Public Relations & Advertising at Webster University

Saint Louis, MO · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $42,421/yr (8% vs median)
AI Risk High (51% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (161,400 openings/yr)
ROI 4.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #126 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 $496K $496K $468K
Earnings Multiple 4.0x 4.0x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 62% 55% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$122,920
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$104,784
15% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,750
15% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $42,421/yr, edging above the $39,349 national average for Public Relations & Advertising — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

The 4.0x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 51% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At #126 out of 183 programs, Webster University's financial outcomes for Public Relations & Advertising trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $42,421 to $48,750 over five years (15% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About Webster University

With a 58% acceptance rate, Webster University is moderately selective, a compact campus enrolling 2,180 students in Saint Louis, MO.

See all programs and financial aid at Webster 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 Webster University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Webster University's Public Relations & Advertising program score?
This program scores 42/100 — on the lower end for Public Relations & Advertising. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Public Relations & Advertising to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Public Relations & Advertising careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 51% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →