Home › Western Kentucky University › Public Relations & Advertising

Public Relations & Advertising at Western Kentucky University

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

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $35,534/yr (-10% vs median)

AI Risk High (51% exposed)

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

ROI 11.2x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #119 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	$512K	$510K	$478K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.2x	11.2x	10.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.7x	4.7x	4.4x
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)

$45,744

Out-of-state: $108,000 (4.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$43,664

5% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,000

8.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$49,056

38% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $35,534 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 11.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% 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 $35,534/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #119 ranking among 183 Public Relations & Advertising programs places Western Kentucky University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 38% earnings increase from $35,534 to $49,056 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University has a 97% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 12,267 students in Bowling Green, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at Western 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 Western Kentucky University

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 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Relations & Advertising at Western 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 Western 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 →