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Cheapest Journalism Colleges in Illinois

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

Western Illinois University stands out with journalism training at just $11,592 net cost, making it the most affordable option among Illinois programs. The gap between cheapest and most expensive reaches $24,283, with private colleges like Knox College charging $24,875 despite strong outcomes. Illinois journalism graduates face a challenging earnings market, with salaries ranging from $22,578 to $43,100 depending on their program choice. The state's media industry centers around Chicago's major newspapers, television networks, and digital publications, creating opportunities for graduates willing to navigate competitive markets. Public universities dominate the affordable tier, with four of the five cheapest options being state schools. However, some private institutions like Augustana College deliver strong 79.20% graduation rates while maintaining relatively low net costs at $12,437.
19
Programs
$11,592 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$30,260
Avg. Program Earnings
62.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

19 Journalism 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 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
4 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
5 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
6 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
7 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
8 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
9 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
10 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
11 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
12 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
13 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
14 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
15 $24,875 $55,587 67.5% 73.3%
16 $26,788 $32,520 48.5% 94.8%
17 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
18 $29,141 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
19 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge cost difference between journalism programs in Illinois?

Public universities consistently offer lower net costs, with Western Illinois at $11,592 compared to private schools reaching $24,875. The Illinois MAP Grant significantly reduces expenses for eligible students at state institutions. Private colleges often provide substantial financial aid packages, but their higher sticker prices still result in elevated net costs for most students.

How do graduation rates vary across affordable journalism programs?

Augustana College leads with a 79.20% graduation rate despite being the second-cheapest option at $12,437. Public universities show mixed results, with Western Illinois graduating 44.80% of students while University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reaches 84.90%. The data reveals that lower cost doesn't automatically mean lower completion rates, though some correlation exists.

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

At $15,201 net cost, UIUC sits in the middle price range but delivers the highest graduate earnings at $35,546. The school maintains an 84.90% graduation rate with relatively selective 44.82% acceptance. For students who can handle the academic rigor, the investment often pays off through superior career outcomes and alumni networks.

Where do Illinois journalism graduates typically find employment after college?

Chicago dominates the state's media market with major outlets like the Chicago Tribune, Sun-Times, and numerous television stations. Many graduates start at smaller regional papers or digital publications before moving to larger markets. The earnings range from $22,578 to $43,100 reflects this progression from entry-level positions to more established roles in competitive markets.

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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.