Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Franklin University

Franklin University's PR and advertising program stands out nationally but carries a significant cost burden. Graduates earn $46,518 in their first year—outperforming 91% of similar programs nationwide and exceeding the national median by $6,700. In Ohio, the picture is more nuanced: earnings land at the 60th percentile among 30 in-state options, trailing the top Miami University programs by about $4,000 but still ahead of the state median.

The challenge is debt. At $42,017, graduates leave with nearly double the national median for this field and substantially more than Ohio's typical $26,500. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.90 is manageable—meaning debt equals less than a year's salary—this is a premium price for mid-tier Ohio outcomes. The modest 7% earnings growth to year four suggests steady but unspectacular career progression.

For families weighing this investment, Franklin delivers strong national results that justify higher debt better than most programs, but Ohio residents should carefully compare costs against public alternatives like Bowling Green, which produces similar earnings at likely lower expense. If Franklin's format (designed for working adults) fits your child's situation, the outcomes support the investment. Otherwise, this is a case where the sticker price matters.