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Featured Design & Applied Arts Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
AA in Digital Photography
Take the first step toward a career of visual expression and doing what you love with this online associate degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
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BA in Digital Photography
Learn to create a striking portfolio and hone the skills you need to succeed in the world of professional photography with this online digital photography degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
Learn More
2026 Best Value Design & Applied Arts Schools in Illinois
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in design & applied arts, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Design & Applied Arts Schools
Elgin Community College tops our 2026 list of the best value design & applied arts schools in Illinois. Elgin Community College is a large public school located in the city of Elgin. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,252, with out-of-state students paying around $9,516. Typical student debt for design & applied arts graduates is $7,727. Design & Applied Arts graduates of Elgin Community College earn a median of $43,975 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $7,727 median debt.
A rank of #2 makes Triton College one of the best values for design & applied arts. Located in the suburb of River Grove, Triton College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,070, compared with $15,330 for out-of-state students. Design & Applied Arts graduates carry a median of $12,994 in student loans. Soon after graduation, design & applied arts degree recipients from Triton College generally make around $43,278. That is a strong return on a $12,994 median debt.
College Of Dupage is a great value for students pursuing a degree in design & applied arts, landing the #3 spot this year. College Of Dupage is a very large public school located in the suburb of Glen Ellyn. In-state tuition and fees average $4,560, compared with $12,750 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,077 to complete the design & applied arts program here. Early-career design & applied arts graduates make about $31,798. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Joliet Junior College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value design & applied arts schools. Joliet Junior College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Joliet. In-state tuition and fees average $4,530, while out-of-state students pay about $13,800. Design & Applied Arts graduates carry a median of $11,995 in student loans. Design & Applied Arts graduates of Joliet Junior College earn a median of $40,118 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,995 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Harper College earned it the #5 place for design & applied arts. Harper College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Palatine. In-state tuition and fees average $3,894, compared with $11,874 for out-of-state students. Design & Applied Arts graduates carry a median of $10,963 in student loans. Early-career design & applied arts graduates make about $44,523. Set against $10,963 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
ADBLOCK #101
Mchenry County College placed #6 among the best values for design & applied arts. Set in the rural area of Crystal Lake, Mchenry County College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,162, with out-of-state students paying around $14,399. Design & Applied Arts graduates carry a median of $7,440 in student loans. Design & Applied Arts graduates of Mchenry County College earn a median of $24,177 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $7,440 median debt.
Rend Lake College came in at #7 for value in design & applied arts this year. Rend Lake College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Ina. Students from in state pay about $4,500 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,800 for out-of-state students. Design & Applied Arts graduates carry a median of $8,688 in student loans. Soon after graduation, design & applied arts degree recipients from Rend Lake College generally make around $42,770. That is a strong return on a $8,688 median debt.
Sauk Valley Community College came in at #8 for value in design & applied arts this year. Sauk Valley Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Dixon. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,340, with out-of-state students paying around $12,900. Design & Applied Arts graduates carry a median of $12,811 in student loans. Design & Applied Arts graduates of Sauk Valley Community College earn a median of $48,855 early in their careers. Set against $12,811 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of Illinois At Chicago landed the #9 spot for design & applied arts value this year. University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public school located in the city of Chicago. Students from in state pay about $15,949 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,750 to complete the design & applied arts program here. Early-career design & applied arts graduates make about $34,377. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%.
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #10 for value in design & applied arts this year. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Design & Applied Arts graduates carry a median of $18,839 in student loans. Early-career design & applied arts graduates make about $34,670. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.
[Design & Applied Arts](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/design-and-applied-arts/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
