Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Reinhardt University
Bachelor's Degree
reinhardt.eduAnalysis
In Georgia's communications market, Reinhardt's estimated outcomes sit right at the state median—roughly $38,600 in first-year earnings based on comparable programs across the state. That's notably behind UGA's $45,000+ and even Kennesaw State's $41,500, though ahead of smaller regional options. The question for families is whether this middle-tier positioning justifies the investment, particularly when larger public universities with stronger industry connections deliver measurably higher starting salaries.
The estimated debt of roughly $26,000 creates a manageable but not spectacular ratio of 0.67—meaning graduates would carry about eight months of their first-year salary in loans. This aligns closely with both state and national norms for communications degrees. For a field where unpaid internships are common and entry-level positions often cluster in competitive urban markets like Atlanta, that debt load means limited financial flexibility in those crucial early career years when building a portfolio and network matters most.
The reality here is that communications is a relationship-driven field where your school's alumni network and internship pipeline significantly impact outcomes. Without this program's actual graduate data, families can't assess whether Reinhardt's smaller setting (39% Pell-eligible suggests good financial aid support) translates into stronger mentorship, or whether it means fewer agency connections than Atlanta-area competitors. If your student has specific interest in Reinhardt's approach, request concrete placement data and alumni contact information before committing to loans that peer programs suggest will take years to outgrow.
Where Reinhardt University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public relations, advertising, and applied communication bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $28,420 | $38,555* | — | $25,832* | — | |
| $11,180 | $45,326* | $62,187 | $21,787* | 0.48 | |
| $5,786 | $41,460* | — | $26,000* | 0.63 | |
| $5,905 | $35,649* | $47,021 | $25,000* | 0.70 | |
| $3,283 | $29,594* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $39,794* | — | $24,625* | 0.62 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with public relations, advertising, and applied communication graduates
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Human Resources Managers
Public Relations Managers
Fundraising Managers
Training and Development Managers
Technical Writers
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Public Relations Specialists
Fundraisers
Training and Development Specialists
Health Education Specialists
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 Reinhardt University, approximately 39% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 4 similar programs in GA. Actual outcomes may vary.