Bachelor of Arts [B.A] (Communication - Public Relations)
Field of Study:
$49,140 /Yr
University of Dayton Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Communication — Public Relations is a four-year full-time degree for international students in Dayton, Ohio. Minimum eligibility: GPA 2.8, TOEFL 61+ or IELTS 6.0+. Annual cost: USD 49,100 (INR 46.80 Lakhs). Fall 2027 intake opens September 2026, closes April 2027; Spring 2028 intake opens July 2027.
This programme trains strategic communicators in message design, campaign planning, media relations and crisis communication. The University of Dayton emphasizes hands-on PR work through a student-run agency, real internship placements and connections to Chicago-based PR professionals. Ideal for students seeking direct experience in corporate communications, nonprofit advocacy, or agency account management before graduation.
- Student-run PR agency provides live campaign experience with real organizational clients.
- Chicago immersion trip connects majors with UD alumni and industry practitioners in the field.
- Faculty bring 15+ years of agency and in-house communications experience into the classroom.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Fall 2027 intake are Open. International student deadline: 15 April 2027.
Indian students require WES credential evaluation to convert their 10+2 grades and undergraduate transcripts. Plan 4–6 weeks for WES processing and an additional 2 weeks for postal mail delays to the US.
Also Check: University of Dayton Admission Requirements
University of Dayton B.A. Communication Fees and Living Costs 2027
Total annual cost for international students at University of Dayton is USD 49,100 per year. This fee is locked at your initial enrollment rate for all four years — no mid-degree increases.
| Cost Component | USD per Year | INR per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (full-time, 12–18 credits/semester) | USD 44,500 | INR 42.40 Lakhs |
| Student fees (health center, library, technology) | USD 2,000 | INR 1.91 Lakhs |
| Studio and art supplies (Communication majors) | USD 500 | INR 47,630 |
| International student health insurance | USD 2,100 | INR 2.00 Lakhs |
| Total per Year | USD 49,100 | INR 46.80 Lakhs |
| Four-Year Total | USD 188,000 | INR 1.79 Crore |
Source: University of Dayton Office of Admission, 2026
- Tuition covers 12–18 credits per semester; overload credits beyond 18 carry an additional per-credit charge.
- Studio supplies budget covers Communication software licenses, video production equipment rental and portfolio development materials.
- Health insurance is mandatory and non-waivable for F-1 visa holders; no US insurance alternatives permitted.
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.26 as of 14 June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.
Cost of Living in Dayton for Communication Students
| Expense Category | Monthly USD | Annual USD | Annual INR |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus or private dorm room (shared, near-campus) | USD 500–650 | USD 6,000–7,800 | INR 5.71–7.43 Lakhs |
| Food (meal plan optional; off-campus prep lower) | USD 250–350 | USD 3,000–4,200 | INR 2.86–4.00 Lakhs |
| Local transport (bus pass or bike maintenance) | USD 60–100 | USD 720–1,200 | INR 68,587–1.14 Lakhs |
| Books, course materials and software subscriptions | USD 80–150 | USD 960–1,800 | INR 91,449–1.71 Lakhs |
| Personal care, phone and entertainment | USD 150–250 | USD 1,800–3,000 | INR 1.71–2.86 Lakhs |
| Estimated Total per Year | USD 1,040–1,500 | USD 12,480–17,800 | INR 1.19–1.69 Lakhs |
Dayton advantage: Dayton has one of the lowest costs of living among mid-sized US college towns. Four-year total living cost for Communication majors runs USD 50,000–71,200 (INR 4.76–6.79 Lakhs), far lower than Northeast or California universities.
University of Dayton B.A. Communication Admission 2027
University of Dayton admits international students in three intakes annually: Fall, Spring and Summer. The Fall intake is largest for Communication majors.
| Intake | Application Opens | Deadline | Decision Timeline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2027 | 01 September 2026 | 15 April 2027 | Late May 2027 | Open |
| Spring 2028 | 01 July 2027 | 01 November 2027 | December 2027 | Expected |
Academic Eligibility
| Requirement | Minimum | Preferred |
|---|---|---|
| GPA (4.0 scale) | 2.8 | 3.0+ |
| Application fee (non-refundable) | USD 85 | |
| Credential evaluation (required for international) | WES evaluation of 10+2 and undergraduate transcripts | |
| Portfolio (Communication majors only) | 10–15 pieces: writing samples, graphic design work, or video clips | |
- WES takes 4–6 weeks to evaluate Indian school records; factor this into your application timeline.
- Portfolio should demonstrate writing quality and creative thinking relevant to PR work.
- University of Dayton is ranked 142 in US News National Universities 2026, placing it in the top 12% of four-year institutions.
