6 Best HBCUs for Public Relations Programs

Discover the benefits of attending an HBCU for public relations, including a supportive environment, industry connections, and diverse perspectives.
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Published on May 10, 2023
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A public relations (PR) program can help you master how to effectively communicate with the public, media, and other members of the community on behalf of your clients.

When considering historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) for an education in PR, it's important to look for schools with a solid program, a track record of student success, and strong industry connections that can prepare you to pursue your career.

What Is a Public Relations Degree?

Earning a public relations degree can teach you how to manage and maintain positive relationships between an organization or person and the public or other stakeholders.

Some occupations in the PR field include:

  • Public relations specialist, fundraiser, and public relations and fundraising manager
  • Marketing manager, advertising manager, promotions manager
  • Account executive, investor relations specialist, special events coordinator
  • Multicultural public relations specialist, copywriter, researcher

Why Attend an HBCU for Public Relations?

HBCUs offer you a learning experience rooted in Black culture and heritage, a known HBCU fact. Class materials integrate diverse perspectives that can give you a broader and better understanding of the world, which can be especially useful in the PR field.

HBCUs have supportive environments, offering resources that are tailored to the needs of Black students. These schools usually have smaller class sizes, offer more individual attention, and can lead to mentorship opportunities, too. This can be especially helpful if you're getting a degree in PR, where building relationships and networking are vital skills.

Most HBCUs have centers dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and addressing issues related to social justice. They can help you develop skills and knowledge that are essential to navigating the PR industry, which often focuses on DEI.

The best HBCUs for public relations have alumni who are accomplished in the PR field. This network can help you make valuable connections and snag opportunities both while in school and after you finish.

That, along with the fact that these schools have a reputation for going the extra mile to prepare students for employment after graduation, means you can pursue a top-tier PR career.

Finally, graduating from an HBCU can be a source of personal pride and accomplishment. These institutions are top rated and top tier, right alongside their non-HBCU counterparts.

2023 Best HBCUs for Public Relations

How We Rank Schools

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.

Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.

We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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#1 6 Best HBCUs for Public Relations Programs

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

  • Tallahassee, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

FAMU, a large public school in Tallahassee, is one of the best HBCUs for public relations, offering a bachelor of science degree program in journalism with a PR concentration. 

FAMU's competitive PR program emphasizes writing, reporting, language skills, and research. Additionally, classes like graphic design are required. Notably, you also have to complete an internship to gain hands-on experience in the PR field.

FAMU is also a top school for HBCU athletics, an attractive fact for some students. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,152
Out-of-state
$14,524
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,019
Out-of-state
$22,108
Retention Rate
85%
Acceptance Rate
33%
Students Enrolled
9,184
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
98% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 6 Best HBCUs for Public Relations Programs

Howard University

  • Washington, DC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Located in Washington, D.C., Howard offers a bachelor of arts degree in communications with a PR concentration. 

The PR program's focus on diversity and ethical communication sets it apart from others and helps prepare you to be a capable communicator in a global, multicultural environment. It emphasizes research, critical thinking, public speaking, and the value of internships.

This large, competitive, private school with a low student-to-faculty ratio is consistently at the top of the overall rankings across the board.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$26,464
Out-of-state
$26,464
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$32,248
Out-of-state
$32,248
Retention Rate
90%
Acceptance Rate
39%
Students Enrolled
10,859
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
33% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 6 Best HBCUs for Public Relations Programs

Hampton University

  • Hampton, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A medium-size private school in Virginia, Hampton's Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications offers a bachelor of arts in strategic communication with a PR concentration. 

The program focuses on building skills in research, public speaking, and relationship development. It's also designed to give you a strong foundation in communication theory, as well as practical skills in public relations strategy, media relations, crisis communication, and more.

Hampton's location near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay adds to the school's appeal.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$26,198
Out-of-state
$26,198
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,099
Out-of-state
$13,099
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
72%
Acceptance Rate
36%
Students Enrolled
3,516
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
11% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 6 Best HBCUs for Public Relations Programs

Oakwood University

  • Huntsville, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, is a private, Seventh-day Adventist school committed to a faith-based education. It offers a bachelor of arts in communication with a PR concentration. Oakwood's program emphasizes storytelling, writing, and digital media skills.

You'll have the opportunity to study visual arts since there are required courses in graphic design and electives in photography, photojournalism, and more. These are offered alongside traditional classes like writing, research, and marketing.

The cost of attendance is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students, and class sizes are small.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$18,974
Out-of-state
$18,974
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,680
Out-of-state
$13,680
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
89%
Students Enrolled
1,374
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
81% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 6 Best HBCUs for Public Relations Programs

Florida Memorial University

  • Miami Gardens, FL
  • 4 years
  • Campus

Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens, is a private, historically Christian HBCU – specifically Baptist, though there's no religious language in its mission. 

Florida Memorial offers a bachelor of arts in communication with a concentration in public relations. The program allows you to focus on broadcasting, writing, media production, and more — the school brands the degree path as flexible. Class sizes are relatively small.

Florida Memorial is the only HBCU in South Florida and one of the older schools in the state overall. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$12,576
Out-of-state
$12,576
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,708
Out-of-state
$16,708
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
50%
Acceptance Rate
38%
Students Enrolled
928
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
44% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 6 Best HBCUs for Public Relations Programs

Mississippi Valley State University

  • Itta Bena, MS
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Founded as a teacher's college, MVSU in Itta Bena is a rural school with a student population on the smaller side. The school's mission focuses in part on attracting students from the Mississippi Delta.

MVSU offers a bachelor of arts in mass communication with a PR concentration. The program emphasizes writing, research, media relations, and strategic communication planning. It also cites the field as especially important in a democratic society.

Attending the university costs less than the national average. Class sizes are also relatively small. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,726
Out-of-state
$6,726
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,344
Out-of-state
$7,344
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
62%
Acceptance Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
2,032
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
79% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Additional Resources for Students in HBCU Public Relations Programs

The National Black Public Relations Society provides resources and support for Black PR professionals and students, including HBCU employment opportunities, jobs, events, and mentorship programs.

The Public Relations Society of America's (PRSA) Diversity and Inclusion section discusses its efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the PR industry. The organization offers scholarships, grants, and mentorship programs.

The PRSA Foundation is a nonprofit that awards scholarships, grants, and resources to support diversity, equity, and inclusion in the public relations industry.

The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations has leadership resources and scholarship opportunities for those pursuing careers in public relations. The center also offers mentorship programs.

HBCU Connect is an online hub that gives HBCU students and alumni a way to connect with one another, find jobs, and work with businesses and organizations that support HBCUs.