Illinois Media School Lombard
General Information — Illinois Media School Lombard
About (Overview)
Illinois Media School Lombard is a for-profit, career-oriented media training institution located in the Lombard, Illinois area, serving students who seek hands-on, industry-relevant training in broadcasting, digital media, radio, television, and related communication fields. The school is part of the Be On Air network of media schools, which emphasizes preparing graduates for entry-level roles in media production, on-air broadcasting, audio engineering, and digital media content creation.
The Lombard campus offers certificate and associate-level programs intended for rapid completion, often within months, so that students can enter or advance in the media industry quickly. Many learners are nontraditional or adult students seeking a career pivot into media or enhancing existing skills. The school’s small size allows for more individualized attention, and the instructional model leans heavily on hands-on lab work, studio practice, live production opportunities, simulation, and internship or field placements. The institution strives to balance technical excellence with creative development and strives to maintain close alignment with industry standards in broadcast and digital media.
Contact Information
Address: 455 Eisenhower Lane South, Suite 200, Lombard, Illinois 60148
Phone Number: (630) 916-1700
Email Address: Use general admissions or campus email via Illinois Media School contacts
Campus Association: Part of the Be On Air / M & S Media network
School Facts — Illinois Media School Lombard
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding / Operation Year | The Be On Air / Illinois Media School network began its operations in 1986 |
| Campus Type | For-profit, career/trade media school |
| Institutional Affiliation | Be On Air / M & S Media network |
| Accreditation | Accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) |
| Program Format | Certificate, associate, hands-on studio training |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | Approximately 7:1 or around 9:1 depending on source |
| Motto / Focus | Career training, media production, real-world broadcasting emphasis |
Illinois Media School Lombard Rankings
| Ranking Type | Position / Estimate | Notes (if available) |
|---|---|---|
| State Journalism / Media Ranking | #55 in Illinois (Journalism / Communication) | Based on program-level evaluation in Illinois |
| National Journalism / Media Ranking | #1,435 in the U.S. (Journalism category) | Reflects small specialized school in national ranking of journalism schools |
| Campus Reputation / Trade School Recognition | Recognized as a media trade leader among vocational schools | Part of Be On Air’s branding and institutional awards |
Illinois Media School Lombard Academics
Illinois Media School Lombard Faculties / Departments
Because Illinois Media School is a focused, trade-oriented institution, it does not have broad colleges or large faculties but rather organizes around core media / communication departments. Key areas or “departments” include:
- Radio & Television Production
- Digital Media / Multimedia Production
- Sports Broadcasting
- Audio Production
- Media Business / Media Sales & Marketing
- Hispanic Media Broadcasting
Illinois Media School Lombard Courses and Programs / Majors
Some of the key certificate and associate programs offered at Illinois Media School Lombard include:
- Radio & Television (broadcasting certificate)
- Digital Communication & Multimedia
- Sports Communication / Sports Broadcasting
- Audio Production
- Hispanic Media Broadcasting
- Media Business / Sales & Marketing
- AV Production, Internet / Web Media content
These programs are typically delivered in accelerated formats (several months) to allow students to enter workforce quickly. Many are certificate or short-term credential programs in media fields.
Online Learning
Illinois Media School Lombard offers limited or supplementary online components in its curriculum, but the core of training remains in-person and hands-on in studio labs, production suites, radio and television studios. The institution emphasizes physical access to studios, equipment, and live production settings, which limits the extent of fully remote delivery. Some theoretical or foundational coursework may incorporate online learning tools or blended models, but the essential technical training occurs in on-site labs and studios.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Reported / Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SAT | Not available / not applicable | The school does not emphasize standardized test performance |
| ACT | Not available | Standardized testing is not a core requirement |
| GRE | Not applicable | Graduate programs are not a focus; GRE is not relevant |
Illinois Media School generally does not rely on standardized test scores as a metric for admission, focusing more on commitment, aptitude, and interview or portfolio reviews where applicable.
Retention and Graduation Rates
Illinois Media School reports a graduation / completion metric indicating that approximately 68% of full-time first-time students complete their program within 150% of the expected time. The school supports retention through structured lab access, mentorship, and practical production projects. Because programs are short in duration, retention is critical and the institution aims to foster cohort support and close instructor interaction to help students stay on track.
Illinois Media School Lombard Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Illinois Media School does not publish specific GPA minimums or SAT/ACT ranges. Admission decisions focus on applicant readiness, interview or portfolio assessment, and alignment with media training goals rather than strict academic thresholds. Prospective students are often evaluated on interest in media, ability to manage technical training, and commitment to complete intensive hands-on curricula.
Illinois Media School Lombard Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Percentage / Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 100% | The institution maintains an open or inclusive admissions model for qualified applicants |
Illinois Media School Lombard Application Requirements
Applicants to Illinois Media School Lombard typically need to submit a completed admissions application, provide proof of high school completion or equivalent (GED), submit transcripts, and participate in an admissions interview or assessment of media interest or aptitude. Because this is a career school, emphasis is placed on student motivation and capacity to engage in technical training rather than standardized test metrics.