English Language Proficiency
All international undergraduates must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the accepted tests below. Indian applicants most commonly submit TOEFL or IELTS.
| Test | Minimum Overall Score | Component Minimums |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 61+ | No per-section minimum stated; all sections weighted equally |
| IELTS (Academic) | Band 6.0 overall | Band 5.5 minimum per component |
| Duolingo English Test | 100+ | No per-skill minimum |
| PTE Academic | 53+ | No per-section minimum |
- TOEFL is most accessible in India; test centers nationwide offer multiple sittings per month, with results in 6–8 days.
- IELTS band 5.5 per component is attainable for strong intermediate students; focus on the Reading and Writing bands first.
- Duolingo is the fastest option; accepted for US study visa (F-1) as of 2023 and cheaper than TOEFL or IELTS.
Tip for Indian students: Most Indian applicants with a 3.0+ GPA and TOEFL 70+ or IELTS 6.5+ are competitive for University of Dayton; many receive merit aid.
University of Dayton B.A. Communication Application 2027
Application submissions open in September 2026 for Fall 2027 intake. Complete your application 6–8 weeks before the April 2027 deadline to allow time for WES evaluation and postal mail handling.
| Document | Submitted Via | Timeline Note |
|---|---|---|
| Common Application or UD application form (online) | Application portal | Available September 1 annually |
| WES credential evaluation | WES email direct to UD | Order by February 15 to arrive by April 15 deadline |
| TOEFL, IELTS or other ELP score report | Test agency direct to UD (not via application portal) | Reserve time for score processing and posting |
| Portfolio (10–15 pieces: writing, design, video) | Upload to application portal or send PDF via email | Recommended: include 1–2 recent writing samples and 1 creative project |
| Application fee (USD 85, non-refundable) | Application portal (credit card, PayPal or bank transfer) | Payment due before final submission |
Application tip: Start WES evaluation in January for a Fall April 2027 deadline. Dayton decisions arrive by late May, allowing time for US student visa processing (4–6 weeks) before August enrollment.
University of Dayton B.A. Communication Scholarships 2027
University of Dayton awards merit-based scholarships to international students in the Communication program. Scholarships do not cover the full cost but meaningfully reduce tuition liability.
| Scholarship | Annual USD | Annual INR | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Merit Award | USD 5,000–12,000 | INR 4.76–11.43 Lakhs | GPA 3.2+, all majors |
| Arts and Sciences Award | USD 3,000–8,000 | INR 2.86–7.62 Lakhs | GPA 3.0+, Communication qualifies |
| Catholic Values Award | USD 2,000–5,000 | INR 1.91–4.76 Lakhs | GPA 2.9+, service-oriented international students |
- Average scholarship for Communication majors: USD 6,000–8,000 per year (INR 5.72–7.62 Lakhs), reducing net cost to USD 41,100–43,100 annually.
- Scholarships are renewed annually provided you maintain a 3.0 GPA in your major courses.
- Additional aid through work-study (on-campus part-time jobs) and graduate assistantships is available in upper years.
Scholarship reality: A USD 7,000 annual award reduces four-year cost from USD 188,000 to USD 160,000 (INR 1.79 Crore to INR 1.52 Crore). With living costs, total investment is USD 210,000–230,000 (INR 2.00–2.19 Crore).
Check Out: University of Dayton Scholarships for International Students
University of Dayton B.A. Communication Salary 2026
Graduates from the University of Dayton Communication programme secure roles in public relations, corporate communications, media relations and marketing communications within 9 months of graduation.
| Metric | USD | INR |
|---|---|---|
| Median starting salary (Communications roles) | USD 38,000 | INR 36.21 Lakhs |
| Range (10th–90th percentile) | USD 32,000–46,000 | INR 30.48–43.84 Lakhs |
| Placement rate (employed or graduate study within 9 months) | 85% | |
Source: University of Dayton Career Outcomes Report 2026
- Typical roles: PR Account Executive, Communications Specialist, Media Relations Officer, Marketing Communications Coordinator.
- Entry-level salary varies by role (PR agency roles start lower; in-house corporate positions start higher).
- Take-home pay after federal income tax (12%–22% for this income range) is USD 28,600–33,000 net annual.
ROI reality: Four-year cost of USD 160,000–188,000 (scholarship-adjusted) is recovered in 4–5 years of employment at median salary. International students gaining US work experience (OPT, below) further accelerate return on investment.
United States Visa F-1 Student and Post-Study Work 2027
International students enroll on an F-1 Student Visa valid for 18 months beyond your last day of coursework. The US offers post-study work authorisation for Communication graduates.
- F-1 Visa duration: 18 months from programme start (flexible timeline; extend if you take a semester off).
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): Communication majors are eligible for 12 months of paid work authorisation after graduation (no STEM extension available for non-STEM degrees).
- H-1B visa pathway: After OPT, you may transfer to H-1B work visa (requires employer sponsorship and a lottery selection; approximately 30% of applicants selected annually).
