Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Temple University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Temple University's communications program stands out for its strong earnings trajectory, with graduates seeing their income jump 31% from $41,165 to $53,863 between years one and four—well above typical growth patterns for this field. More importantly, Temple outperforms both national and Pennsylvania competitors, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide and 63rd percentile nationally, with first-year earnings that beat the national median by over $1,300.
The debt picture is particularly encouraging. At $26,000, graduates carry a manageable debt load that represents just 63% of their first-year salary—well below the concerning 1.0 threshold many financial advisors cite. Temple also ranks in the favorable 26th percentile nationally for debt levels, meaning most comparable programs saddle students with more borrowing. Among Pennsylvania schools, Temple leads established competitors like Drexel ($37,125) and Duquesne ($39,651) in first-year outcomes.
With a robust sample size of 100+ graduates providing reliable data, this program delivers solid returns for a communications degree. The combination of reasonable debt, above-average starting salaries, and strong earning potential by year four makes Temple's program a smart choice for students serious about breaking into PR, advertising, or communications work.
Where Temple University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public relations, advertising, and applied communication bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Temple University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Temple University graduates earn $41k, placing them in the 63th percentile of all public relations, advertising, and applied communication bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (29 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temple University | $41,165 | $53,863 | $26,000 | 0.63 |
| Duquesne University | $39,651 | $49,016 | $26,000 | 0.66 |
| Drexel University | $37,125 | — | $27,000 | 0.73 |
| Susquehanna University | $36,632 | $48,622 | $27,000 | 0.74 |
| York College of Pennsylvania | $36,557 | $51,838 | $25,724 | 0.70 |
| University of Scranton | $35,568 | $55,313 | $26,000 | 0.73 |
| National Median | $39,794 | — | $24,625 | 0.62 |
Other Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duquesne University Pittsburgh | $47,146 | $39,651 | $26,000 |
| Drexel University Philadelphia | $60,663 | $37,125 | $27,000 |
| Susquehanna University Selinsgrove | $57,400 | $36,632 | $27,000 |
| York College of Pennsylvania York | $24,606 | $36,557 | $25,724 |
| University of Scranton Scranton | $52,309 | $35,568 | $26,000 |
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 Temple University, approximately 30% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 456 graduates with reported earnings and 473 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.