Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Biola University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Biola's communications program leaves graduates earning about $3,000 less than both California and national medians for this field—putting it below the middle of the pack among the state's 17 programs. That $36,319 starting salary represents the 40th percentile statewide, meaning six out of ten similar California programs produce better early-career outcomes. The gap widens when you look at top California programs: USC and National University graduates start nearly $14,000 higher.
The debt load of $21,104 is actually slightly below state and national averages, which helps the overall picture. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58, graduates face manageable repayment—roughly equivalent to half a year's salary. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means a few unusually low or high earners could skew these figures significantly in either direction.
For parents paying private school tuition at Biola, this becomes a question of whether the institution's other attributes justify earnings that trail state public universities like San Diego State (which reports $44,000 starting salaries). The program won't create insurmountable debt, but it's not positioning graduates for the stronger outcomes available elsewhere in California's competitive communications market.
Where Biola University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public relations, advertising, and applied communication bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Biola University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Biola University graduates earn $36k, placing them in the 28th percentile of all public relations, advertising, and applied communication bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (17 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biola University | $36,319 | — | $21,104 | 0.58 |
| National University | $50,070 | — | $30,622 | 0.61 |
| University of Southern California | $50,041 | $70,999 | $20,251 | 0.40 |
| Pepperdine University | $45,988 | $64,905 | $26,000 | 0.57 |
| San Diego State University | $44,197 | $62,118 | $17,038 | 0.39 |
| Chapman University | $40,141 | $60,270 | $22,625 | 0.56 |
| National Median | $39,794 | — | $24,625 | 0.62 |
Other Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| National University San Diego | $13,320 | $50,070 | $30,622 |
| University of Southern California Los Angeles | $68,237 | $50,041 | $20,251 |
| Pepperdine University Malibu | $66,742 | $45,988 | $26,000 |
| San Diego State University San Diego | $8,290 | $44,197 | $17,038 |
| Chapman University Orange | $62,784 | $40,141 | $22,625 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Biola University, approximately 26% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 29 graduates with reported earnings and 32 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.