Public Relations · District of Columbia
Public Relations colleges in District of Columbia
CampusPin lists 10 U.S. colleges in District of Columbia that offer Public Relations programs. Compare tuition, acceptance rate, and enrollment in the table below, every figure links back to the institution's official IPEDS data.
Public Relations trains students to shape an organization's reputation through media relations, messaging, and crisis communication, suiting strong writers who like persuasion and strategy.
Schools in District of Columbia that offer Public Relations
American University
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$56,543
Acceptance
47%
Enrollment
12,795
Career Technical Institute
Washington, DC · Community College · Private
Tuition
$30,953
Acceptance
100%
Enrollment
370
Gallaudet University
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$18,382
Acceptance
61%
Enrollment
1,324
George Washington University
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$64,990
Acceptance
44%
Enrollment
25,029
Howard University
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$33,344
Acceptance
35%
Enrollment
12,830
Strayer University-District of Columbia
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$13,920
Acceptance
100%
Enrollment
352
The Catholic University of America
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$55,834
Acceptance
84%
Enrollment
5,095
Trinity Washington University
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$26,110
Acceptance
99%
Enrollment
1,417
University of the District of Columbia
Washington, DC · University · Public
Tuition
$6,152
Acceptance
100%
Enrollment
3,638
Wesley Theological Seminary
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$30,953
Acceptance
74%
Enrollment
6,747
Public Relations programs in District of Columbia: by the numbers
A quick comparison of the 10 schools listed above, drawn from each institution's published IPEDS data.
Schools listed
10
Public / private
1 / 9
Universities / 2-year
9 / 1
Cities represented
1
In-state tuition range
$6,152–$64,990
Median in-state tuition
$30,953
Lowest published in-state tuition
University of the District of Columbia
$6,152
Most selective
Howard University
35% acceptance
Largest by enrollment
George Washington University
25,029 students
Figures reflect the schools currently listed and each institution's most recent reported data. Verify current tuition and admissions details with the school before applying.
What you'll study in a Public Relations program
- Media relations and pitching to journalists
- PR writing: press releases, pitches, fact sheets, op-eds
- Strategic message development and campaign planning
- Crisis communication and reputation management
- Communication research and measuring campaign results
- Media law, ethics, and disclosure rules
- Social and digital media management for organizations
- Internship and portfolio capstone
Where a Public Relations degree can lead
- Public relations specialists
- Media Relations Coordinator
- Communications Specialist
- Social Media Manager
- Public relations and fundraising managers
- Corporate Communications Associate
Typical pay: BLS, 2024: public relations specialists median $69,780
A Public Relations major, usually a bachelor's degree, covers media relations, strategic messaging, crisis and reputation management, campaign planning, and PR writing across press releases, pitches, and social channels. Coursework typically includes communication theory, PR research and measurement, media law and ethics, and a portfolio-building capstone, with most programs requiring an internship at an agency, nonprofit, corporate communications team, or government office.
Graduates write and place stories with journalists, manage social and digital channels, plan events and announcements, draft executive communications, and coordinate responses during a crisis. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, public relations specialists earned a median wage of $69,780 in 2024, and the occupation is projected to grow 4.8% from 2024 to 2034. Entry-level specialist roles generally require a bachelor's degree, while senior management positions, such as public relations and fundraising manager, often expect substantial experience and sometimes a graduate degree.
The major pairs naturally with a Marketing, Journalism, or Political Science double major or minor, and overlaps heavily with broader Communications programs.
Public Relations in other states
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