Public Relations & Advertising at Illinois Media School-Chicago Campus

Chicago, IL · Private for-profit · Certificate · Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication

with a smaller student body of 48 in Chicago, IL.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $21,902/yr, roughly in line with the $22,548 national median for Public Relations & Advertising. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Public Relations & Advertising career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

With first-year pay of $21,902 far exceeding the $10,666 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #4 ranking among 10 Public Relations & Advertising programs places Illinois Media School-Chicago Campus in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The 9 apprenticeship pathways connected to Public Relations & Advertising reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

44 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
38
Low End
44
Score
47
High End
Earnings $21,902/yr (-3% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (49% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (161,400 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$229K
1.0% annual growth
Viable Career Paths
17 of 17
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Median Debt at Graduation
$10,666
5.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Public Relations & Advertising graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Human resources managers $140,030 +5.0% 52%
Public relations managers $138,520 +5.0% 45%
Training and development managers $127,090 +5.8% 50%
Human resources managers
$140,030
+5.0% growth 52% AI-proof
Public relations managers
$138,520
+5.0% growth 45% AI-proof
Training and development managers
$127,090
+5.8% growth 50% AI-proof

View all 17 career paths with full salary data →

Public Relations & Advertising Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Public Relations & Advertising careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering other programs.

Read the full Public Relations & Advertising career guide →

Compare & Explore

Public Relations & Advertising Overview

Public Relations & Advertising at Other Schools

Other Majors at Illinois Media School-Chicago Campus

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Public Relations & Advertising at Illinois Media School-Chicago Campus?
At 44/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Public Relations & Advertising programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the AI risk for Public Relations & Advertising graduates from Illinois Media School-Chicago Campus?
The 51% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — Illinois Media School-Chicago Campus graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Can I learn Public Relations & Advertising through an apprenticeship instead of Illinois Media School-Chicago Campus?
The DOL recognizes 9 apprenticeship pathways related to Public Relations & Advertising. For students weighing Illinois Media School-Chicago Campus's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Is there demand for Public Relations & Advertising workers?
At 161,400 annual openings, Public Relations & Advertising has a very large employment base. Illinois Media School-Chicago Campus graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →