Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Illinois Media School-Chicago Campus

Starting salary of nearly $22,000 might seem underwhelming until you realize this certificate program beats 75% of similar programs nationally. Illinois Media School's graduates earn about $6,200 more than the typical certificate-holder in this field—a 39% premium that's significant for a short-term credential. Within Illinois, this is the top performer for this type of program, tying at the state median (which consists of only 6 schools).

The debt burden of $15,833 is moderate but manageable given the program's apparent certificate structure. At a 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates would need roughly 9 months of gross earnings to cover their loans—reasonable for an entry-level communications position. The high percentage of Pell-eligible students (62%) suggests this program serves a population that might not otherwise access these credentials, making that debt-to-earnings picture particularly important for families evaluating affordability.

For a parent whose child wants to enter the media industry quickly without pursuing a four-year degree, this certificate delivers. The first-year earnings provide a foundation to build from, and the program's strong national standing indicates Illinois Media School is doing something right in terms of employer connections or skill development. Just understand this is an entry point—career growth will depend heavily on what comes next.