Best Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Schools in California

California has 12 colleges offering Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 566 recent graduates. Graduates in California earn $41,267 on average within two years — 11% above the national average of $37,091, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

Schools in CA

$41,267

CA Avg. Earnings

$37,091

National Avg.

221

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication in California

Public Schools (3)

$38,517

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (8)

$41,367

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $2,850 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Schools in California, Ranked by Earnings

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private

$44,711

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $46,759

Graduates: 83

Acceptance: 10.0%

Pepperdine University

Malibu, CA · Private

$46,156

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $46,780

Graduates: 129

Acceptance: 49.9%

University of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA · Private

$47,260

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $45,954

Graduates: 36

Acceptance: 50.8%

Chapman University

Orange, CA · Private

$45,767

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $43,478

Graduates: 77

Acceptance: 55.6%

Pacific Union College

Angwin, CA · Private

N/A

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $31,215

Graduates: 18

Acceptance: 42.5%

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA · Public

$38,072

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $37,838

Graduates: 103

Acceptance: 34.4%

Biola University

La Mirada, CA · Private

$33,993

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $37,928

Graduates: 28

Acceptance: 60.1%

California Baptist University

Riverside, CA · Private

$24,421

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $29,607

Graduates: 34

Acceptance: 73.6%

Academy of Art University

San Francisco, CA ·

$48,823

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: N/A

#10

National University

San Diego, CA · Private

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA · Public

$41,379

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $49,739

Graduates: 58

Acceptance: 80.2%

#12

California State University-Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA · Public

$36,099

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 91.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication in California?

University of Southern California ranks #1 for Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication in California with median graduate earnings of $44,711 within two years of graduation. There are 12 schools offering Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication programs in the state.

How much do Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication graduates earn in California?

Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication graduates in California earn an average of $41,267 within two years of graduation. This is 11% above the national average of $37,091 for this major.

What is the hardest Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication school to get into in California?

University of Southern California is the most selective Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication program in California with an acceptance rate of 10.0%. The average acceptance rate across Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication programs in the state is 54.8%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication in California?

In California, private Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication programs produce average earnings of $41,367 vs $38,517 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 3 public and 8 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in California

Construction Management $81,700 Construction Engineering $81,610 Construction Engineering Technologies $76,343 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $75,984 Computer Science $72,889 Computer Engineering $72,447 Dental Support Services and Allied Professions $71,074 Computer and Information Sciences, General $68,388

All colleges in California →

Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication in Other States

Ohio New York Pennsylvania Florida Illinois Michigan Texas Missouri Iowa Indiana Washington Kentucky View All →

Get Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Career Insights

We're building major-specific salary reports with ROI analysis by school. Be the first to get yours.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release.