Public Relations · Illinois

Public Relations colleges in Illinois

CampusPin lists 94 U.S. colleges in Illinois that offer Public Relations programs. Compare tuition, acceptance rate, and enrollment in the table below, every figure links back to the institution's official IPEDS data.

Public Relations trains students to shape an organization's reputation through media relations, messaging, and crisis communication, suiting strong writers who like persuasion and strategy.

Schools in Illinois that offer Public Relations

Public Relations programs in Illinois: by the numbers

A quick comparison of the 50 schools (of 94 total) listed above, drawn from each institution's published IPEDS data.

Schools listed

94

Public / private

14 / 36

Universities / 2-year

35 / 15

Cities represented

34

In-state tuition range

$3,180–$55,587

Median in-state tuition

$18,807

Lowest published in-state tuition

Elgin Community College

$3,180

Most selective

Chicago State University

41% acceptance

Largest by enrollment

DeVry University-Illinois

29,175 students

Figures reflect the schools currently listed and each institution's most recent reported data. Verify current tuition and admissions details with the school before applying.

What you'll study in a Public Relations program

  • Media relations and pitching to journalists
  • PR writing: press releases, pitches, fact sheets, op-eds
  • Strategic message development and campaign planning
  • Crisis communication and reputation management
  • Communication research and measuring campaign results
  • Media law, ethics, and disclosure rules
  • Social and digital media management for organizations
  • Internship and portfolio capstone

Where a Public Relations degree can lead

  • Public relations specialists
  • Media Relations Coordinator
  • Communications Specialist
  • Social Media Manager
  • Public relations and fundraising managers
  • Corporate Communications Associate

Typical pay: BLS, 2024: public relations specialists median $69,780

A Public Relations major, usually a bachelor's degree, covers media relations, strategic messaging, crisis and reputation management, campaign planning, and PR writing across press releases, pitches, and social channels. Coursework typically includes communication theory, PR research and measurement, media law and ethics, and a portfolio-building capstone, with most programs requiring an internship at an agency, nonprofit, corporate communications team, or government office.

Graduates write and place stories with journalists, manage social and digital channels, plan events and announcements, draft executive communications, and coordinate responses during a crisis. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, public relations specialists earned a median wage of $69,780 in 2024, and the occupation is projected to grow 4.8% from 2024 to 2034. Entry-level specialist roles generally require a bachelor's degree, while senior management positions, such as public relations and fundraising manager, often expect substantial experience and sometimes a graduate degree.

The major pairs naturally with a Marketing, Journalism, or Political Science double major or minor, and overlaps heavily with broader Communications programs.

Public Relations in other states

Other majors in Illinois

Find more Public Relations schools

Use CampusPin's filter-first search to narrow 94+ Public Relations programs in Illinois by tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting.

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