by our College Data Analytics Team
[Illustration](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/design-and-applied-arts/illustration/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 4 schools to find the best return on investment 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.
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the illustration degrees they offer, see the list below.
Phoenix College tops our 2026 list of the best value illustration schools in Arizona. Set in the city of Phoenix, Phoenix College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Students borrow a median of $15,204 to complete the illustration program here. Early-career illustration graduates make about $51,053. Set against $15,204 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Mesa Community College earned it the #2 place for illustration. Set in the city of Mesa, Mesa Community College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Illustration graduates carry a median of $13,750 in student loans. Soon after graduation, illustration degree recipients from Mesa Community College generally make around $54,730. Set against $13,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Sessions College For Professional Design came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value illustration schools. Located in the city of Tempe, Sessions College For Professional Design is a small private for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,400. Typical student debt for illustration graduates is $25,199. Soon after graduation, illustration degree recipients from Sessions College For Professional Design generally make around $19,275.
1
2
3
This list is compiled 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 · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
