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Public Relations & Advertising at Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $39,794/yr (1% vs median)

AI Risk High (51% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (161,400 openings/yr)

ROI 4.3x earnings multiple

Ranked #115 of 183 Public Relations & Advertising programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Public Relations & Advertising graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$565K	$557K	$512K
Earnings Multiple	4.3x	4.3x	3.9x
Probability of Field Employment	62%	55%	40%
DegreeOutlook Score	44	43	43

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$130,080

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$107,152

18% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,225

7.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$56,607

42% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $39,794/yr, Public Relations & Advertising graduates from Columbia College Chicago land near the $39,349 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 4.3x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Public Relations & Advertising career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,225 against $39,794/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #115 ranking among 183 Public Relations & Advertising programs places Columbia College Chicago in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 42% earnings increase from $39,794 to $56,607 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Columbia College Chicago

With 91% of applicants admitted, Columbia College Chicago prioritizes broad access, serving 6,294 students in Chicago, IL. With 43% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Columbia College Chicago →

Top Career Paths

Human resources managers $140,030/yr

Public relations managers $138,520/yr

Training and development managers $127,090/yr

View all 17 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Public Relations & Advertising at Other Schools

Other Majors at Columbia College Chicago

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Relations & Advertising at Columbia College Chicago?

At 43/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Public Relations & Advertising programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Public Relations & Advertising at Columbia College Chicago?

The 51% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →