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Featured Illustration Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
2026 Best Value Illustration Schools in the Far Western Region
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the illustration degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Illustration Schools
For return on investment in illustration, no school beat Lake Washington Institute Of Technology this year. Located in the suburb of Kirkland, Lake Washington Institute Of Technology is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,997, while out-of-state students pay about $12,062. Illustration graduates carry a median of $19,695 in student loans. Early-career illustration graduates make about $60,000. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in illustration will find it at San Diego City College, which ranked #2. Set in the city of San Diego, San Diego City College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,146, while out-of-state students pay about $10,002. Students borrow a median of $9,514 to complete the illustration program here. Illustration graduates of San Diego City College earn a median of $26,218 early in their careers. Set against $9,514 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in illustration will find it at California State University Monterey Bay, which ranked #3. Located in the suburb of Seaside, California State University Monterey Bay is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,779, with out-of-state students paying around $20,379. Illustration graduates carry a median of $14,827 in student loans. Soon after graduation, illustration degree recipients from California State University Monterey Bay generally make around $30,378. That is a strong return on a $14,827 median debt. The acceptance rate is 97%.
Students looking for strong value in illustration will find it at Western Washington University, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Bellingham, Western Washington University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,582, compared with $28,707 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for illustration graduates is $20,000. Soon after graduation, illustration degree recipients from Western Washington University generally make around $31,078. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%.
A rank of #5 makes Seattle Pacific University one of the best values for illustration. Located in the city of Seattle, Seattle Pacific University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,407. Typical student debt for illustration graduates is $26,000. Soon after graduation, illustration degree recipients from Seattle Pacific University generally make around $39,248. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.
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Walla Walla University placed #6 among the best values for illustration. Located in the suburb of College Place, Walla Walla University is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,227. Illustration graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. Illustration graduates of Walla Walla University earn a median of $28,436 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt.
California Baptist University earned the #7 position for value in illustration this year. California Baptist University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Riverside. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,228. Typical student debt for illustration graduates is $26,487. Soon after graduation, illustration degree recipients from California Baptist University generally make around $28,669. Set against $26,487 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California Baptist University admits about 85% of applicants.
George Fox University came in at #8 for value in illustration this year. Located in the town of Newberg, George Fox University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $41,320. Typical student debt for illustration graduates is $25,324. Illustration graduates of George Fox University earn a median of $52,898 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. George Fox University admits about 94% of applicants.
Academy Of Art University landed the #9 spot for illustration value this year. Set in the city of San Francisco, Academy Of Art University is a moderately-sized private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,736. Students borrow a median of $33,312 to complete the illustration program here. Illustration graduates of Academy Of Art University earn a median of $28,555 early in their careers. Set against $33,312 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Pacific Northwest College Of Art ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value illustration schools. Located in the city of Portland, Pacific Northwest College Of Art is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,006. Typical student debt for illustration graduates is $26,899. Soon after graduation, illustration degree recipients from Pacific Northwest College Of Art generally make around $19,501. Set against $26,899 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%.
[Illustration](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/design-and-applied-arts/illustration/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
