Public Relations & Advertising at Northern Michigan University

Marquette, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,319/yr (-13% vs median)
AI Risk High (51% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (161,400 openings/yr)
ROI 10.2x earnings multiple (7.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #123 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 $547K $541K $501K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.3x 10.2x 9.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.3x 7.2x 6.7x
Probability of Field Employment 62% 55% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 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)
$53,216
Out-of-state: $75,200 (7.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$69,940
-31% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,585
53% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $34,319 track close to the $39,349 national median for Public Relations & Advertising programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 10.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Public Relations & Advertising career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #123 ranking among 183 Public Relations & Advertising programs places Northern Michigan University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $34,319-to-$52,585 earnings arc over five years reflects a 53% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Northern Michigan University

With a 70% acceptance rate, Northern Michigan University is moderately selective, with a mid-sized student body of 6,425 in Marquette, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern Michigan 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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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 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Relations & Advertising at Northern Michigan University?
At 42/100, 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 Northern Michigan 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 →