Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Point Park University

The first-year numbers are sobering: Point Park's PR and advertising graduates earn nearly $7,000 below the Pennsylvania median and rank in just the 5th percentile nationally. At $32,495, that initial salary barely covers living expenses in Pittsburgh, let alone makes a dent in the $28,850 in debt most students carry. Temple's grads earn nearly $9,000 more right out of the gate.

Here's what complicates the picture: earnings jump 56% by year four, reaching $50,769. That's strong growth for any communications program, though we're working with a very small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—so these numbers could swing dramatically with the next cohort. The 40th percentile ranking within Pennsylvania suggests middling performance when compared to in-state alternatives.

The admission rate of 98% and modest test scores indicate Point Park isn't particularly selective, which may explain why this program draws students who struggle more in the early job market. For families weighing this investment, the question is whether you're comfortable with a rocky financial start—potentially requiring parental support for a few years—in exchange for eventual catch-up earnings. Given cheaper alternatives within Pennsylvania's public university system, you'll want a compelling reason (specific faculty, internship connections in Pittsburgh media) to justify Point Park's price tag.