Compare 8 Radio and Television. programs in Illinois. Average earnings: $36,091.
Radio and Television programs produce graduates earning between $15,817 and $49,783—a $34K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 8 ranked programs in Illinois, outcomes vary dramatically based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
North Central College's Radio and Television program leads with graduates earning $49,783, followed by Northwestern at $47,162. The average across all programs is $36,091, yet the liberal arts college outperforms the prestigious university—proof that program-level factors drive outcomes more than overall school brand.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Northwestern graduates borrow $15,000 and face just an 8.4% payment burden, landing in the 'Good' category. At North Central College, students borrow $24,500 with a 12.3% burden—still manageable, proving top programs can deliver strong returns despite higher debt loads.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | North Central CollegePrivate | $49,783 | 23 | $24,500 | Manageable | $30,000 | High |
| #2 | Northwestern UniversityPrivate | $47,162 | 102 | $15,000 | Good | $26,966 | High |
| #3 | Columbia College ChicagoPrivate | $38,875 | 63 | $25,000 | Challenging | $55,700 | High |
| #4 | $37,801 | 28 | $25,251 | Challenging | $20,764 | High | |
| #5 | Bradley UniversityPrivate | $37,415 | 25 | $27,000 | Challenging | $41,405 | High |
| #6 | $35,648 | 51 | $21,543 | Challenging | $19,500 | High | |
| #7 | Loyola University ChicagoPrivate | $26,227 | 42 | $24,157 | High | $54,045 | High |
| #8 | Chicago State UniversityPublic | $15,817 | 21 | $30,625 | High | $13,256 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
