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Northern Kentucky University stands out with the lowest net cost at $7,168 for Medical Illustration and Informatics programs, creating an unusual pricing gap in a field where training typically requires expensive technology and specialized software. Western Governors University graduates earn the highest starting salaries at $62,409, nearly $12,000 above the field average, while maintaining a competitive net cost of $10,442. The healthcare technology corridor spanning from Texas to the Great Lakes region drives demand for medical illustrators and informatics specialists, particularly as hospitals and research institutions modernize patient education materials and electronic health record systems. Montana Technological University achieves a 58.1% graduation rate despite its remote location, suggesting strong program support in a field where hands-on mentorship matters significantly. The $13,150 difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs on this list reflects varying state funding levels and program scope, with public universities dominating the affordable options.
37
Programs
$7,168 – $41,480
Net Price Range
$48,065
Avg. Program Earnings
52.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

37 Medical Illustration and Informatics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
2 $10,442 $8,300 50.9%
3 $10,785 $5,009 36.8% 69.6%
4 $10,948 $8,648 44.2% 93.6%
5 $11,408 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
6 $12,621 $10,136 52.0% 94.4%
7 $13,451 $11,160 42.7% 82.9%
8 $13,725 $11,583 42.4% 78.6%
9 $14,294 $10,780 29.9% 97.9%
10 $15,142 $9,676 52.6% 65.4%
11 $16,177 $10,020 51.2% 86.3%
12 $16,240 $8,050 58.1% 89.5%
13 $17,216 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
14 $17,324 $8,356 38.3%
15 $18,165 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
16 $18,305 $14,436 33.3%
17 $18,609 $9,490 54.1% 70.7%
18 $18,701 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
19 $18,748 $36,136 55.8% 76.1%
20 $20,318 $24,820 44.0% 92.0%
21 $21,158 $33,076 37.0% 84.6%
22 $21,236 $19,820 19.2% 68.1%
23 $22,185 $15,700 68.3% 76.9%
24 $23,335 $33,890 44.1% 81.9%
25 $23,508 $34,800 46.4% 60.8%
26 $25,314 $35,500 61.1% 48.8%
27 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
28 $26,536 $41,416 69.4% 69.8%
29 $27,313 $45,538 71.2% 76.5%
30 $28,617 $49,100 76.5% 82.4%
31 $29,219 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
32 $29,694 $57,016 70.8% 67.2%
33 $30,299 $41,578 31.1% 99.9%
34 $33,742 $16,450 44.9% 96.4%
35 $35,000 $45,550 63.0% 55.7%
36 $37,109 $42,550 60.8% 96.3%
37 $41,480 $47,880 67.5% 69.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $3,274 cost difference between Northern Kentucky and Western Governors University?

Northern Kentucky University benefits from Kentucky's higher education funding model that keeps in-state costs low at $10,896, while Western Governors operates as a competency-based private nonprofit with a $8,300 tuition structure. The net cost calculation factors in financial aid availability, where NKU provides more need-based assistance. Both schools offer comparable career preparation, but WGU's online format eliminates campus-related expenses that traditional programs require.

How do graduation rates vary among the most affordable programs?

Graduation rates span from 29.9% at Metropolitan State University of Denver to 75.5% at Iowa State University, indicating significant variation in program completion success. Montana Technological University achieves 58.1% despite its small size and remote location in Butte. The data suggests that schools with net costs between $15,000-$18,000, like Iowa State and Montana Tech, tend to maintain higher completion rates than ultra-low-cost options.

Is Western Governors University worth the premium over public options?

Western Governors graduates earn $62,409 annually, which is $12,472 more than the average for this field, potentially justifying the higher cost over time. The school's competency-based approach allows students to accelerate through material they already know, potentially reducing time to degree. However, students carry $20,346 in debt compared to lower amounts at public universities, making the return on investment dependent on individual career advancement speed.

Does geographic location affect program affordability and outcomes?

Southern and Midwest schools dominate the most affordable options, with Northern Kentucky, Texas Woman's University, and University of Southern Indiana all maintaining net costs below $13,000. Western states like Montana and Idaho offer competitive in-state tuition below $9,000, but fewer financial aid options. Schools near major medical centers, such as Indiana University-Indianapolis, provide better internship access while maintaining reasonable costs at $11,408 net price.

What acceptance rates should students expect at budget-friendly programs?

Most affordable Medical Illustration and Informatics programs maintain high acceptance rates, with Metropolitan State University of Denver accepting 97.91% of applicants and University of Southern Indiana accepting 94.44%. The lowest acceptance rate among budget options occurs at University of South Alabama at 65.36%, indicating more selective admission standards. Students have strong chances of admission at schools with net costs under $15,000, as these programs typically focus more on student success than exclusivity.

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