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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Radio, Television & Digital Communication Schools in Illinois

8 Colleges in the United States
$18,555 Avg Student Debt
$58,192 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Radio, Television & Digital Communication Badge [Radio, Television & Digital Communication](/majors/communication-journalism-media/radio-television-digital-communication/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong radio, television & digital communication education at a price that pays off.

College Factual analyzed 29 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value radio, television & digital communication schools.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Radio, Television & Digital Communication Schools in Illinois

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in radio, television & digital communication, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Radio, Television & Digital Communication Schools

1
Lake Land College crest
Lake Land College
Mattoon, IL

Our analysis ranked Lake Land College the best value for a degree in radio, television & digital communication in Illinois. Lake Land College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Mattoon. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,415, compared with $14,301 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for radio, television & digital communication graduates is $7,769. Soon after graduation, radio, television & digital communication degree recipients from Lake Land College generally make around $30,294. That is a strong return on a $7,769 median debt.

2
College Of Dupage crest
College Of Dupage
Glen Ellyn, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at College Of Dupage earned it the #2 place for radio, television & digital communication. College Of Dupage is a very large public school located in the suburb of Glen Ellyn. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,560, while out-of-state students pay about $12,750. Students borrow a median of $12,492 to complete the radio, television & digital communication program here. Soon after graduation, radio, television & digital communication degree recipients from College Of Dupage generally make around $43,025. That is a strong return on a $12,492 median debt.

3

A rank of #3 makes Eastern Illinois University one of the best values for radio, television & digital communication. Eastern Illinois University is a large public school located in the town of Charleston. In-state tuition and fees average $13,377, with out-of-state students paying around $15,859. Students borrow a median of $24,293 to complete the radio, television & digital communication program here. Radio, Television & Digital Communication graduates of Eastern Illinois University earn a median of $43,603 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of Chicago is a great value for students pursuing a degree in radio, television & digital communication, landing the #4 spot this year. University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. Students from in state pay about $69,324 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for radio, television & digital communication graduates is $15,854. Radio, Television & Digital Communication graduates of University Of Chicago earn a median of $81,002 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,854 median debt. University Of Chicago admits about 4% of applicants.

5

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southern Illinois University Carbondale earned it the #5 place for radio, television & digital communication. Set in the town of Carbondale, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,334. Radio, Television & Digital Communication graduates carry a median of $25,025 in student loans. Radio, Television & Digital Communication graduates of Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of $25,057 early in their careers. Set against $25,025 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Carbondale admits about 87% of applicants.

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6

Bradley University landed the #6 spot for radio, television & digital communication value this year. Located in the city of Peoria, Bradley University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $42,160. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the radio, television & digital communication program here. Soon after graduation, radio, television & digital communication degree recipients from Bradley University generally make around $32,742. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Bradley University admits about 77% of applicants.

7

Columbia College Chicago ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value radio, television & digital communication schools. Columbia College Chicago is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,088. Students borrow a median of $25,420 to complete the radio, television & digital communication program here. Early-career radio, television & digital communication graduates make about $24,191. Set against $25,420 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.

8

Northwestern University landed the #8 spot for radio, television & digital communication value this year. Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Evanston. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. Typical student debt for radio, television & digital communication graduates is $15,500. Radio, Television & Digital Communication graduates of Northwestern University earn a median of $56,833 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwestern University admits about 8% of applicants.

9

Illinois Media School Chicago Campus earned the #9 position for value in radio, television & digital communication this year. Illinois Media School Chicago Campus is a small private for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. Radio, Television & Digital Communication graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. Radio, Television & Digital Communication graduates of Illinois Media School Chicago Campus earn a median of $18,740 early in their careers. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

10

Illinois Media School earned the #10 position for value in radio, television & digital communication this year. Set in the city of Chicago, Illinois Media School is a small private for-profit institution. Students borrow a median of $9,500 to complete the radio, television & digital communication program here. Early-career radio, television & digital communication graduates make about $18,740. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

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11
Depaul University crest
Depaul University
Chicago, IL

Depaul University came in at #11 for value in radio, television & digital communication this year. Located in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. Students borrow a median of $25,310 to complete the radio, television & digital communication program here. Soon after graduation, radio, television & digital communication degree recipients from Depaul University generally make around $55,226. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%.

12

Loyola University Chicago ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value radio, television & digital communication schools. Set in the city of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,710. Typical student debt for radio, television & digital communication graduates is $25,000. Soon after graduation, radio, television & digital communication degree recipients from Loyola University Chicago generally make around $38,312. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

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Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 29 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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