What is the starting salary for Public Relations graduates in Lakewood?

The estimated starting salary for Public Relations graduates in Lakewood, CO is $52,900 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 105.8. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Lakewood are 6% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Public Relations degree worth it in Lakewood?

A Public Relations degree in Lakewood has an estimated ROI payback period of 6.9 years, with a projected lifetime return of $335,448 after subtracting education costs. With 6 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $12,200/year, Lakewood offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 2.9% and the major's national unemployment rate of 3.5% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Public Relations in Lakewood?

The average annual public university tuition in Lakewood is $12,200, while private universities average $38,000/year. Including room and board ($15,028/year), total 4-year costs range from $108,912 at a public school to $212,112 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Lakewood is $8,371/year.

What jobs can Public Relations graduates get in Lakewood?

Public Relations graduates in Lakewood can pursue careers as PR Specialist, Communications Manager, Media Relations Director. Key skills valued by local employers include Media Relations, Crisis Communication, Writing, Social Media. The Lakewood job market features Media companies, PR agencies, Tech companies among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include Edelman, Weber Shandwick, FleishmanHillard.

How long to pay off student loans for Public Relations in Lakewood?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Public Relations graduates in Lakewood would pay $1,237/month on an estimated $108,912 in loans, with $39,489 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $2,131/month but save $20,542 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $52,900, monthly payments would represent 28% of gross monthly income.

Public Relations Degree in Lakewood, CO — Salary & ROI 2026

Public Relations degree analysis for Lakewood, CO. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$53K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$76K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

6.9 yrs

in Lakewood

Cost of Living

105.8

index (100 = avg)

Public Relations in Lakewood, CO Overview

Lakewood, Colorado (pop. 155,984) has 6 colleges offering Public Relations programs. The local cost of living index of 105.8 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $1,395/month. Public Relations enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Media Relations and Crisis Communication. The adjusted starting salary in Lakewood is approximately $52,900.

Public Relations Salary in Lakewood (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Lakewood's cost of living index of 105.8 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$52,900(+$2,900 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$76,176(+$4,176 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$97,336(+$5,336 vs national)

Note: National average Public Relations salary: $50,000 starting, $72,000 mid-career, $92,000 senior level.Lakewood adjustment factor: 1.06x based on the local cost of living index.

Public Relations ROI Calculator for Lakewood

Estimate your return on investment for a Public Relations degree using local Lakewood tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $12,200 | Private avg: $38,000

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Lakewood avg aid: $8,371/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$108,912

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$15,870

vs HS diploma in Lakewood

ROI Payback Period

6.9 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Lakewood

$335,448

Lifetime earnings premium ($444,360) minus total education cost ($108,912)

Student Loan Payoff for Public Relations in Lakewood

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$108,912

Monthly Payment$1,237

Total Interest$39,489

% of Monthly Income28%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$108,912

Monthly Payment$2,131

Total Interest$18,947

Interest Savings$20,542

Colleges in Lakewood for Public Relations

Lakewood State University

public

$11,245/yr

$44,980 total

University of Lakewood

public

$12,683/yr

$50,732 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Lakewood Community College

$5,959/yr

Top Employers for Public Relations in Lakewood

Lakewood offers opportunities in Media companies, PR agencies, Tech companies for Public Relations graduates. National top employers in this field include:

EdelmanWeber ShandwickFleishmanHillardBCWOgilvy

Key Lakewood Hiring Sectors for Communications

Media companies

PR agencies

Tech companies

Marketing firms

Publishing

Common Public Relations Job Titles

PR SpecialistCommunications ManagerMedia Relations Director

Public Relations in Nearby Colorado Cities

Denver, CO

$64K starting · COL 128

31 colleges

Colorado Springs, CO

$61K starting · COL 122

22 colleges

Aurora, CO

$56K starting · COL 111

28 colleges

Fort Collins, CO

$63K starting · COL 126

5 colleges

Thornton, CO

$51K starting · COL 102.5

6 colleges

Arvada, CO

$53K starting · COL 105.5

5 colleges

Westminster, CO

$52K starting · COL 103.8

5 colleges

Pueblo, CO

$61K starting · COL 122

13 colleges

Other Communications Majors in Lakewood

Technical Writing

$53K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Advertising

$53K starting · 5 yr ROI

Digital Media

$53K starting · 4.8 yr ROI

Communications

$49K starting · 5.2 yr ROI

Journalism

$47K starting · 6 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Public Relations degree outcomes in Lakewood, CO: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Public Relations programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Colorado.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Lakewood using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Public Relations graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Public Relations career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Public Relations grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Lakewood Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Colorado students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Colorado)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Colorado programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "colorado higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Public Relations Degree in Lakewood — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Public Relations ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Lakewood.

Public Relations Overview Colleges in Lakewood All Majors

Public Relations Degree in Lakewood, CO — Salary & ROI 2026

Public Relations in Lakewood, CO Overview

Public Relations Salary in Lakewood (COL-Adjusted)

Public Relations ROI Calculator for Lakewood

Student Loan Payoff for Public Relations in Lakewood

Standard Plan (10 years)

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Colleges in Lakewood for Public Relations

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Top Employers for Public Relations in Lakewood

Key Lakewood Hiring Sectors for Communications

Common Public Relations Job Titles

Public Relations in Nearby Colorado Cities

Denver, CO

Colorado Springs, CO

Aurora, CO

Fort Collins, CO

Thornton, CO

Arvada, CO

Westminster, CO

Pueblo, CO

Other Communications Majors in Lakewood

Technical Writing

Advertising

Digital Media

Communications

Journalism

Methodology & Education Data Sources

Financial Aid Resources for Lakewood Students

Public Relations Degree in Lakewood — FAQ

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