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Best Value Radio Colleges in Illinois

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

Millikin University delivers the most affordable Radio, Television, and Digital Communication education in Illinois at just $8,837 net cost, while Northwestern University commands $27,143 despite offering similar early career earnings around $26,000-$28,000. Chicago's media market includes major television networks, radio stations, and digital content companies that regularly recruit from Illinois programs. The 12 schools span a wide cost spectrum from $8,837 to $35,196, yet graduation rates vary dramatically from Chicago State's 16.9% to Northwestern's 95.9%. Public universities like Western Illinois and Southern Illinois-Carbondale offer strong value propositions with net costs under $17,000, while private colleges show mixed results in balancing affordability with career outcomes.
12
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$25,208
Avg. Program Earnings
59.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

12 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,592 $27,048 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
2 $10,133 $15,817 $12,754 16.9% 48.5%
3 $16,177 $25,039 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
4 $23,033 $28,236 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
5 $23,572 $26,353 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
6 $26,788 $27,222 $32,520 48.5% 94.8%
7 $27,143 $26,739 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
8 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
9 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
10 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%
11 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
12 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge gap between Millikin's $8,837 cost and Loyola's $35,196 for similar programs?

Private colleges in Illinois show extreme cost variation based on endowments and financial aid strategies. Millikin offers substantial merit aid that reduces costs below many public universities, while Loyola maintains premium pricing with a 76.9% graduation rate that justifies higher investment.

How do Illinois public universities compare for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication value?

Western Illinois leads public options with $11,592 net cost and $27,048 earnings, significantly outperforming Chicago State's $10,133 cost but only $15,817 earnings. Southern Illinois-Carbondale falls between at $16,177 cost with $25,039 earnings and the highest public graduation rate at 56.3%.

Does Northwestern University justify its $27,143 cost for media programs?

Northwestern's 95.9% graduation rate and minimal $15,000 debt load suggest strong career preparation despite $26,739 earnings that match less expensive programs. The 7.21% acceptance rate indicates highly selective admission that may benefit long-term career prospects beyond initial salary data.

Where do Illinois Radio, Television, and Digital Communication graduates typically find employment?

Chicago's media market includes WGN, NBC 5, and numerous radio stations alongside growing digital content companies. The city's finance and healthcare sectors also hire communication graduates for corporate media roles, supporting the $25,000-$28,000 earnings range most Illinois programs achieve.

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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.