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Best Value Communication and Media Studies Colleges in Illinois

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Millikin University delivers the lowest net cost for Communication and Media Studies in Illinois at just $8,837, despite being a private institution that typically charges much more. This unusual pricing creates opportunities in a state where Chicago's media market includes major outlets like the Chicago Tribune, WGN, and numerous advertising agencies serving Fortune 500 companies. Public universities dominate the value equation, with University of Illinois Springfield offering strong returns at $8,916 net cost and $33,993 in graduate earnings. The earnings spread across Illinois programs ranges from $30,554 to $48,041, reflecting the varied career paths available to communication graduates. Graduation rates vary significantly, from Governors State's 19.6% to UI Urbana-Champaign's impressive 84.9%. Students benefit from Illinois' MAP Grant program, which helps reduce costs at participating schools. The state's economy, anchored by finance and healthcare sectors in Chicago, creates demand for skilled communicators across corporate communications, digital media, and public relations roles.
44
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$34,886
Avg. Program Earnings
57.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

44 Communication and Media Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,916 $33,993 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
2 $8,837 $33,459 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
3 $9,477 $33,993 $11,320 19.6% 57.5%
4 $12,437 $38,289 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
5 $12,093 $36,992 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
6 $12,313 $37,363 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
7 $12,909 $37,541 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
8 $11,592 $33,535 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
9 $15,201 $40,375 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
10 $14,093 $34,206 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
11 $13,550 $32,806 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
12 $13,696 $30,554 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
13 $18,370 $38,289 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
14 $16,381 $33,993 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
15 $18,996 $37,208 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
16 $16,774 $32,569 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
17 $18,992 $36,049 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
18 $27,143 $48,041 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
19 $20,152 $33,993 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
20 $21,063 $34,704 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
21 $21,386 $33,993 $12,320 45.7% 91.3%
22 $18,034 $27,497 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%
23 $27,499 $41,007 $54,202 70.4% 59.7%
24 $21,539 $31,314 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
25 $26,984 $37,748 $43,930 86.6% 88.4%
26 $30,878 $42,123 $17,488 36.9% 43.0%
27 $22,048 $29,685 $28,400 40.6% 86.7%
28 $18,191 $23,182 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
29 $29,141 $34,244 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
30 $23,529 $26,739 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
31 $35,196 $35,988 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%
32 $24,190 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
33 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
34 $17,610 $15,400 58.2%
35 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%
36 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
37 $26,788 $32,520 48.5% 94.8%
38 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
39 $16,284 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
40 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
41 $25,007 $15,356 62.0% 94.1%
42 $16,157 $12,345 36.9% 92.1%
43 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
44 $21,270 $30,598 51.4% 94.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Millikin University such an strong value for Communication and Media Studies?

Millikin University offers the lowest net cost in Illinois at $8,837, remarkable for a private institution. Despite charging $26,892 in tuition, substantial financial aid brings costs below many public alternatives. Graduates earn $33,459 annually with manageable debt loads of $21,149, making it financially accessible for students seeking personalized education.

How do graduation rates affect value in Illinois Communication programs?

Graduation rates vary dramatically across Illinois schools, from 19.6% at Governors State to 84.9% at UI Urbana-Champaign. Higher graduation rates typically correlate with better career outcomes and debt management. Augustana College maintains a strong 79.2% graduation rate while keeping net costs at $12,437, demonstrating that completion rates matter for long-term value.

Is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign worth the higher cost?

UI Urbana-Champaign charges $15,201 net but delivers the highest graduate earnings at $40,375 annually. The 84.9% graduation rate and relatively low debt of $18,850 justify the premium cost. Students gain access to extensive alumni networks and research opportunities that boost career prospects in competitive media markets.

Does Chicago location provide career advantages for Communication majors?

Chicago-area schools like UIC and Saint Xavier offer direct access to major media employers and internship opportunities. UIC graduates earn $37,363 with moderate debt loads, while the city's concentration of advertising agencies, corporate headquarters, and media outlets creates networking advantages. Saint Xavier maintains strong industry connections despite higher private school costs at $12,093 net.

Where can students find the best debt-to-earnings ratio in Illinois?

University of Illinois Springfield provides excellent debt management with graduates carrying just $16,635 in loans while earning $33,993 annually. The 2.04 debt-to-income ratio beats most competitors significantly. UI Urbana-Champaign also performs well with $18,850 debt against $40,375 earnings, creating sustainable financial outcomes for graduates entering the workforce.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.