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Best Value Public Relations Colleges in Illinois

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

North Central College graduates in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication earn $45,584 annually, the highest among Illinois programs, despite the school's $23,033 net price placing it in the middle of the cost range. This earning power reflects the strong demand for communication professionals in Illinois, where Chicago's advertising agencies, corporate headquarters, and media companies create abundant career opportunities. The state's 20 programs show dramatic cost variation, from Saint Xavier University at $12,093 net price to Loyola University Chicago at $35,196. Public options like University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign deliver strong value with $15,201 net costs and $43,114 graduate earnings, while Illinois State University offers similar affordability at $18,996. Private colleges dominate the middle tier, with schools like Elmhurst University and Bradley University balancing moderate costs against solid career outcomes. Chicago's media market, including major advertising firms and Fortune 500 corporate communications departments, provides internship and job placement opportunities that directly benefit graduates across price points.
23
Programs
$12,093 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$37,835
Avg. Program Earnings
60.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

23 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $15,201 $43,114 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
2 $18,996 $38,829 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
3 $21,063 $42,682 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
4 $23,033 $45,584 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
5 $18,034 $28,960 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%
6 $23,572 $33,993 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
7 $29,141 $39,729 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
8 $26,788 $31,133 $32,520 48.5% 94.8%
9 $35,196 $36,488 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%
10 $30,878 $17,488 36.9% 43.0%
11 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%
12 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
13 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
14 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
15 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
16 $21,539 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
17 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
18 $24,190 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
19 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
20 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
21 $19,353 $51,763 72.4% 61.4%
22 $21,270 $30,598 51.4% 94.1%
23 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains North Central College's high graduate earnings of $45,584?

North Central College benefits from its Naperville location in the Chicago metropolitan area, providing direct access to major corporations and advertising agencies. The school's 71.1% graduation rate indicates strong program completion, while its 60.87% acceptance rate suggests selective admissions. The combination of suburban Chicago proximity and focused career preparation helps graduates secure well-paying positions in corporate communications and marketing roles.

How do public universities compare to private colleges for program value?

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers strong value with $15,201 net costs and $43,114 graduate earnings, nearly matching private school outcomes at half the price. Illinois State University provides similar affordability at $18,996 with $38,829 earnings. Private colleges like Elmhurst University cost $21,063 but deliver $42,682 earnings, showing that some private options can justify their premium through strong career outcomes.

Is the $23,103 cost difference between cheapest and most expensive programs worth it?

Saint Xavier University at $12,093 net price offers the lowest cost but shows 59% graduation rates, while Loyola University Chicago at $35,196 delivers 76.9% graduation rates and stronger alumni networks. The $23,103 gap often reflects differences in resources, faculty, and career services. However, some mid-priced options like Elmhurst University at $21,063 provide better value propositions than the most expensive programs.

Does location within Illinois affect job prospects for communication graduates?

Chicago-area schools consistently show stronger earnings potential, with North Central College, DePaul University, and Loyola University Chicago all producing graduates earning above $36,000 annually. The city's concentration of advertising agencies, media companies, and corporate headquarters creates more internship and entry-level opportunities. However, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign proves that location flexibility exists, with graduates earning $43,114 despite the downstate campus location.

Where can students find the best combination of low debt and high earnings?

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign leads with $21,875 median debt and $43,114 earnings, creating favorable debt-to-income ratios. North Central College graduates carry $20,649 debt while earning $45,584, the best earnings-to-debt ratio among all programs. DePaul University shows $22,332 median debt with $39,729 earnings, demonstrating that some Chicago private schools manage debt levels effectively while maintaining strong career outcomes.

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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.