Public Relations & Advertising at Kent State University at Kent

Kent, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
54 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
55
Optimistic
54
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $40,867/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk High (51% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (161,400 openings/yr)
ROI 11.2x earnings multiple (6.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #49 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 $587K $577K $527K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.4x 11.2x 10.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.6x 6.5x 5.9x
Probability of Field Employment 62% 55% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 55 54 54

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,384
Out-of-state: $89,264 (6.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$78,456
-53% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,417
7.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,496
46% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $40,867 track close to the $39,349 national median for Public Relations & Advertising programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 11.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% 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 $24,417 against $40,867/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #49 ranking among 183 Public Relations & Advertising programs places Kent State University at Kent in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 46% earnings increase from $40,867 to $59,496 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Kent State University at Kent

Kent State University at Kent has a 87% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 19,134 in Kent, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Kent State University at Kent →

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 54/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Relations & Advertising at Kent State University at Kent?
At 54/100, Kent State University at Kent'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 Kent State University at Kent?
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 →