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Best Value Fine and Studio Arts Colleges in Illinois

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

Art students in Illinois face a striking cost divide between public and private options. Millikin University delivers the state's most affordable net price at $8,837, while Northwestern reaches $27,143 for the same field. Bradley University graduates earn $35,330 annually, the highest among Illinois fine arts programs, though this comes with a $23,572 net cost. Public universities dominate the lower price ranges, with Western Illinois at $11,592 and University of Illinois Chicago at $12,313. Chicago's position as a major cultural center creates opportunities for art graduates in galleries, museums, and commercial design firms throughout the metropolitan area. The MAP Grant program helps bridge funding gaps for Illinois residents, making state schools particularly accessible. Graduation rates vary significantly across programs, from Northeastern Illinois at 16.8% to Northwestern's 95.9%, suggesting different student populations and support systems.
45
Programs
$8,837 – $49,822
Net Price Range
$26,508
Avg. Program Earnings
59.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

45 Fine and Studio Arts Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,837 $28,236 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
2 $12,093 $29,685 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
3 $11,592 $28,055 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
4 $12,313 $27,461 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
5 $13,550 $28,816 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
6 $12,909 $27,346 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
7 $13,696 $23,456 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
8 $18,996 $30,499 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
9 $23,572 $35,330 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
10 $16,177 $22,681 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
11 $15,201 $20,140 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
12 $27,143 $32,382 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
13 $21,539 $24,267 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
14 $26,788 $28,849 $32,520 48.5% 94.8%
15 $29,141 $28,960 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
16 $27,499 $25,967 $54,202 70.4% 59.7%
17 $23,033 $19,455 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
18 $34,298 $19,866 $39,510 45.0%
19 $49,822 $22,192 $54,530 64.0% 79.0%
20 $18,034 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%
21 $26,984 $43,930 86.6% 88.4%
22 $24,190 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
23 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
24 $23,066 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
25 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
26 $8,916 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
27 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
28 $22,048 $28,400 40.6% 86.7%
29 $12,437 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
30 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
31 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%
32 $10,133 $12,754 16.9% 48.5%
33 $18,967 $66,939 94.9% 5.4%
34 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
35 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
36 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
37 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%
38 $9,477 $11,320 19.6% 57.5%
39 $21,270 $30,598 51.4% 94.1%
40 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
41 $29,550 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
42 $17,945 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
43 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
44 $24,875 $55,587 67.5% 73.3%
45 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Millikin University such a strong value for art students?

Millikin offers the lowest net price in Illinois at $8,837 while maintaining a 59.1% graduation rate and strong earnings potential of $28,236. The private university combines affordable access with personalized attention in Decatur. Students benefit from smaller class sizes and direct faculty mentorship that larger public institutions cannot always provide.

How do public university art programs compare in terms of cost and outcomes?

Illinois public universities typically charge between $11,592 and $18,996 in net costs for art programs. University of Illinois Chicago offers strong value with a $12,313 net price and 60.3% graduation rate. Illinois State University commands the highest public net price at $18,996 but delivers $30,499 in graduate earnings, the second-highest among public options.

Is Northwestern University worth the premium price for art students?

Northwestern charges $27,143 net but produces graduates earning $32,382 annually with a 95.9% completion rate. The university's proximity to Chicago's art scene and alumni network justify the cost for many students. However, the 7.21% acceptance rate makes admission extremely competitive compared to other Illinois options.

Does location within Illinois affect art program value?

Chicago-area programs often provide better networking and internship opportunities in the state's largest art market. University of Illinois Chicago offers city access at $12,313 net cost, while rural options like Western Illinois cost similarly at $11,592. Chicago's galleries, museums, and design firms create more post-graduation opportunities for local program alumni.

What graduation rate should art students expect in Illinois programs?

Graduation rates range dramatically from 16.8% at Northeastern Illinois to 95.9% at Northwestern University. Most programs fall between 44% and 72%, with private institutions generally showing higher completion rates. Bradley University achieves 72.1% graduation alongside the state's highest art graduate earnings of $35,330 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.