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

Illinois has 12 colleges offering Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 1,071 recent graduates. Graduates earn $37,835 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $37,091.

School choice matters significantly: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn $43,114 while Monmouth College graduates earn $28,960 — a $14,154 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in IL

$37,835

IL Avg. Earnings

$37,091

National Avg.

221

Schools Nationally

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

Public Schools (3)

$40,972

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (9)

$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

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

$43,114

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $42,675

Graduates: 212

Acceptance: 43.7%

DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private

$39,729

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $38,478

Graduates: 388

Acceptance: 73.5%

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$36,488

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $40,389

Graduates: 153

Acceptance: 81.4%

Illinois State University

Normal, IL · Public

$38,829

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $38,618

Graduates: 87

Acceptance: 89.0%

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$31,133

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $38,669

Graduates: 115

Acceptance: 91.2%

North Central College

Naperville, IL · Private

$45,584

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $41,154

Graduates: 23

Acceptance: 58.3%

Lewis University

Romeoville, IL · Private

N/A

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 72.7%

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, IL · Public

N/A

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 67.8%

Bradley University

Peoria, IL · Private

$33,993

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $36,966

Graduates: 77

Acceptance: 76.7%

#10

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, IL · Private

N/A

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $28,800

Graduates: 16

Acceptance: 66.9%

#11

Elmhurst University

Elmhurst, IL · Private

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?

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ranks #1 for Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication in Illinois with median graduate earnings of $43,114 within two years of graduation. There are 12 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 2% above the national average of $37,091 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 73.6%.

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 3 public and 9 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

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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.