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Public Relations & Advertising at Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $34,920/yr (-11% vs median)

AI Risk High (51% exposed)

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

ROI 12.3x earnings multiple (6.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #118 of 183 Public Relations & Advertising programs

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	$500K	$499K	$470K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.3x	12.3x	11.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.0x	6.0x	5.6x
Probability of Field Employment	62%	55%	40%
DegreeOutlook Score	44	43	46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$40,520

Out-of-state: $83,280 (6.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$39,848

2% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,000

8.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$47,383

36% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Eastern Kentucky University's Public Relations & Advertising program produces graduates earning $34,920/yr — within striking distance of the $39,349 national average for this field.

With a 12.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% 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 $25,000 against $34,920/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #118 ranking among 183 Public Relations & Advertising programs places Eastern Kentucky University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 36% earnings increase from $34,920 to $47,383 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Eastern Kentucky University

A 78% acceptance rate means Eastern Kentucky University is accessible to most applicants, serving 11,674 students in Richmond, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at Eastern Kentucky 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

Other Majors at Eastern Kentucky University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Relations & Advertising at Eastern Kentucky University?

At 43/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Public Relations & Advertising programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Public Relations & Advertising at Eastern Kentucky 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 →