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Cheapest Fine and Studio Arts Colleges in Illinois

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

Fine and Studio Arts programs in Illinois show dramatic cost differences, with Millikin University offering the lowest net price at $8,837 despite being private, while students at public universities like Chicago State pay $10,133. The earnings outlook varies significantly too, from $20,140 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to $29,685 at Saint Xavier University. Illinois arts graduates find opportunities in the state's creative industries, particularly in Chicago's advertising agencies, design firms, and cultural institutions that serve the nation's third-largest city. Public schools dominate the most affordable options, with eight of the top ten spots, though Millikin proves that private institutions can compete on cost through generous financial aid packages. Graduation rates range from just 16.8% at Northeastern Illinois University to 84.9% at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, suggesting that affordability doesn't always predict student success rates.
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 In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
2 $8,916 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
3 $9,477 $11,320 19.6% 57.5%
4 $10,133 $12,754 16.9% 48.5%
5 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
6 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
7 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
8 $12,437 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
9 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
10 $13,550 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
11 $13,696 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
12 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
13 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
14 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
15 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
16 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
17 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
18 $17,945 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
19 $18,034 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%
20 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
21 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
22 $18,967 $66,939 94.9% 5.4%
23 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
24 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
25 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
26 $21,270 $30,598 51.4% 94.1%
27 $21,539 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
28 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%
29 $22,048 $28,400 40.6% 86.7%
30 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
31 $23,066 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
32 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
33 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
34 $24,190 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
35 $24,875 $55,587 67.5% 73.3%
36 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
37 $26,788 $32,520 48.5% 94.8%
38 $26,984 $43,930 86.6% 88.4%
39 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
40 $27,499 $54,202 70.4% 59.7%
41 $29,141 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
42 $29,550 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
43 $34,298 $39,510 45.0%
44 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%
45 $49,822 $54,530 64.0% 79.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Millikin University the most affordable despite being private?

Millikin University offers the lowest net price at $8,837, even though its published tuition reaches $26,892. This private institution provides substantial financial aid that brings costs below many public universities. The school maintains a 75.4% acceptance rate and achieves a 59.1% graduation rate, making it both accessible and successful for Fine and Studio Arts students.

How do graduation rates compare among the most affordable programs?

Graduation rates vary dramatically among affordable Fine and Studio Arts programs in Illinois. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign leads with 84.9% despite charging $15,201 net price, while Chicago State University manages only 16.9% with a $10,133 net cost. Augustana College achieves the second-highest rate at 79.2% for $12,437, showing that mid-range pricing can deliver strong outcomes.

Does attending a more expensive program guarantee higher earnings?

Higher costs don't necessarily translate to better earnings for Fine and Studio Arts graduates in Illinois. Saint Xavier University students pay $12,093 but earn the highest salaries at $29,685 annually. Meanwhile, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign students pay $15,201 but earn just $20,140, the lowest among schools reporting earnings data. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale offers better value with $16,177 costs and $22,681 earnings.

Where do Illinois Fine and Studio Arts graduates find the best job opportunities?

Chicago provides the strongest job market for Fine and Studio Arts graduates, home to major advertising agencies, design firms, and cultural institutions. The city's finance and healthcare sectors also employ graphic designers and marketing professionals. Schools like University of Illinois Chicago and Saint Xavier University position students well for these metropolitan opportunities, with graduates earning $27,461 and $29,685 respectively.

Is there a significant difference between public and private school costs?

Public and private Fine and Studio Arts programs in Illinois show surprising cost overlap after financial aid. Millikin University, a private school, costs just $8,837 net, while public Chicago State charges $10,133. However, most public universities cluster between $11,592 and $16,177, making them generally more predictable. Private schools like Augustana College ($12,437) and Saint Xavier University ($12,093) compete effectively through generous aid packages.

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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.