Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Haverford College

A highly selective liberal arts college with a 13% admission rate and average SAT of 1498 doesn't typically funnel students into communications careers—and the earnings estimates here reflect that disconnect. Based on comparable programs in Pennsylvania, first-year earnings hover around $36,600, slightly below the national median for this field. The estimated $26,500 in debt produces a manageable 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio, but that's cold comfort when Temple graduates in the same field are earning $41,000 right out of the gate.

The real question is whether your child is actually pursuing communications or simply parking a major while preparing for something else entirely—law school, graduate programs, or career pivots common at elite liberal arts colleges. Haverford's tiny program size (hence the suppressed data) suggests this isn't a core strength of the institution. If they're genuinely committed to PR or advertising, larger programs with stronger industry connections and reported outcomes above $39,000 offer clearer paths into the field.

The modest debt burden means this isn't a financial disaster, but you're paying premium tuition for a program where peer institutions deliver better early career results. Make sure the Haverford experience itself—the education, network, and flexibility—justifies choosing it over schools where communications is a clear institutional priority.