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Cheapest Design and Applied Arts Colleges in Illinois

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Millikin University in Decatur offers the lowest net cost for Design and Applied Arts students at just $8,837 annually, making it remarkably affordable despite being a private institution. This creates an unusual situation where a private college undercuts public options like University of Illinois Chicago by over $3,000. Illinois hosts major design firms and marketing agencies in Chicago, plus growing creative sectors in manufacturing and product development across the state. The 20 programs span net costs from $8,837 to $22,048, with earnings potential varying dramatically from $26,643 to $41,565 after graduation. Public universities generally charge lower sticker prices, but financial aid packages can shift the real cost equation significantly. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn $41,565 on average, the highest among these programs, while maintaining strong job placement rates. The state's MAP Grant program helps Illinois residents reduce college costs, particularly benefiting students from families earning under $61,202 annually.
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 In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
2 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
3 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
4 $12,437 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
5 $13,550 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
6 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
7 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
8 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
9 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
10 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
11 $17,324 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
12 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
13 $18,470 $13,546 40.0%
14 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
15 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
16 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
17 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
18 $21,386 $12,320 45.7% 91.3%
19 $21,539 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
20 $22,048 $28,400 40.6% 86.7%
21 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
22 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
23 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
24 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
25 $26,788 $32,520 48.5% 94.8%
26 $29,141 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
27 $34,298 $39,510 45.0%
28 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Millikin University so affordable for Design and Applied Arts students?

Millikin University offers the lowest net cost at $8,837 despite being a private nonprofit institution. The school provides substantial financial aid that brings down the $26,892 sticker price significantly. With a 75.40% acceptance rate and 59.10% graduation rate, it balances accessibility with reasonable completion outcomes.

How do public versus private college costs compare for design programs in Illinois?

Public schools like University of Illinois Chicago charge $14,338 in-state tuition, while private colleges range from $20,325 to $49,834 in sticker prices. However, financial aid can flip this equation, as Millikin's net cost of $8,837 beats several public options. Private institutions often offer more generous aid packages that reduce the actual amount students pay.

Does University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign justify its higher cost?

UIUC graduates earn $41,565 on average, the highest among Illinois design programs, with relatively low debt of $18,178. The school maintains an 84.90% graduation rate, far above the state average. With a 44.82% acceptance rate, it's the most selective program on this list but delivers strong career outcomes.

What career opportunities exist for design graduates in Illinois?

Illinois design graduates find work in Chicago's advertising agencies, corporate marketing departments, and manufacturing firms developing product designs. The state's varied economy includes major employers like Boeing, Abbott, and Caterpillar that need design talent. Starting salaries range from $26,643 to $41,565 depending on the program and specialization area.

Is financial aid available specifically for Illinois design students?

The Illinois MAP Grant provides need-based aid to state residents attending eligible colleges, helping reduce net costs significantly. Students from families earning under $61,202 qualify for the maximum award amounts. Many private colleges also offer merit scholarships specifically for art and design portfolios, which can further reduce attendance costs.

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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.