2026 Best Value General Journalism Schools in Illinois

1

Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL

For return on investment in general journalism, no school beat Eastern Illinois University this year. Set in the town of Charleston, Eastern Illinois University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,377, compared with $15,859 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,293 to complete the general journalism program here. Soon after graduation, general journalism degree recipients from Eastern Illinois University generally make around $43,603. Set against $24,293 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Illinois University admits about 65% of applicants.

2

Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northern Illinois University earned it the #2 place for general journalism. Northern Illinois University is a large public school located in the suburb of Dekalb. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Typical student debt for general journalism graduates is $25,750. Early-career general journalism graduates make about $31,753. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general journalism, landing the #3 spot this year. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public school located in the city of Champaign. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general journalism graduates is $22,300. General Journalism graduates of University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn a median of $36,303 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,300 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.

4

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL

A rank of #4 makes Southern Illinois University Carbondale one of the best values for general journalism. Set in the town of Carbondale, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,334. General Journalism graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. General Journalism graduates of Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of $40,575 early in their careers. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Carbondale admits about 87% of applicants.

5

Illinois State University
Normal, IL

Illinois State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general journalism, landing the #5 spot this year. Illinois State University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Normal. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. General Journalism graduates carry a median of $23,500 in student loans. General Journalism graduates of Illinois State University earn a median of $36,643 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

6

North Central College
Naperville, IL

North Central College earned the #6 position for value in general journalism this year. North Central College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Naperville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,726. General Journalism graduates carry a median of $25,699 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general journalism degree recipients from North Central College generally make around $46,247. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%.

7

Columbia College Chicago
Chicago, IL

Columbia College Chicago ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value general journalism schools. Located in the city of Chicago, Columbia College Chicago is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $34,088 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the general journalism program here. General Journalism graduates of Columbia College Chicago earn a median of $31,369 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Columbia College Chicago admits about 90% of applicants.

8

Depaul University
Chicago, IL

Depaul University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value general journalism schools. Located in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $45,405. Students borrow a median of $24,334 to complete the general journalism program here. Soon after graduation, general journalism degree recipients from Depaul University generally make around $35,231. That is a strong return on a $24,334 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

9

Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL

Loyola University Chicago earned the #9 position for value in general journalism this year. Located in the city of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,710. General Journalism graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Early-career general journalism graduates make about $38,302. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.