2027 Best Public Relations Schools in Illinois

Public Relations is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

College Factual analyzed 2 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best public relations schools.

What’s on this page:

• Best Public Relations Schools in Illinois

Best Schools for Public Relations in Illinois

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall public relations education in Illinois.

Top Schools in Public Relations

1

Illinois State University
Normal, IL

Doctoral Degree Highest Degree Type

48 Public Relations Degrees Awarded

$43,874 Median Starting Salary

Illinois State University tops our 2027 ranking of the best public relations schools. Illinois State University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Normal. About 64% of students finish within six years. About 48 public relations degrees were awarded at Illinois State University in the most recent year. Public Relations graduates of Illinois State University earn a median of $43,874 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in public relations from Illinois State University

2

Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL

Associate's Degree Highest Degree Type

10 Public Relations Degrees Awarded

$38,369 Median Starting Salary

Students looking for a strong public relations program will find one at Eastern Illinois University, which ranked #2. Located in the town of Charleston, Eastern Illinois University is a large public university. About 47% of students finish within six years. Eastern Illinois University awarded about 10 public relations degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, public relations degree recipients from Eastern Illinois University generally make around $38,369. Typical student debt for the program is $23,745. See the full public relations program report for Eastern Illinois University

Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 2 schools evaluated.

• 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.