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Cheapest Communication Colleges in Illinois

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Western Illinois University delivers the state's most affordable communication program at just $11,592 net cost, while Northwestern University commands $27,143 despite its 7.21% acceptance rate. This $15,551 cost gap reflects Illinois' educational divide between accessible public options and elite private institutions. The state's media market spans Chicago's major newspapers and broadcasting networks to smaller regional outlets, creating entry-level opportunities for graduates across different budget ranges. With Illinois MAP Grants supporting low-income students, affordability becomes important as median earnings for this field hover around $23,538.
10
Programs
$11,592 – $27,143
Net Price Range
$23,538
Avg. Program Earnings
61.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

10 Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
2 $12,437 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
3 $17,324 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
4 $19,353 $51,763 72.4% 61.4%
5 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
6 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
7 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
8 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
9 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
10 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Northwestern University worth its $27,143 net cost compared to other Illinois communication programs?

Northwestern achieves a 95.90% graduation rate, nearly double that of most other schools on this list. Its acceptance rate of just 7.21% reflects highly selective admissions that often translate to stronger alumni networks and career placement in major media markets.

How do private nonprofit schools compare to public options for communication studies costs in Illinois?

Western Illinois University offers the lowest net cost at $11,592 as the only public institution in this ranking. Private schools range from $12,437 at Augustana College to $27,143 at Northwestern, with most falling between $17,000-$25,000 after financial aid.

Is the $23,538 median earnings figure realistic for communication graduates in Illinois?

This earnings figure represents early-career income, with Quincy University being the only school reporting this specific data point. Entry-level media positions in Chicago typically offer higher salaries than smaller Illinois markets, so location after graduation significantly impacts earning potential.

Does graduation rate correlate with net cost for Illinois communication programs?

The data shows mixed results, with Augustana College achieving 79.20% graduation at $12,437 net cost while Roosevelt University manages only 41.00% at $20,152. Northwestern's 95.90% rate at the highest cost suggests premium pricing doesn't guarantee proportional outcomes across all schools.

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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.