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

Washington has 6 colleges offering Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 272 recent graduates. Graduates in Washington earn $39,709 on average within two years — 7% above the national average of $37,091, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

School choice matters significantly: Gonzaga University graduates earn $46,620 while Seattle University graduates earn $35,823 — a $10,797 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

6
Schools in WA
$39,709
WA Avg. Earnings
$37,091
National Avg.
221
Schools Nationally

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

Public Schools (2)
$37,363
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (3)
$40,604
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $3,241 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 Washington, Ranked by Earnings

#1
Gonzaga University logo

Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA · Private

$46,620
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $40,575
Graduates: 43
Acceptance: 76.0%
#2
Washington State University logo

Washington State University

Pullman, WA · Public

N/A
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $39,530
Graduates: 97
Acceptance: 85.4%
#3
Central Washington University logo

Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA · Public

$37,363
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $39,441
Graduates: 56
Acceptance: 90.2%
#4
Northwest University logo

Northwest University

Kirkland, WA · Private

$39,369
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $36,113
Graduates: 25
Acceptance: 88.0%
#5
N

Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education

Kirkland, WA ·

$39,369
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $36,113
Graduates: 25
Acceptance: N/A
#6
Seattle University logo

Seattle University

Seattle, WA · Private

$35,823
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $33,353
Graduates: 26
Acceptance: 76.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication in Washington?
Gonzaga University ranks #1 for Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication in Washington with median graduate earnings of $46,620 within two years of graduation. There are 6 schools offering Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication programs in the state.
How much do Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication graduates earn in Washington?
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication graduates in Washington earn an average of $39,709 within two years of graduation. This is 7% 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 Washington?
Gonzaga University is the most selective Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication program in Washington with an acceptance rate of 76.0%. The average acceptance rate across Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication programs in the state is 83.1%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication in Washington?
In Washington, private Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication programs produce average earnings of $40,604 vs $37,363 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 Washington

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Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication in Other States

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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.