Application Process
- Submit application to Illinois Media School Lombard
- Provide high school / GED transcripts or equivalent certification
- Participate in an interview or aptitude assessment (media interest)
- Consult with admissions advisor regarding program selection, financing, and start dates
- Receive acceptance / enrollment decision
- Register for classes, attend orientation, and begin coursework
Illinois Media School Lombard Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Term / Session | Deadline / Time Frame | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rolling or open admission | Ongoing | Many trade / career schools accept applications throughout the year |
| Program start cycles | Varies by department and intake period | Students may begin at multiple points annually depending on media program schedule |
Essay Prompt
Illinois Media School does not consistently require a traditional essay prompt. If required, applicants may be asked to submit a short statement of interest explaining why they wish to study media, what creative or technical experiences they have, and what career goals they aim to achieve through media training.
Illinois Media School Lombard Scholarships
Illinois Media School provides institutional scholarships, financial aid, and assistance for eligible students. Many students receive federal aid, grants, and possible vocational grants. Scholarship amounts vary, and students are encouraged to consult financial aid offices to determine eligibility for institutional grants, merit awards, or career support scholarships.
Illinois Media School Lombard Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program Type | Approximate Tuition / Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Certificate Program (several months) | ~$17,590 | Example for radio and television certificate, including tuition and fees |
| Shorter Certificate (6-month program) | ~$11,750 | Example cost for a 6-month radio/television broadcasting certificate |
| Supplies / Books | ~$125 (per program) | Additional fees for supplies, lab materials, equipment |
These costs depend on the specific program, duration, and resource usage. Students should confirm final costs with the campus financial aid office.
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
Illinois Media School Lombard draws a small student body across diverse age ranges, many of whom are adult or nontraditional learners. Reported gender splits vary, and data is limited. The school authority suggests that many undergraduates come from lower-income backgrounds, and that African American students comprise about 33% of the student population in some cohorts. Because the campus is small, demographic percentages may fluctuate year to year. Many students are over age 25, reflecting nontraditional enrollment patterns typical in such vocational programs.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Illinois Media School supports students from low-income backgrounds through financial aid, scholarships, and grants. A significant portion of the student body qualifies for such aid. The institution also provides accommodations for students with disabilities via vocational training support services, ensuring access to studios, labs, and adaptive equipment where possible. The commitment to inclusive access underscores the school’s mission to open media training to diverse populations.
Student Body (Total Students, International Students, etc.)
| Metric | Number / Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time Undergraduate Enrollment | ~36 students (Lombard campus) | Based on Niche reporting |
| Part-Time Students | 0 (reported) | The campus focuses on full-time intensives |
| Undergraduates Over Age 25 | ~75% | Many students enter as adult learners |
| Students Receiving Financial Aid | ~100% (based on reporting) | Nearly all eligible students obtain some financial support |
These numbers reflect the small, focused nature of the campus and career training orientation.
University Diversity
Although Illinois Media School Lombard is a small campus, it exhibits a degree of diversity through its inclusion of students from varied socioeconomic backgrounds, and a meaningful representation of minority populations such as African American students. The institution’s model of media training appeals to students who may not follow traditional academic pathways, and therefore the student body often includes individuals with varied life experiences, prior careers, and ages. This diversity of perspective can enhance classroom dynamics, especially in media production and content creation, where unique voices matter. The school’s commitment to providing access through financial aid and inclusive admissions supports broader participation, even if the total numbers are modest.
Average Earnings
Alumni outcomes from Illinois Media School Lombard suggest that initial salaries are modest but may rise with experience. One source indicates an average income of about $30,400 a few years post-graduation, with median earnings growing modestly over time, though remaining below national medians for general occupations. Because graduates often begin in entry-level media or broadcasting roles, their early earnings may reflect entry point wages; however, the specialized skills, workplace experience, and network built during the training can enable upward mobility in media, production, and broadcasting careers. The return on investment depends largely on industry demand, geographic location, and individual ambition.
Illinois Media School Lombard Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Teachers and staff at Illinois Media School Lombard are typically industry practitioners and media professionals who bring real-world experience into the classroom. Many instructors work concurrently in broadcasting, audio engineering, video production, or media services, ensuring that curriculum remains current and relevant. The administrative and support staff include technical lab managers, studio technicians, academic advisers, financial aid officers, and career placement coordinators. Because the campus is small, staff roles may overlap and emphasize direct support to students in labs, equipment access, and production workflows.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Faculty often hold professional credentials or long-term experience in broadcasting, radio, video, editing, audio engineering, and media entrepreneurship. They may have credits in local radio stations, television outlets, or digital media companies. Their achievements include on-air work, production credits, industry certifications, guest speaking, and contributions to local media projects. Because the institution focuses on applied training, faculty achievements tend to emphasize industry partnerships, graduates’ employment success, and contributions to transitioning media technologies rather than academic research output.
Illinois Media School Lombard Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Illinois Media School Lombard does not provide on-campus housing, as it operates as a commuter and trade campus. Students live in surrounding suburban areas, commuting or using local transportation to attend classes. Campus life is more limited than residential universities; social and co-curricular activities center around media production clubs, studio projects, collaborative assignments, and networking events. Because the student body is small, peer camaraderie is often close, and events or collaborative productions help foster community among students. Housing costs are handled individually by students and are not included in institutional offerings.
Transportation
Students commuting to Illinois Media School Lombard typically depend on personal vehicles or local public transit, depending on proximity. The campus address at 455 Eisenhower Lane South is located within suburban Lombard, connected via local roads and commuter infrastructure. Public bus routes or regional transit may offer access depending on where students live. Because the campus is not high density, parking facilities are likely available for commuting students. Since training involves physical presence in lab and studio facilities, accessibility and transportation planning are important considerations for prospective students.