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

Tennessee has 5 colleges offering Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 215 recent graduates. Graduates in Tennessee earn $32,172 on average within two years — 13% below the national average of $37,091. Lower cost of living or industry mix may explain the gap.

School choice matters significantly: Belmont University graduates earn $36,848 while Union University graduates earn $26,353 — a $10,495 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

5
Schools in TN
$32,172
TN Avg. Earnings
$37,091
National Avg.
221
Schools Nationally

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

Public Schools (2)
$36,111
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (3)
$30,858
avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in Tennessee produce comparable or higher early earnings for Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.

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

#1
Belmont University logo

Belmont University

Nashville, TN · Private

$36,848
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $37,073
Graduates: 28
Acceptance: 96.4%
#2
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville logo

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN · Public

$36,111
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $35,884
Graduates: 133
Acceptance: 46.0%
#3
University of Memphis logo

University of Memphis

Memphis, TN · Public

N/A
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 93.4%
#4
Lee University logo

Lee University

Cleveland, TN · Private

$29,374
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $27,445
Graduates: 54
Acceptance: 72.2%
#5
Union University logo

Union University

Jackson, TN · Private

$26,353
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 47.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication in Tennessee?
Belmont University ranks #1 for Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication in Tennessee with median graduate earnings of $36,848 within two years of graduation. There are 5 schools offering Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication programs in the state.
How much do Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication graduates earn in Tennessee?
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication graduates in Tennessee earn an average of $32,172 within two years of graduation. This is 13% below the national average of $37,091 for this major.
What is the hardest Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication school to get into in Tennessee?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is the most selective Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication program in Tennessee with an acceptance rate of 46.0%. The average acceptance rate across Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication programs in the state is 71.0%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, private Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication programs produce average earnings of $30,858 vs $36,111 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 2 public and 3 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Tennessee

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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.