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

The estimated starting salary for Public Relations graduates in Tulsa, OK is $42,000 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 84. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Tulsa are 16% lower than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Public Relations degree worth it in Tulsa?

A Public Relations degree in Tulsa has an estimated ROI payback period of 5.4 years, with a projected lifetime return of $285,152 after subtracting education costs. With 15 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $6,582/year, Tulsa offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 4.1% 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 Tulsa?

The average annual public university tuition in Tulsa is $6,582, while private universities average $38,753/year. Including room and board ($10,330/year), total 4-year costs range from $67,648 at a public school to $196,332 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Tulsa is $7,592/year.

What jobs can Public Relations graduates get in Tulsa?

Public Relations graduates in Tulsa 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 Tulsa 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 Tulsa?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Public Relations graduates in Tulsa would pay $768/month on an estimated $67,648 in loans, with $24,528 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,324/month but save $12,759 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $42,000, monthly payments would represent 22% of gross monthly income.

Public Relations Degree in Tulsa, OK — Salary & ROI 2026

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

Starting Salary

$42K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$60K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

5.4 yrs

in Tulsa

Cost of Living

index (100 = avg)

Public Relations in Tulsa, OK Overview

Tulsa, Oklahoma (pop. 413,066) has 15 colleges offering Public Relations programs. The local cost of living index of 84 keeps student expenses low, with average rent near campus at $1,113/month. Public Relations enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Media Relations and Crisis Communication. The adjusted starting salary in Tulsa is approximately $42,000.

Public Relations Salary in Tulsa (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Tulsa's cost of living index of 84 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$42,000($-8,000 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$60,480($-11,520 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$77,280($-14,720 vs national)

Note: National average Public Relations salary: $50,000 starting, $72,000 mid-career, $92,000 senior level.Tulsa adjustment factor: 0.84x based on the local cost of living index.

Public Relations ROI Calculator for Tulsa

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

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $6,582 | Private avg: $38,753

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Tulsa avg aid: $7,592/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

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

Total Education Cost

$67,648

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$12,600

vs HS diploma in Tulsa

ROI Payback Period

5.4 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Tulsa

$285,152

Lifetime earnings premium ($352,800) minus total education cost ($67,648)

Student Loan Payoff for Public Relations in Tulsa

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$67,648

Monthly Payment$768

Total Interest$24,528

% of Monthly Income22%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$67,648

Monthly Payment$1,324

Total Interest$11,769

Interest Savings$12,759

Colleges in Tulsa for Public Relations

University of Tulsa

private

$44,726/yr

$178,904 total

Oral Roberts University

private

$32,780/yr

$131,120 total

Oklahoma State University-Tulsa

public

$6,582/yr

$26,328 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Tulsa Community College

$3,558/yr

Top Employers for Public Relations in Tulsa

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

EdelmanWeber ShandwickFleishmanHillardBCWOgilvy

Key Tulsa 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 Oklahoma Cities

Oklahoma City, OK

$49K starting · COL 97

37 colleges

Norman, OK

$43K starting · COL 86

10 colleges

Broken Arrow, OK

$46K starting · COL 91.8

5 colleges

Edmond, OK

$48K starting · COL 95.2

4 colleges

Lawton, OK

$41K starting · COL 82.5

4 colleges

Moore, OK

$45K starting · COL 89.3

3 colleges

Midwest City, OK

$46K starting · COL 91.1

3 colleges

Stillwater, OK

$44K starting · COL 87.3

3 colleges

Other Communications Majors in Tulsa

Technical Writing

$42K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Advertising

$42K starting · 5 yr ROI

Digital Media

$42K starting · 4.8 yr ROI

Communications

$39K starting · 5.2 yr ROI

Journalism

$37K starting · 6 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Public Relations degree outcomes in Tulsa, OK: 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 Oklahoma.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Tulsa 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 Tulsa Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Oklahoma 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 (Oklahoma)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Oklahoma programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "oklahoma 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 Tulsa — 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 Tulsa.

Public Relations Overview Colleges in Tulsa All Majors

Public Relations Degree in Tulsa, OK — Salary & ROI 2026

Public Relations in Tulsa, OK Overview

Public Relations Salary in Tulsa (COL-Adjusted)

Public Relations ROI Calculator for Tulsa

Student Loan Payoff for Public Relations in Tulsa

Standard Plan (10 years)

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Colleges in Tulsa for Public Relations

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Top Employers for Public Relations in Tulsa

Key Tulsa Hiring Sectors for Communications

Common Public Relations Job Titles

Public Relations in Nearby Oklahoma Cities

Oklahoma City, OK

Norman, OK

Broken Arrow, OK

Edmond, OK

Lawton, OK

Moore, OK

Midwest City, OK

Stillwater, OK

Other Communications Majors in Tulsa

Technical Writing

Advertising

Digital Media

Communications

Journalism

Methodology & Education Data Sources

Financial Aid Resources for Tulsa Students

Public Relations Degree in Tulsa — FAQ

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