Skip to main content

Cheapest Radio Colleges in Illinois

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

Millikin University offers Radio, Television, and Digital Communication students an unusual opportunity with net costs starting at just $8,837 despite being a private institution. This puts it well below even public options like Eastern Illinois University at $14,093. The 12 Illinois programs span a wide cost range up to $35,196, creating significant choice for students entering Chicago's media market where major broadcasting networks and digital content companies maintain headquarters. Graduation rates vary dramatically from 16.90% at Chicago State to 95.90% at Northwestern, making careful program selection essential for career success.
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 In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
2 $10,133 $12,754 16.9% 48.5%
3 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
4 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
5 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
6 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
7 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
8 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
9 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
10 $26,788 $32,520 48.5% 94.8%
11 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
12 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Millikin University achieve such low net costs for a private college?

Millikin's $8,837 net cost represents substantial financial aid that brings the actual student expense far below the $26,892 sticker price. This makes it more affordable than several public universities in the state. The university's 75.40% acceptance rate suggests accessible admission standards combined with strong aid packages.

What explains the wide graduation rate differences between Illinois programs?

Graduation rates range from Chicago State's concerning 16.90% to Northwestern's strong 95.90%. Public universities like Western Illinois (44.80%) and Eastern Illinois (45.20%) fall in the middle range. These differences often reflect student preparation levels, institutional support systems, and academic rigor.

Is the earnings potential worth the higher costs at private institutions?

North Central College graduates earn $28,236 annually despite paying $23,033 net costs, while Chicago State graduates earn just $15,817 after paying $10,133. However, Columbia College Chicago shows graduates earning $27,222 with manageable $23,400 debt loads. The return varies significantly by institution rather than public versus private status.

Where do Illinois communication graduates typically find employment opportunities?

Chicago's media market offers positions at major television stations, radio networks, and digital content companies headquartered in the city. The state's finance and healthcare sectors also need communication professionals for corporate media roles. Illinois MAP Grant assistance helps reduce costs for qualifying students across all program types.

More Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Rankings

Best Value Radio, Television, and Digital Communication in Illinois Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Under $20,000 in Illinois

Related

All Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Programs Best Colleges in Illinois Best Radio, Television, and Digital Communication in Illinois

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