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Best Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Schools in Illinois

Illinois has 9 colleges offering Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 1,055 recent graduates. Graduates earn $37,835 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $36,865.

School choice matters significantly: North Central College graduates earn $45,584 while Monmouth College graduates earn $28,960 — a $16,624 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

9
Schools in IL
$37,835
IL Avg. Earnings
$36,865
National Avg.
180
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication in Illinois

Public Schools (2)
$40,972
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (7)
$36,938
avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in Illinois produce comparable or higher early earnings for Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.

Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Schools in Illinois, Ranked by Earnings

#1
N

North Central College

Naperville, IL · Private

$45,584
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $41,154
Graduates: 23
Acceptance: 58.3%
#2
U

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

$43,114
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $42,675
Graduates: 212
Acceptance: 43.7%
#3
E

Elmhurst University

Elmhurst, IL · Private

$42,682
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 75.7%
#4
D

DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private

$39,729
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $38,478
Graduates: 388
Acceptance: 73.5%
#5
I

Illinois State University

Normal, IL · Public

$38,829
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $38,618
Graduates: 87
Acceptance: 89.0%
#6
L

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$36,488
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $40,389
Graduates: 153
Acceptance: 81.4%
#7
B

Bradley University

Peoria, IL · Private

$33,993
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $36,966
Graduates: 77
Acceptance: 76.7%
#8
C

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$31,133
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $38,669
Graduates: 115
Acceptance: 91.2%
#9
M

Monmouth College

Monmouth, IL · Private

$28,960
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 86.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication in Illinois?
North Central College ranks #1 for Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication in Illinois with median graduate earnings of $45,584 within two years of graduation. There are 9 schools offering Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication programs in the state.
How much do Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication graduates earn in Illinois?
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication graduates in Illinois earn an average of $37,835 within two years of graduation. This is 3% above the national average of $36,865 for this major.
What is the hardest Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication school to get into in Illinois?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the most selective Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication program in Illinois with an acceptance rate of 43.7%. The average acceptance rate across Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication programs in the state is 75.1%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication in Illinois?
In Illinois, private Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication programs produce average earnings of $36,938 vs $40,972 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 2 public and 7 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 →

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