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Public Relations & Advertising at Ball State University

Muncie, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $38,020/yr (-3% vs median)

AI Risk High (51% exposed)

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

ROI 12.8x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #62 of 183 Public Relations & Advertising programs Top 50%

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	$556K	$549K	$506K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.9x	12.8x	11.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.8x	4.8x	4.4x
Probability of Field Employment	62%	55%	40%
DegreeOutlook Score	52	51	52

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$43,032

Out-of-state: $115,064 (4.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$63,592

-48% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,250

7.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$54,927

44% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $38,020/yr, roughly in line with the $39,349 national median for Public Relations & Advertising. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 12.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% 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 $23,250 against $38,020/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #62 ranking among 183 Public Relations & Advertising programs places Ball State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 44% earnings increase from $38,020 to $54,927 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Ball State University

Ball State University accepts 72% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 13,770 students in Muncie, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Ball State University →

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

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 51/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Relations & Advertising at Ball State University?

At 51/100, Ball State University'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 Ball State University?

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 →