If you’ve ever dreamed of steering conversations that matter—whether it’s shaping public opinion, managing a brand’s reputation or crafting stories that move markets—then a career in public relations might just be your calling. To get there, you’ll need an education, training and mentors who’ve been in the trenches—all of which can be found at some of the country’s best colleges for public relations.
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To help you find the perfect fit, we’ve scoured the country to find the 20 best college programs for every PR hopeful. These are schools where you’ll be taught how to think strategically and get your hands dirty, where you’ll learn from people who’ve been there and done that, and where you’ll graduate ready to take on the news cycle.
Whether you’re drawn to the creative energy of New York City, the political heartbeat of Washington, D.C. or the innovation hubs of Silicon Valley, there’s a program on this list that can help you take the first step in answering the call.
What Makes a Great Public Relations College Program?
Before we dive into the list, let’s talk about what sets the best colleges for public relations apart. A great PR program should have:
- Comprehensive curricula that cover strategic planning and communications, media relations and crisis PR.
- Experienced faculty with real-world PR expertise.
- Internship opportunities with leading agencies, corporations or nonprofits.
- Strong alumni networks that can open doors to mentorships and job opportunities.
- State-of-the-art facilities, such as media labs and student-run PR firms.
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20 Best Colleges for Public Relations
1. University of Southern California (USC) – Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Year Established: 1971
- What Makes It Stand Out: USC Annenberg is widely regarded as one of the best colleges for public relations in the country. Its proximity to Hollywood and Silicon Valley provides unparalleled access to internships and networking opportunities. The program emphasizes digital storytelling and global communication, preparing students for the evolving PR landscape.
2. Syracuse University – S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
- Location: Syracuse, NY
- Acceptance Rate: 59%
- Year Established: 1934
- What Makes It Stand Out: Newhouse is a powerhouse for PR education, offering specialized tracks in areas like crisis management and social media. The school’s strong alumni network includes leaders at top agencies and Fortune 500 companies.
3. Boston University – College of Communication
- Location: Boston, MA
- Acceptance Rate: 19%
- Year Established: 1947
- What Makes It Stand Out: BU’s PR program combines theory and practice, with opportunities to work on real-world campaigns through its PRLab, the nation’s oldest student-run PR firm.
4. University of Florida – College of Journalism and Communications
- Location: Gainesville, FL
- Acceptance Rate: 30%
- Year Established: 1925
- What Makes It Stand Out: UF’s program is known for its focus on research and innovation, with access to cutting-edge resources like the Brechner Center for Freedom of Information.
5. New York University (NYU) – Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute
- Location: New York, NY
- Acceptance Rate: 16%
- Year Established: 1939
- What Makes It Stand Out: NYU’s location in the heart of Manhattan provides students with unmatched access to internships at top PR agencies and media outlets. The program also emphasizes global perspectives, with study-abroad opportunities in cities like London and Paris.
6. University of Texas at Austin – Moody College of Communication
- Location: Austin, TX
- Acceptance Rate: 32%
- Year Established: 1965
- What Makes It Stand Out: UT Austin’s PR program is known for its strong emphasis on ethics and diversity, preparing students to navigate complex communication challenges in a multicultural world.
7. University of Georgia – Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication
- Location: Athens, GA
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Year Established: 1915
- What Makes It Stand Out: Grady College offers a robust PR curriculum with a focus on digital media and analytics. Students also benefit from the college’s strong ties to Atlanta’s thriving PR and media scene.
8. Pennsylvania State University – Bellisario College of Communications
- Location: University Park, PA
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
- Year Established: 1985
- What Makes It Stand Out: Penn State’s PR program emphasizes strategic communication and offers unique opportunities like the annual PRSSA National Conference.
9. University of Miami – School of Communication
- Location: Coral Gables, FL
- Acceptance Rate: 28%
- Year Established: 1929
- What Makes It Stand Out: UM’s program is known for its focus on multicultural communication and its strong connections to Miami’s vibrant media and entertainment industries.
10. University of Wisconsin-Madison – School of Journalism and Mass Communication
- Location: Madison, WI
- Acceptance Rate: 57%
- Year Established: 1905
- What Makes It Stand Out: UW-Madison’s PR program combines a strong theoretical foundation with hands-on learning opportunities, including student-run agencies and internships.
11. University of Oklahoma – Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication
- Location: Norman, OK
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Year Established: 1913
- What Makes It Stand Out: Gaylord College offers a personalized PR education with small class sizes and a focus on experiential learning.
12. Purdue University – Brian Lamb School of Communication
- Location: West Lafayette, IN
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Year Established: 2005
- What Makes It Stand Out: Purdue’s PR program emphasizes research and innovation, with opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects in areas like crisis communication and social media analytics.
13. University of Maryland – Philip Merrill College of Journalism
- Location: College Park, MD
- Acceptance Rate: 51%
- Year Established: 1947
- What Makes It Stand Out: Merrill College’s PR program is known for its focus on digital communication and its proximity to Washington, D.C., offering unique opportunities in political and nonprofit PR.
14. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Hussman School of Journalism and Media
- Location: Chapel Hill, NC
- Acceptance Rate: 20%
- Year Established: 1924
- What Makes It Stand Out: UNC’s PR program combines a strong academic foundation with hands-on learning opportunities, including internships and student-run agencies.
15. Michigan State University – College of Communication Arts and Sciences
- Location: East Lansing, MI
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Year Established: 1955
- What Makes It Stand Out: MSU’s PR program is known for its focus on research and innovation, with opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects in areas like crisis communication and social media analytics.
16. American University – School of Communication
- Location: Washington, D.C.
- Acceptance Rate: 39%
- Year Established: 1955
- What Makes It Stand Out: AU’s location in the nation’s capital provides unique opportunities in political and nonprofit PR, as well as access to internships at top agencies and government organizations.
17. University of Oregon – School of Journalism and Communication
- Location: Eugene, OR
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Year Established: 1916
- What Makes It Stand Out: UO’s PR program emphasizes strategic communication and offers unique opportunities like the annual PRSSA National Conference.
18. DePaul University – College of Communication
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Year Established: 2007
- What Makes It Stand Out: DePaul’s PR program is known for its focus on experiential learning, with opportunities to work on real-world campaigns through its student-run PR firm.
19. Temple University – Klein College of Media and Communication
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Year Established: 1927
- What Makes It Stand Out: Temple’s PR program combines a strong academic foundation with hands-on learning opportunities, including internships and student-run agencies.
20. Brigham Young University – School of Communications
- Location: Provo, UT
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Year Established: 1977
- What Makes It Stand Out: BYU’s PR program is known for its focus on ethics and its strong connections to the PR industry, offering unique opportunities for internships and networking.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right college is a pivotal step in launching a successful career in public relations. By attending one of the best colleges for public relations, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills and connections needed to excel in this rewarding field. Start exploring your options today and take the first step toward becoming a PR pro!