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

California has 11 colleges offering Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 548 recent graduates. Graduates in California earn $41,267 on average within two years — 12% above the national average of $36,865, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

School choice matters significantly: Academy of Art University graduates earn $48,823 while California Baptist University graduates earn $24,421 — a $24,402 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

11
Schools in CA
$41,267
CA Avg. Earnings
$36,865
National Avg.
180
Schools Nationally

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

Public Schools (3)
$38,517
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (7)
$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

#1
A

Academy of Art University

San Francisco, CA ·

$48,823
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: N/A
#2
N

National University

San Diego, CA · Private

$47,260
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: N/A
#3
U

University of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA · Private

$47,260
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $45,954
Graduates: 36
Acceptance: 50.8%
#4
P

Pepperdine University

Malibu, CA · Private

$46,156
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $46,780
Graduates: 129
Acceptance: 49.9%
#5
C

Chapman University

Orange, CA · Private

$45,767
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $43,478
Graduates: 77
Acceptance: 55.6%
#6
U

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private

$44,711
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $46,759
Graduates: 83
Acceptance: 10.0%
#7
S

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA · Public

$41,379
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $49,739
Graduates: 58
Acceptance: 80.2%
#8
S

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA · Public

$38,072
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $37,838
Graduates: 103
Acceptance: 34.4%
#9
C

California State University-Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA · Public

$36,099
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 91.3%
#10
B

Biola University

La Mirada, CA · Private

$33,993
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $37,928
Graduates: 28
Acceptance: 60.1%
#11
C

California Baptist University

Riverside, CA · Private

$24,421
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $29,607
Graduates: 34
Acceptance: 73.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication in California?
Academy of Art University ranks #1 for Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication in California with median graduate earnings of $48,823 within two years of graduation. There are 11 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 12% above the national average of $36,865 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 56.2%.
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 7 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in California

Construction Management $81,700 Construction Engineering $81,610 Construction Engineering Technologies $76,343 Engineering, General $76,184 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $75,984 Manufacturing Engineering $73,841 Engineering-Related Fields $73,096 Computer Science $72,889
All colleges in California →

Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication in Other States

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.