Most Selective Highest Earnings Best Value Free Tuition UK Universities

Best Journalism Schools in Illinois

Illinois has 12 colleges offering Journalism programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 593 recent graduates. Graduates in Illinois earn $30,260 on average within two years — 6% below the national average of $32,199. Lower cost of living or industry mix may explain the gap.

School choice matters significantly: Northwestern University graduates earn $43,100 while Western Illinois University graduates earn $22,578 — a $20,522 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

12
Schools in IL
$30,260
IL Avg. Earnings
$32,199
National Avg.
201
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Journalism in Illinois

Public Schools (6)
$28,388
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (6)
$32,132
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $3,744 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Journalism Schools in Illinois, Ranked by Earnings

#1
N

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private

$43,100
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $44,144
Graduates: 137
Acceptance: 7.1%
#2
U

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

$35,546
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $35,459
Graduates: 74
Acceptance: 43.7%
#3
I

Illinois State University

Normal, IL · Public

$31,851
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $31,908
Graduates: 50
Acceptance: 89.0%
#4
D

DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private

$30,771
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $29,031
Graduates: 62
Acceptance: 73.5%
#5
R

Roosevelt University

Chicago, IL · Private

$30,771
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 94.3%
#6
C

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$30,635
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $30,841
Graduates: 99
Acceptance: 91.2%
#7
B

Bradley University

Peoria, IL · Private

$29,461
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 76.7%
#8
N

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public

$29,250
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $30,216
Graduates: 48
Acceptance: 70.5%
#9
L

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$28,055
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $33,124
Graduates: 28
Acceptance: 81.4%
#10
S

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public

$27,301
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $27,165
Graduates: 66
Acceptance: 90.4%
#11
E

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, IL · Public

$23,803
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $26,640
Graduates: 29
Acceptance: 67.8%
#12
W

Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL · Public

$22,578
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 75.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Journalism in Illinois?
Northwestern University ranks #1 for Journalism in Illinois with median graduate earnings of $43,100 within two years of graduation. There are 12 schools offering Journalism programs in the state.
How much do Journalism graduates earn in Illinois?
Journalism graduates in Illinois earn an average of $30,260 within two years of graduation. This is 6% below the national average of $32,199 for this major.
What is the hardest Journalism school to get into in Illinois?
Northwestern University is the most selective Journalism program in Illinois with an acceptance rate of 7.1%. The average acceptance rate across Journalism programs in the state is 71.7%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Journalism in Illinois?
In Illinois, private Journalism programs produce average earnings of $32,132 vs $28,388 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 6 public and 6 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Illinois

Mathematics and Computer Science $76,967 Chemical Engineering $69,173 Industrial Engineering $69,102 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $68,897 Engineering, General $67,238 Computer Science $66,656 Computer Engineering $65,978 Materials Engineering $64,773
All colleges in Illinois →

Journalism in Other States

California New York Texas Connecticut Ohio Georgia Michigan Pennsylvania Wisconsin Oklahoma Colorado Kentucky View All →

Get Journalism Career Insights

We're building major-specific salary reports with ROI analysis by school. Be the first to get yours.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.