2026 Best Value Graphic Communications Schools in Illinois

1

Moraine Valley Community College
Palos Hills, IL

For return on investment in graphic communications, no school beat Moraine Valley Community College this year. Set in the suburb of Palos Hills, Moraine Valley Community College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,822, with out-of-state students paying around $9,846. Students borrow a median of $11,149 to complete the graphic communications program here. Early-career graphic communications graduates make about $43,844. Set against $11,149 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Lake Land College
Mattoon, IL

A rank of #2 makes Lake Land College one of the best values for graphic communications. Lake Land College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Mattoon. In-state tuition and fees average $4,415, with out-of-state students paying around $14,301. Typical student debt for graphic communications graduates is $7,769. Graphic Communications graduates of Lake Land College earn a median of $30,294 early in their careers. Set against $7,769 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

Lewis And Clark Community College
Godfrey, IL

A rank of #3 makes Lewis And Clark Community College one of the best values for graphic communications. Lewis And Clark Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Godfrey. In-state tuition and fees average $4,340, while out-of-state students pay about $7,840. Graphic Communications graduates carry a median of $9,602 in student loans. Soon after graduation, graphic communications degree recipients from Lewis And Clark Community College generally make around $41,313. That is a strong return on a $9,602 median debt.

4

City Colleges Of Chicago Harold Washington College
Chicago, IL

A rank of #4 makes City Colleges Of Chicago Harold Washington College one of the best values for graphic communications. City Colleges Of Chicago Harold Washington College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Chicago. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,590, with out-of-state students paying around $15,150. Students borrow a median of $11,533 to complete the graphic communications program here. Soon after graduation, graphic communications degree recipients from City Colleges Of Chicago Harold Washington College generally make around $33,960. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

5

Joliet Junior College
Joliet, IL

Joliet Junior College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in graphic communications, landing the #5 spot this year. Joliet Junior College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Joliet. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,530, while out-of-state students pay about $13,800. Graphic Communications graduates carry a median of $11,995 in student loans. Graphic Communications graduates of Joliet Junior College earn a median of $40,118 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

6

College Of Dupage
Glen Ellyn, IL

College Of Dupage landed the #6 spot for graphic communications value this year. Set in the suburb of Glen Ellyn, College Of Dupage is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,560, while out-of-state students pay about $12,750. Graphic Communications graduates carry a median of $12,492 in student loans. Soon after graduation, graphic communications degree recipients from College Of Dupage generally make around $43,025. Set against $12,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

7

Harper College
Palatine, IL

Harper College placed #7 among the best values for graphic communications. Set in the suburb of Palatine, Harper College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,894, with out-of-state students paying around $11,874. Typical student debt for graphic communications graduates is $10,963. Soon after graduation, graphic communications degree recipients from Harper College generally make around $44,523. Set against $10,963 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

8

Southwestern Illinois College
Belleville, IL

Southwestern Illinois College placed #8 among the best values for graphic communications. Set in the suburb of Belleville, Southwestern Illinois College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,230, while out-of-state students pay about $6,720. Students borrow a median of $10,388 to complete the graphic communications program here. Early-career graphic communications graduates make about $44,345. Set against $10,388 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

9

Illinois State University
Normal, IL

Illinois State University landed the #9 spot for graphic communications value this year. Set in the suburb of Normal, Illinois State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Students borrow a median of $21,896 to complete the graphic communications program here. Graphic Communications graduates of Illinois State University earn a median of $49,660 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants.

10

Bradley University
Peoria, IL

Bradley University landed the #10 spot for graphic communications value this year. Set in the city of Peoria, Bradley University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,160. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the graphic communications program here. Soon after graduation, graphic communications degree recipients from Bradley University generally make around $24,941. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%.

11

Columbia College Chicago
Chicago, IL

Columbia College Chicago ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value graphic communications schools. Set in the city of Chicago, Columbia College Chicago is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,088. Typical student debt for graphic communications graduates is $25,000. Graphic Communications graduates of Columbia College Chicago earn a median of $26,309 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.

12

Depaul University
Chicago, IL

Depaul University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value graphic communications schools. Set in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,405. Typical student debt for graphic communications graduates is $25,864. Graphic Communications graduates of Depaul University earn a median of $27,256 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Depaul University admits about 76% of applicants.