Public Relations & Advertising at Clemson University

Clemson, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
48 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
49
Optimistic
48
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings $43,318/yr (10% vs median)
AI Risk High (51% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (161,400 openings/yr)
ROI 8.0x earnings multiple (3.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #83 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 $495K $495K $467K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.0x 8.0x 7.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.1x 3.1x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 62% 55% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 49 48 46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$62,216
Out-of-state: $157,992 (3.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$88,448
-42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,375
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $43,318/yr, edging above the $39,349 national average for Public Relations & Advertising — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

A 8.0x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 6% 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 $21,375 in median debt against $43,318 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #83 ranking among 183 Public Relations & Advertising programs places Clemson University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

About Clemson University

Clemson University admits 38% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, one of the larger campuses at 22,778 students in Clemson, SC.

See all programs and financial aid at Clemson 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

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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Relations & Advertising at Clemson University?
At 48/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Public Relations & Advertising programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Public Relations & Advertising at Clemson 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 →