2026 Best Value Illustration Schools in Massachusetts

1

University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth
North Dartmouth, MA

Leading the list is University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth, our #1 best value for illustration in Massachusetts. Located in the suburb of North Dartmouth, University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,612, compared with $32,567 for out-of-state students. Illustration graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Illustration graduates of University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth earn a median of $29,660 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%.

2

Massachusetts College Of Art And Design
Boston, MA

Massachusetts College Of Art And Design came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value illustration schools. Located in the city of Boston, Massachusetts College Of Art And Design is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,400, compared with $43,400 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete the illustration program here. Early-career illustration graduates make about $24,706. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%.

3

Boston University
Boston, MA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Boston University earned it the #3 place for illustration. Located in the city of Boston, Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,102. Students borrow a median of $21,250 to complete the illustration program here. Soon after graduation, illustration degree recipients from Boston University generally make around $49,254. Set against $21,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.

4

Lesley University
Cambridge, MA

Lesley University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value illustration schools. Located in the city of Cambridge, Lesley University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,256. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete the illustration program here. Soon after graduation, illustration degree recipients from Lesley University generally make around $25,227. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.

5

Northeastern University
Boston, MA

Northeastern University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in illustration, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Boston, Northeastern University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $66,162. Students borrow a median of $28,250 to complete the illustration program here. Early-career illustration graduates make about $74,800. That is a strong return on a $28,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 5%.

6

Montserrat College Of Art
Beverly, MA

Montserrat College Of Art earned the #6 position for value in illustration this year. Located in the suburb of Beverly, Montserrat College Of Art is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,690. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the illustration program here. Early-career illustration graduates make about $19,865. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.