by our College Data Analytics Team
[Illustration](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/design-and-applied-arts/illustration/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 1 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for illustration students.
What’s on this page:
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
BA in Graphic Design & Media Arts
Translate your creative ideas through concept, design and digital media with a bachelor's in graphic design online from Southern New Hampshire University.
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in illustration, balancing cost against outcomes.
Maine College Of Art tops our 2026 list of the best value illustration schools in Maine. Set in the city of Portland, Maine College Of Art is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,942. Typical student debt for illustration graduates is $27,000. Early-career illustration graduates make about $29,001. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 1 school evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
