Public Relations & Advertising at Illinois Media School
a compact campus enrolling 36 students 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.
Some AI exposure exists in Public Relations & Advertising's career paths, with 51% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 0% gap from the optimistic case.
With first-year pay of $21,902 far exceeding the $10,666 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #3 of 10 Public Relations & Advertising programs, Illinois Media School scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Public Relations & Advertising offers 9 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
About Public Relations & Advertising Careers
Your career will start on the front lines of shaping messages. As a public relations specialist, your day could involve writing a press release for a new product, pitching it to journalists you’ve built relationships with, and tracking media coverage using monitoring software. Alternatively, as a training and development specialist in a corporate office, you might design an online course for new employees or lead an in-person workshop to teach a new software system.
Compare & Explore
Public Relations & Advertising Overview
Public Relations & Advertising at Other Schools
Other Majors at Illinois Media School
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.