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Best Value Design and Applied Arts Colleges in Illinois

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign delivers the highest earning potential for Design and Applied Arts graduates in Illinois, with alumni earning $41,565 annually while maintaining a net cost of just $15,201. This combination creates an impressive return on investment that outperforms most private alternatives. The state's 15 qualifying programs show a stark divide between public and private options, with net costs ranging from $12,093 at Saint Xavier University to $35,196 at Loyola University Chicago. Illinois design graduates enter a market where Chicago's advertising agencies, architectural firms, and media companies create steady demand for creative professionals. Manufacturing companies throughout the state also seek industrial designers and user experience specialists. Public universities dominate the value rankings, with three of the top four spots going to state institutions that keep costs manageable while delivering solid career outcomes.
28
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$32,368
Avg. Program Earnings
57.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

28 Design and Applied Arts Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $15,201 $41,565 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
2 $12,437 $29,685 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
3 $12,313 $26,643 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
4 $15,113 $31,133 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
5 $23,572 $38,289 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
6 $23,033 $33,993 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
7 $21,386 $30,409 $12,320 45.7% 91.3%
8 $29,141 $41,193 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
9 $26,788 $29,737 $32,520 48.5% 94.8%
10 $35,196 $29,685 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%
11 $34,298 $23,719 $39,510 45.0%
12 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
13 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
14 $18,470 $13,546 40.0%
15 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
16 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
17 $17,324 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
18 $21,539 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
19 $13,550 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
20 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
21 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
22 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
23 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
24 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
25 $22,048 $28,400 40.6% 86.7%
26 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
27 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
28 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign the top value choice for design students?

UIUC graduates earn $41,565 annually, the highest among Illinois design programs, while paying a net cost of $15,201. The school maintains an 84.90% graduation rate, well above the state average. With an acceptance rate of 44.82%, students gain access to a selective program that employers recognize and value.

How do public universities compare to private colleges for design value in Illinois?

Public universities offer significantly better value, with University of Illinois Chicago providing a net cost of $12,313 and graduates earning $26,643. Private colleges like Loyola University Chicago charge $35,196 net cost while graduates earn only $29,685. The $22,883 cost difference between these schools shows how public funding helps keep design education affordable.

Is Columbia College Chicago worth the cost for design students?

Columbia College Chicago charges $26,788 net cost but graduates earn just $29,737, creating a challenging return on investment. The school's 48.50% graduation rate ranks among the lowest in the state. With student debt averaging $24,500, graduates face significant financial pressure despite entering Chicago's competitive creative market.

Does location within Illinois affect design career prospects?

Chicago-area schools provide direct access to the state's largest creative job market, where advertising agencies and design firms concentrate. However, location doesn't guarantee better earnings, as Augustana College in Rock Island delivers $29,685 graduate salaries at just $12,437 net cost. The 61.22% acceptance rate makes this small-town option accessible while keeping costs low.

Where can students find the lowest net costs for design programs?

Saint Xavier University offers the lowest net cost at $12,093, though earnings data isn't available for comparison. University of Illinois Chicago follows closely at $12,313 with confirmed graduate earnings of $26,643. Augustana College provides another affordable option at $12,437 net cost with graduates earning $29,685 annually.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.