Skip to main content
Western Illinois University stands out among Illinois Graphic Communications programs with net costs just $11,592, nearly half the price of the second most affordable option at $18,996. This dramatic cost difference reflects the advantage of public university education in a state where Chicago's advertising agencies, publishing houses, and design firms create steady demand for visual communication professionals. Eight programs span from small-town Macomb to downtown Chicago, with earnings varying from $21,508 to $39,369 after graduation.
8
Programs
$11,592 – $34,298
Net Price Range
$30,007
Avg. Program Earnings
60.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

8 Graphic Communications Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
2 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
3 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
4 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
5 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
6 $26,788 $32,520 48.5% 94.8%
7 $29,141 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
8 $34,298 $39,510 45.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge cost gap between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Western Illinois University costs $11,592 while American Academy of Art College costs $34,298, nearly three times more. This $22,706 difference primarily reflects the funding model, with public universities receiving state support that private institutions lack.

How do graduation rates compare across different price points?

The most expensive programs don't guarantee better outcomes, with American Academy of Art College graduating just 45% of students despite its $34,298 cost. Meanwhile, North Central College achieves a 71.1% graduation rate at $23,033 net cost.

Does location within Illinois affect program costs significantly?

Chicago-based programs like Columbia College Chicago and DePaul University average $27,965 in net costs. This exceeds downstate options like Western Illinois and Illinois State by roughly $12,000, reflecting higher operational costs in the metropolitan area.

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