Skip to main content

Cheapest Public Relations Colleges in Illinois

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

Saint Xavier University delivers the most affordable Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication education in Illinois at just $12,093 net cost, creating an unusual scenario where a private Chicago institution undercuts every public option by at least $2,000. The gap between cheapest and most expensive programs spans $14,695, with private colleges surprisingly dominating the lower half of the cost spectrum. Graduates from these programs enter a job market where Chicago's advertising agencies, corporate communications departments, and public relations firms create thousands of entry-level positions annually. Illinois State University graduates earn $38,829 within six years of graduation, while the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign boasts an 84.90% graduation rate alongside $43,114 in early career earnings. The state's MAP Grant program provides important funding support for low-income students pursuing communications degrees, making these already affordable programs even more accessible for Illinois residents.
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 In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
2 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
3 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
4 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
5 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
6 $18,034 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%
7 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
8 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
9 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
10 $19,353 $51,763 72.4% 61.4%
11 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
12 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
13 $21,270 $30,598 51.4% 94.1%
14 $21,539 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
15 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%
16 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
17 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
18 $24,190 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
19 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
20 $26,788 $32,520 48.5% 94.8%
21 $29,141 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
22 $30,878 $17,488 36.9% 43.0%
23 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Saint Xavier University's program cost just $12,093 despite being a private college?

Saint Xavier University offers substantial financial aid packages that bring the net cost below every public university option in Illinois. The school's $36,840 sticker price drops to $12,093 after aid, creating savings of nearly $25,000. This aggressive aid strategy helps the university compete directly with public institutions. The 84.13% acceptance rate indicates the school actively seeks to enroll qualified communications students.

How do graduation rates compare between public and private programs?

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign leads with an 84.90% graduation rate, followed by Illinois Institute of Technology at 72.40%. Public universities show mixed results, with Illinois State University at 66.30% and Eastern Illinois University at 45.20%. Private colleges generally maintain graduation rates between 51% and 72%. These rates reflect both academic support systems and student preparedness levels.

Is the earnings gap between schools significant enough to influence program choice?

Early career earnings range from $28,960 at Monmouth College to $43,114 at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, creating a $14,154 annual difference. Elmhurst University graduates earn $42,682, nearly matching the state flagship despite costing $5,862 more annually. Illinois State University offers a middle ground with $38,829 earnings and reasonable costs. Geographic location within Illinois affects these outcomes, with Chicago-area programs often providing better networking opportunities.

Does acceptance rate indicate program quality or accessibility?

Acceptance rates vary dramatically from 44.82% at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to 94.12% at Greenville University. Lower acceptance rates typically correlate with higher graduation rates and earnings potential in this data set. Eastern Illinois University combines a moderate 67.96% acceptance rate with affordable public tuition. Schools with acceptance rates above 85% often prioritize accessibility over selectivity.

Where do Illinois MAP Grants provide the most value for communications students?

Illinois MAP Grants offer up to $6,468 annually for eligible students, providing maximum impact at public universities like Eastern Illinois University where in-state tuition costs $13,403. The grant covers nearly half of tuition at Illinois State University's $16,021 rate. Private colleges may offer larger institutional aid packages, but MAP Grants stack with other financial aid. Students at schools like Trinity Christian College can combine MAP funding with institutional scholarships for significant savings.

More Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Rankings

Best Value Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication in Illinois Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Under $20,000 in Illinois

Related

All Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Programs Best Colleges in Illinois Best Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication in Illinois

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