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Public Relations & Advertising at University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $42,974/yr (9% vs median)

AI Risk High (51% exposed)

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

ROI 12.4x earnings multiple (4.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #17 of 183 Public Relations & Advertising programs Top 10%

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	$645K	$628K	$564K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.7x	12.4x	11.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.6x	4.5x	4.0x
Probability of Field Employment	62%	55%	40%
DegreeOutlook Score	61	60	58

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$50,752

Out-of-state: $139,736 (4.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$98,128

-93% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,990

6.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$66,664

55% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $42,974/yr, edging above the $39,349 national average for Public Relations & Advertising — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 12.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% 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 $22,990 against $42,974/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

At #17 of 183 programs, this Public Relations & Advertising program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $42,974-to-$66,664 earnings arc over five years reflects a 55% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of South Carolina-Columbia

With a 61% acceptance rate, University of South Carolina-Columbia is moderately selective, one of the larger campuses at 28,113 students in Columbia, SC.

See all programs and financial aid at University of South Carolina-Columbia →

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

Compare Public Relations & Advertising

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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 60/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Relations & Advertising at University of South Carolina-Columbia?

At 60/100, University of South Carolina-Columbia'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 University of South Carolina-Columbia?

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 →