- Green Card eligibility: US permanent residence is available through employment-based categories; timeline is typically 4–8 years depending on country quota and employer filing.
Visa reality: F-1 + OPT + H-1B is a realistic pathway for Indian Communication graduates; plan for 5–7 years total before permanent residence eligibility begins.
Read More: US F-1 Student Visa Guide
University of Dayton Communication Programme Accreditation 2026
The Communication program at University of Dayton holds no specific subject-level ranking from QS, THE, ARWU or US News. However, the programme ranks 62nd on College Factual’s ranking of Communication majors nationally (top 15% of US universities). The university itself is ranked 142 in US News National Universities, confirming strong overall academic quality.
- No subject-level international ranking exists for this programme, as Communication is less comprehensively ranked than fields like Engineering or Business.
- College Factual ranking reflects student outcomes, internship placement and employer reviews; this is a respected alternative to traditional subject rankings.
- Programme accreditation is via the Accrediting Council for Collegiate Business Programs (implied through university accreditation); teaching certification is not required for this degree.
Honest take: University of Dayton Communication is not a "name-brand" programme like UT Austin or Syracuse, but it is solid mid-tier with strong hands-on learning and 85% placement outcomes beating many higher-ranked schools.
Who is this program for? The University of Dayton B.A. Communication (Public Relations) suits international students seeking hands-on PR training with internship placement in a lower-cost US city. If you have a 3.0+ GPA, TOEFL 65+, and a strong writing portfolio, you are competitive for merit aid and internship success here. The four-year cost (USD 160,000–188,000 before aid) is steep, but merit scholarships and strong post-graduate salaries make the ROI viable over five years. Choose this programme if you value experiential learning and practitioner connections over prestige brand recognition.
B.A. Communication Programme FAQs
Ques. What writing and communication skills does the B.A. Communication programme emphasize for public relations careers?
Ans. The programme focuses on strategic writing for multiple media platforms (news releases, social media, internal communications), message design, crisis communication planning and stakeholder analysis. You will write constantly in coursework and take 2–3 dedicated writing-intensive courses in public relations and journalism. The student-run PR agency provides live client projects where your writing is directly critiqued by professionals and tested against real organizational needs.
Ques. How are internships and the student-run PR agency integrated into the curriculum?
Ans. The PR agency is embedded in your junior and senior years as a credit-bearing course. You manage real organizational communications projects (non-profit campaigns, small business public relations). In parallel, the internship requirement (typically 100–200 hours in junior or senior year) places you at local PR agencies, in-house corporate communications departments or non-profit PR roles. Many students also complete a Chicago-based summer immersion trip, networking with UD alumni practitioners in the field.
Ques. What is the international student acceptance rate for the Communication programme at University of Dayton?
Ans. University of Dayton does not publish programme-specific acceptance rates. Overall undergraduate acceptance rate is approximately 70%, and the institution admits international students across all programmes. Communication is a popular major but not capacity-constrained; no separate cut-off scores exist for this discipline. A GPA 3.0+ and TOEFL 65+ place most international applicants in a competitive pool.
Ques. Must I submit TOEFL, or can I apply with IELTS or Duolingo instead?
Ans. University of Dayton accepts TOEFL iBT (61+), IELTS Academic (band 6.0 overall, 5.5 per component), Duolingo English Test (100+) and PTE Academic (53+). There is no preference; choose whichever test you can schedule soonest in India. TOEFL has the most test centers and quickest result delivery (6–8 days). Duolingo is cheaper and fastest to schedule. IELTS is equally respected; band 6.5 is competitive if you target merit aid.
Ques. What is the average starting salary for B.A. Communication graduates, and how long until I reach a comfortable annual income in the US?
Ans. Median starting salary is USD 38,000 (INR 36.21 Lakhs) for entry-level PR and communications roles. Range is USD 32,000–46,000 depending on employer (agency vs. in-house, non-profit vs. corporate). After federal and state taxes, net is approximately USD 28,500–34,500 annually. With 12 months of OPT post-graduation and an H-1B transfer in year 2–3, salaries rise to USD 48,000–60,000 (INR 45.73–57.16 Lakhs) within 4–5 years of employment, at which point you have recovered the four-year educational investment.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $49140 |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Books and supply | $1000 |
| Total Cost | $1000 |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $46170 |
| 2021 | $44890 |
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 2,500/Yr$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 4,000/Yr$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
Similar Programs
| Program | Important Date | Total Fees | Median Exams Score | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
-- | USD 49,140 /Yr |
| ||
-- | USD 39,664 /Yr |
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Application Deadline for Spring 2027 Intake (1st Dec 2026) | USD 21,910 /Yr |
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Early Action Application Deadline Intake (1st Nov 2026) Regular Application Deadline For 2027 Intake (1st Feb 2027) | USD 54,530 /Yr |
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