Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Boise State University

This Boise State certificate produces graduates earning nearly triple the national median for communications credentials, but the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. At $43,876 starting, these graduates earn more than most certificate holders in this field nationally (95th percentile), though they're middle-of-the-pack compared to Idaho's only other similar program.

The debt picture is notably favorable: $22,977 represents just six months of first-year earnings, well below what we typically see for certificate programs in this field. Graduates also see solid earnings growth—29% by year four—suggesting the credential opens doors rather than trapping people in entry-level roles. However, with only two Idaho schools offering this certificate, there's limited state-level competition to benchmark against.

The critical caveat here is sample size. These strong outcomes could reflect a handful of exceptionally successful graduates rather than typical results. For parents considering this investment, it's worth noting that Boise State's low admission rate of 84% means most applicants get in, and the $23,000 debt load is manageable if your student lands in the middle of that earnings range. But given the uncertainty inherent in small cohorts, this might work best as a credential stacked onto other coursework rather than as a standalone qualification.