# Best Communications Colleges in Illinois

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 26 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-communications-illinois

## Methodology

Communications programs in Illinois ranked by outcomes and program concentration

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

Choosing the right communications program can set the tone for your career in a fast-paced industry. With 25 colleges in Illinois offering communications degrees, students have a range of options to consider. These schools share a commitment to preparing students for the workforce, but outcomes can vary widely.

What stands out among the strong programs is how effectively they equip graduates for success, measured by earnings, graduation rates, and manageable debt. The schools listed here excel not just in providing a degree, but in translating that degree into real-world opportunities. As you look through the rankings, keep an eye on the earnings and graduation rates — they’re key indicators of how these programs can impact your future.

For instance, Northwestern University in Evanston boasts impressive earnings of $89,363, alongside a 96% graduation rate. In contrast, Eastern Illinois University offers a lower earning potential of $51,989 and a graduation rate of only 46%. This stark difference highlights the trade-offs students face as they evaluate their options in communications programs across the state.

## Key Findings

- Northwestern University graduates earn an average of $89,363 — the highest in the state.
- The graduation rate at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is 85%, indicating strong student support.
- Eastern Illinois University has the lowest graduation rate at 46%, which may impact future job prospects.
- Illinois State University students graduate with an average debt of $20,482, higher than some of its peers.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Northwestern University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northwestern-university) | Evanston, IL | 96% | $89,363 | $29,167 | $15,000 | 0.17x |
| 2 | [Southern Illinois University Edwardsville](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southern-illinois-university-edwardsville) | Edwardsville, IL | 56% | $56,346 | $14,889 | $20,500 | 0.36x |
| 3 | [Illinois State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/illinois-state-university) | Normal, IL | 65% | $62,117 | $19,398 | $20,482 | 0.33x |
| 4 | [Eastern Illinois University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/eastern-illinois-university) | Charleston, IL | 46% | $51,989 | $12,786 | $21,500 | 0.41x |
| 5 | [Lake Forest College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lake-forest-college) | Lake Forest, IL | 74% | $61,825 | $28,673 | $26,158 | 0.42x |
| 6 | [Bradley University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bradley-university) | Peoria, IL | 74% | $66,852 | $22,719 | $27,000 | 0.4x |
| 7 | [University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-illinois-urbana-champaign) | Champaign, IL | 85% | $81,054 | $14,355 | $19,500 | 0.24x |
| 8 | [DePaul University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/depaul-university) | Chicago, IL | 69% | $68,751 | $30,902 | $23,168 | 0.34x |
| 9 | [North Central College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/north-central-college) | Naperville, IL | 68% | $60,123 | $21,044 | $24,500 | 0.41x |
| 10 | [North Park University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/north-park-university) | Chicago, IL | 57% | $59,572 | $16,948 | $25,500 | 0.43x |
| 11 | [Northern Illinois University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northern-illinois-university) | Dekalb, IL | 49% | $57,808 | $13,391 | $22,162 | 0.38x |
| 12 | [Western Illinois University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/western-illinois-university) | Macomb, IL | 45% | $54,163 | $12,937 | $25,251 | 0.47x |
| 13 | [Loyola University Chicago](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/loyola-university-chicago) | Chicago, IL | 75% | $71,530 | $36,079 | $24,157 | 0.34x |
| 14 | [Monmouth College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/monmouth-college) | Monmouth, IL | 62% | $51,110 | $17,133 | $27,000 | 0.53x |
| 15 | [Trinity Christian College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/trinity-christian-college) | Palos Heights, IL | 61% | $55,700 | $19,125 | $25,009 | 0.45x |
| 16 | [Saint Xavier University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/saint-xavier-university) | Chicago, IL | 58% | $58,656 | $10,970 | $22,223 | 0.38x |
| 17 | [Olivet Nazarene University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/olivet-nazarene-university) | Bourbonnais, IL | 61% | $53,213 | $20,729 | $25,000 | 0.47x |
| 18 | [Northeastern Illinois University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northeastern-illinois-university) | Chicago, IL | 18% | $52,234 | $14,109 | $14,600 | 0.28x |
| 19 | [Eureka College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/eureka-college) | Eureka, IL | 41% | $51,641 | $17,349 | $23,250 | 0.45x |
| 20 | [Columbia College Chicago](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/columbia-college-chicago) | Chicago, IL | 50% | $42,195 | $26,598 | $25,000 | 0.59x |
| 21 | [University of Illinois Springfield](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-illinois-springfield) | Springfield, IL | 57% | $57,103 | $9,833 | $19,128 | 0.33x |
| 22 | [Wheaton College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/wheaton-college) | Wheaton, IL | 86% | $63,756 | $26,975 | $23,250 | 0.36x |
| 23 | [Chicago State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/chicago-state-university) | Chicago, IL | 16% | $42,778 | $12,335 | $30,625 | 0.72x |
| 24 | [Southern Illinois University-Carbondale](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southern-illinois-university-carbondale) | Carbondale, IL | 59% | $53,390 | $13,297 | $21,543 | 0.4x |
| 25 | [Concordia University-Chicago](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/concordia-university-chicago) | River Forest, IL | 41% | $54,089 | $18,436 | $23,000 | 0.43x |
| 26 | [Principia College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/principia-college) | Elsah, IL | 75% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Communications Colleges in Illinois." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-communications-illinois

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.