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 $32,304. 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.

Schools in IL

$30,260

IL Avg. Earnings

$32,304

National Avg.

231

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

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private

$43,100

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $44,144

Graduates: 137

Acceptance: 7.1%

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

$35,546

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $35,459

Graduates: 74

Acceptance: 43.7%

DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private

$30,771

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $29,031

Graduates: 62

Acceptance: 73.5%

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$28,055

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $33,124

Graduates: 28

Acceptance: 81.4%

Illinois State University

Normal, IL · Public

$31,851

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $31,908

Graduates: 50

Acceptance: 89.0%

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, IL · Public

$23,803

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $26,640

Graduates: 29

Acceptance: 67.8%

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$30,635

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $30,841

Graduates: 99

Acceptance: 91.2%

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public

$29,250

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $30,216

Graduates: 48

Acceptance: 70.5%

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public

$27,301

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $27,165

Graduates: 66

Acceptance: 90.4%

#10

Roosevelt University

Chicago, IL · Private

Bradley University

Peoria, IL · Private

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 $32,304 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

Chemical Engineering $69,173 Computer Science $66,656 Computer Engineering $65,978 Biomedical/Medical Engineering $64,764 Civil Engineering $61,502 Construction Management $60,021 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $58,932 Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other $57,318

All colleges in Illinois →

Journalism in Other States

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Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release.