Washington · Public Relations

Best Public Relations institutions in Washington, ranked by earnings

The Public Relations program, formally known as Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication, focuses on managing and disseminating information to influence public perception. This program is ideal for individuals interested in…

Institutions
6
offering CIP 09.09
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
243
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$40,976
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
4
College Scorecard
Median net price
$26,831
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
58%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Public Relations Specialists
$94,470
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 4 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1Washington State University
Pullman Public · Bachelor's degree
$45,82020960%$20,500
2Northwest University - Center for Online and Extended Education
Kirkland Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$45,209150%$26,831
3Central Washington University
Ellensburg Public · Bachelor's degree
$40,9761254%$23,342
4Gonzaga University
Spokane Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$39,0131786%$30,006$26,000

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Public Relations Specialists (SOC 27-3031).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+4.8%
About as fast as average
Openings / yr (US)
~27,600
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$69,780
typically Bachelor's degree

Top skills

Active ListeningSpeakingWritingReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingActive Learning

What Public Relations Specialists earn in Washington

Jobs in Washington
6,650
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$94,470
median $85,500
Best-paying metro
$100,650
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Related careers

Training and Development Specialists
$92,210 avg · 9,270 jobs
Public Relations Specialists
$94,470 avg · 6,650 jobs
Human Resources Managers
$190,520 avg · 5,030 jobs
Fundraisers
$77,030 avg · 3,410 jobs
Editors
$91,180 avg · 2,800 jobs
Community Health Workers
$59,620 avg · 2,440 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Public Relations programs in Washington.

Which Public Relations program in Washington has the highest-earning graduates?+

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), Washington State University tops the list at $45,820. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Public Relations Specialists earn in Washington?+

The average annual wage for Public Relations Specialists in Washington is $94,470 (median $85,500), across about 6,650 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

What is the focus of the Public Relations program?+

The Public Relations program, formally known as Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication, focuses on managing and disseminating information to influence public perception. This program is ideal for individuals interested in…

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop active listening, speaking, writing, reading comprehension, and related professional skills.

What is the job outlook for Public Relations Specialists?+

The national job outlook is about +4.8% growth with around 27,600 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).

What is the typical education requirement?+

A Bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).

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