2026 Best Value Public Relations Schools in Illinois
[Public Relations](/majors/communication-journalism-media/public-relations-advertising/public-relations/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 8 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for public relations students.
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2026 Best Value Public Relations Schools in Illinois
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the public relations degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Public Relations Schools
Eastern Illinois University earned the #1 spot for value among public relations schools in Illinois. Eastern Illinois University is a large public school located in the town of Charleston. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,377, while out-of-state students pay about $15,859. Students borrow a median of $23,745 to complete the public relations program here. Soon after graduation, public relations degree recipients from Eastern Illinois University generally make around $38,369. Set against $23,745 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 65%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Illinois State University earned it the #2 place for public relations. Set in the suburb of Normal, Illinois State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public relations graduates is $22,500. Public Relations graduates of Illinois State University earn a median of $43,874 early in their careers. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Bradley University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in public relations, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Peoria, Bradley University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $42,160 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,819 to complete the public relations program here. Soon after graduation, public relations degree recipients from Bradley University generally make around $38,351. That is a strong return on a $26,819 median debt. Bradley University admits about 77% of applicants.
Columbia College Chicago is a great value for students pursuing a degree in public relations, landing the #4 spot this year. 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. Public Relations graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Public Relations graduates of Columbia College Chicago earn a median of $39,794 early in their careers. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
