2027 Best Value General Journalism Schools in Illinois
[General Journalism](/majors/communication-journalism-media/journalism/general-journalism/) 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 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 8 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for general journalism students.
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2027 Best Value General Journalism Schools in Illinois
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general journalism degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value General Journalism Schools
Eastern Illinois University tops our 2027 list of the best value general journalism schools in Illinois. Located in the town of Charleston, Eastern Illinois University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,377, while out-of-state students pay about $15,859. Typical student debt for general journalism graduates is $24,293. General Journalism 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.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earned it the #2 place for general journalism. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. General Journalism graduates carry a median of $22,300 in student loans. General Journalism graduates of University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn a median of $36,303 early in their careers. Set against $22,300 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southern Illinois University Carbondale earned it the #3 place for general journalism. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a large public school located in the town of Carbondale. Students from in state pay about $13,334 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for general journalism graduates is $25,500. General Journalism graduates of Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of $40,575 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northern Illinois University earned it the #4 place for general journalism. Northern Illinois University is a large public school located in the suburb of Dekalb. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for general journalism graduates is $25,750. General Journalism graduates of Northern Illinois University earn a median of $31,753 early in their careers. Set against $25,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #5 makes Illinois State University one of the best values for general journalism. Located in the suburb of Normal, Illinois State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Students borrow a median of $23,500 to complete the general journalism program here. Soon after graduation, general journalism degree recipients from Illinois State University generally make around $36,643. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
Columbia College Chicago came in at #6 for value in general journalism 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. Typical student debt for general journalism graduates is $26,000. Soon after graduation, general journalism degree recipients from Columbia College Chicago generally make around $31,369. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Depaul University earned the #7 position for value in general journalism this year. Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. 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. Set against $24,334 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%.
Loyola University Chicago landed the #8 spot for general journalism value this year. Located in the city of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $53,710. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete the general journalism program here. Soon after graduation, general journalism degree recipients from Loyola University Chicago generally make around $38,302. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.
More General Journalism Rankings
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 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.
