Public Relations & Advertising at University of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
48 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
48
Optimistic
48
Base Case
49
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,856/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk High (51% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (161,400 openings/yr)
ROI 3.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #75 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 $925K $877K $745K
Earnings Multiple 4.0x 3.8x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 62% 55% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 48 49

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$232,888
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$157,980
32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,000
7.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$89,358
136% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $37,856/yr, roughly in line with the $39,349 national median for Public Relations & Advertising. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

At 3.8x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 20% 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 $24,000 against $37,856/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #75 ranking among 183 Public Relations & Advertising programs places University of San Francisco in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $37,856-to-$89,358 earnings arc over five years reflects a 136% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of San Francisco

A 51% admission rate makes University of San Francisco accessible to a wide range of qualified students, enrolling 5,697 students in San Francisco, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $157,980 over four years — 32% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of San Francisco →

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 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Relations & Advertising at University of San Francisco?
At 48/100, 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 University of San Francisco?
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 →