Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University's Public Relations program stands out nationally with first-year earnings of $46,520—significantly above the national median of $39,794 and ranking in the 91st percentile among similar programs nationwide. However, the premium comes with a cost: at $27,799 in median debt, graduates pay about $3,200 more than the national average, though this debt level still ranks favorably in the 5th percentile nationally.

The New Hampshire context is more modest, with SNHU's program sitting at the 60th percentile among the state's four PR programs. What's particularly noteworthy is the solid earnings trajectory—graduates see their income grow 10% from year one to year four, reaching $51,272. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60, most graduates should be able to manage their loans comfortably, especially given the program's strong national performance.

For parents weighing this investment, SNHU's PR program delivers strong employment outcomes that justify the slightly higher debt load. The combination of above-average starting salaries, steady income growth, and manageable debt creates a solid foundation for career entry in communications fields. The 96% admission rate makes this accessible to most students, while the robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence these results are reliable.