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Public Relations & Advertising at Appalachian State University

Boone, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $36,559/yr (-7% vs median)

AI Risk High (51% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (161,400 openings/yr)

ROI 18.4x earnings multiple (5.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #47 of 183 Public Relations & Advertising programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Public Relations & Advertising graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$563K	$555K	$511K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	18.7x	18.4x	16.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.7x	5.7x	5.2x
Probability of Field Employment	62%	55%	40%
DegreeOutlook Score	54	54	56

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$30,164

Out-of-state: $98,148 (5.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$65,948

-119% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,836

6.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$55,221

51% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $36,559/yr, roughly in line with the $39,349 national median for Public Relations & Advertising. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 18.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Public Relations & Advertising career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $18,836 against $36,559/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #47 ranking among 183 Public Relations & Advertising programs places Appalachian State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $36,559-to-$55,221 earnings arc over five years reflects a 51% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University accepts 89% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 19,304 students in Boone, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at Appalachian State University →

Top Career Paths

Human resources managers $140,030/yr

Public relations managers $138,520/yr

Training and development managers $127,090/yr

View all 17 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Public Relations & Advertising at Other Schools

Other Majors at Appalachian State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 54/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Relations & Advertising at Appalachian State University?

At 54/100, Appalachian State University's Public Relations & Advertising program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Public Relations & Advertising at Appalachian State University?

The 51% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →