | DePaul UniversityBachelor's Degree | Chicago, IL | $71,045 | $24,500 | -14% | Negative payoff |
| 39 | Seton Hall UniversityBachelor's Degree | South Orange, NJ | $70,802 | $19,439 | -16% | Negative payoff |
| 40 | Bowling Green State University-Main CampusBachelor's Degree | Bowling Green, OH | $70,583 | $22,519 | -7% | Negative payoff |
| 41 | Gonzaga UniversityBachelor's Degree | Spokane, WA | $69,977 | $26,000 | -22% | Negative payoff |
| 42 | Fashion Institute of TechnologyBachelor's Degree | New York, NY | $69,954 | $21,500 | -3% | Negative payoff |
| 43 | University of FloridaBachelor's Degree | Gainesville, FL | $69,600 | $17,439 | +19% | Positive payoff |
| 44 | University of Florida-OnlineBachelor's Degree | Gainesville, FL | $69,600 | $17,439 | +23% | Positive payoff |
| 45 | Michigan State UniversityBachelor's Degree | East Lansing, MI | $69,300 | $23,899 | -6% | Negative payoff |
| 46 | Loyola University ChicagoBachelor's Degree | Chicago, IL | $68,942 | $25,000 | -26% | Negative payoff |
| 47 | Carthage CollegeBachelor's Degree | Kenosha, WI | $68,708 | Not available | -17% | Negative payoff |
| 48 | The University of AlabamaBachelor's Degree | Tuscaloosa, AL | $68,227 | $25,000 | -14% | Negative payoff |
| 49 | Ithaca CollegeBachelor's Degree | Ithaca, NY | $68,029 | $23,250 | -27% | Negative payoff |
| 50 | Northwood UniversityBachelor's Degree | Midland, MI | $68,008 | $20,250 | -20% | Negative payoff |
| 51 | Howard UniversityBachelor's Degree | Washington, DC | $67,881 | $26,000 | -40% | Negative payoff |
| 52 | Temple UniversityBachelor's Degree | Philadelphia, PA | $67,840 | $26,000 | -22% | Negative payoff |
| 53 | Illinois State UniversityBachelor's Degree | Normal, IL | $67,752 | $22,500 | -12% | Negative payoff |
| 54 | St. John's University-New YorkBachelor's Degree | Queens, NY | $67,728 | $26,848 | -24% | Negative payoff |
| 55 | Long Island UniversityBachelor's Degree | Brookville, NY | $67,704 | Not available | -27% | Negative payoff |
| 56 | Washington State UniversityBachelor's Degree | Pullman, WA | $67,647 | $20,500 | -6% | Negative payoff |
| 57 | South Dakota State UniversityBachelor's Degree | Brookings, SD | $67,607 | $27,000 | -13% | Negative payoff |
| 58 | San Diego State UniversityBachelor's Degree | San Diego, CA | $67,414 | $17,038 | -7% | Negative payoff |
| 59 | Auburn UniversityBachelor's Degree | Auburn, AL | $67,413 | $23,250 | -19% | Negative payoff |
| 60 | Belmont UniversityBachelor's Degree | Nashville, TN | $67,040 | Not available | -29% | Negative payoff |
| 61 | Columbia College ChicagoBachelor's Degree | Chicago, IL | $66,798 | $26,000 | -24% | Negative payoff |
| 62 | Hofstra UniversityBachelor's Degree | Hempstead, NY | $66,780 | $24,000 | -31% | Negative payoff |
| 63 | Drexel UniversityBachelor's Degree | Philadelphia, PA | $66,750 | $27,000 | -35% | Negative payoff |
| 64 | Suffolk UniversityBachelor's Degree | Boston, MA | $66,709 | $27,000 | -27% | Negative payoff |
| 65 | Central Washington UniversityBachelor's Degree | Ellensburg, WA | $66,538 | $23,342 | -15% | Negative payoff |
| 66 | The University of Texas at ArlingtonBachelor's Degree | Arlington, TX | $66,454 | $22,639 | -9% | Negative payoff |
| 67 | Florida State UniversityBachelor's Degree | Tallahassee, FL | $65,941 | $13,849 | -7% | Negative payoff |
| 68 | University of VermontBachelor's Degree | Burlington, VT | $65,706 | $24,125 | -20% | Negative payoff |
| 69 | Florida International UniversityBachelor's Degree | Miami, FL | $65,343 | $12,000 | -6% | Negative payoff |
| 70 | University of South Carolina-ColumbiaBachelor's Degree | Columbia, SC | $65,248 | $24,250 | -25% | Negative payoff |
| 71 | Marquette UniversityBachelor's Degree | Milwaukee, WI | $64,978 | $25,000 | -35% | Negative payoff |
| 72 | Georgia Southern UniversityBachelor's Degree | Statesboro, GA | $64,934 | $25,000 | -17% | Negative payoff |
| 73 | Duquesne UniversityBachelor's Degree | Pittsburgh, PA | $64,538 | $26,000 | -41% | Negative payoff |
| 74 | Kennesaw State UniversityBachelor's Degree | Kennesaw, GA | $64,501 | $26,000 | -19% | Negative payoff |
| 75 | Western Michigan UniversityBachelor's Degree | Kalamazoo, MI | $64,127 | $27,000 | -21% | Negative payoff |
| 76 | Franklin UniversityBachelor's Degree | Columbus, OH | $64,101 | $42,017 | -32% | Negative payoff |
| 77 | University of Northern IowaBachelor's Degree | Cedar Falls, IA | $64,067 | $21,096 | -22% | Negative payoff |
| 78 | Rider UniversityBachelor's Degree | Lawrenceville, NJ | $63,612 | $25,000 | -33% | Negative payoff |
| 79 | The University of TampaBachelor's Degree | Tampa, FL | $63,368 | $25,000 | -43% | Negative payoff |
| 80 | The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleBachelor's Degree | Knoxville, TN | $63,314 | $21,368 | -28% | Negative payoff |
| 81 | Drake UniversityBachelor's Degree | Des Moines, IA | $63,302 | $23,250 | -38% | Negative payoff |
| 82 | Iowa State UniversityBachelor's Degree | Ames, IA | $62,965 | $24,750 | -29% | Negative payoff |
| 83 | University of KentuckyBachelor's Degree | Lexington, KY | $62,754 | $24,625 | -30% | Negative payoff |
| 84 | Rowan UniversityBachelor's Degree | Glassboro, NJ | $62,661 | $23,125 | -34% | Negative payoff |
| 85 | Central Connecticut State UniversityBachelor's Degree | New Britain, CT | $62,580 | $22,625 | -29% | Negative payoff |
| 86 | Siena Heights UniversityBachelor's Degree | Adrian, MI | $62,530 | $24,900 | -29% | Negative payoff |
| 87 | High Point UniversityBachelor's Degree | High Point, NC | $62,467 | Not available | -48% | Negative payoff |
| 88 | Biola UniversityBachelor's Degree | La Mirada, CA | $62,319 | $21,104 | -43% | Negative payoff |
| 89 | University of PortlandBachelor's Degree | Portland, OR | $62,264 | $20,828 | -41% | Negative payoff |
| 90 | Texas Tech UniversityBachelor's Degree | Lubbock, TX | $62,247 | $21,500 | -33% | Negative payoff |
| 91 | University of Central FloridaBachelor's Degree | Orlando, FL | $62,140 | $18,750 | -23% | Negative payoff |
| 92 | Loras CollegeBachelor's Degree | Dubuque, IA | $62,087 | $26,581 | -35% | Negative payoff |
| 93 | Baldwin Wallace UniversityBachelor's Degree | Berea, OH | $61,966 | $26,500 | -42% | Negative payoff |
| 94 | University of Central MissouriBachelor's Degree | Warrensburg, MO | $61,784 | $26,000 | -29% | Negative payoff |
| 95 | University of North Carolina at CharlotteBachelor's Degree | Charlotte, NC | $61,700 | $19,500 | -31% | Negative payoff |
| 96 | Utah State UniversityBachelor's Degree | Logan, UT | $61,674 | Not available | -30% | Negative payoff |
| 97 | Susquehanna UniversityBachelor's Degree | Selinsgrove, PA | $61,423 | $27,000 | -44% | Negative payoff |
| 98 | Simpson CollegeBachelor's Degree | Indianola, IA | $61,219 | Not available | -39% | Negative payoff |
| 99 | University of Nebraska-LincolnBachelor's Degree | Lincoln, NE | $61,145 | $23,258 | -36% | Negative payoff |
| 100 | Ball State UniversityBachelor's Degree | Muncie, IN | $60,686 | $23,879 | -35% | Negative payoff |
This page keeps the field and credential level fixed. Federal categories can still combine multiple catalog programs or concentrations. Automated ROI is limited to associate and bachelor’s degrees because institution-wide annual net price is not a reliable proxy for short certificate prices. ROI is an illustrative scenario, not a federal determination.