Public Relations & Advertising at Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
43
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,369/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk High (51% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (161,400 openings/yr)
ROI 8.7x earnings multiple (7.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #116 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 $460K $464K $445K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.6x 8.7x 8.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.2x 7.3x 7.0x
Probability of Field Employment 62% 55% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 43 44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$53,612
Out-of-state: $63,516 (7.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$56,372
-5% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
7.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $38,369/yr, roughly in line with the $39,349 national median for Public Relations & Advertising. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

A 8.7x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 3% 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 $23,250 against $38,369/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #116 ranking among 183 Public Relations & Advertising programs places Eastern Illinois University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Eastern Illinois University

A 68% admission rate makes Eastern Illinois University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, a smaller institution with 4,398 students in Charleston, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at Eastern Illinois University →

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

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Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Relations & Advertising at Eastern Illinois University?
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 Eastern Illinois University?
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 →