by our College Data Analytics Team
[Visual Communications](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/design-and-applied-arts/visual-communications/) 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 14 schools to find the best return on investment for visual communications students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in visual communications, balancing cost against outcomes.
College Of Dupage tops our 2026 list of the best value visual communications schools in Illinois. 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. Visual Communications graduates carry a median of $11,077 in student loans. Early-career visual communications graduates make about $31,798. Set against $11,077 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Triton College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in visual communications, landing the #2 spot this year. Triton College is a large public school located in the suburb of River Grove. In-state tuition and fees average $5,070, with out-of-state students paying around $15,330. Visual Communications graduates carry a median of $12,994 in student loans. Visual Communications graduates of Triton College earn a median of $43,278 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #3 makes Mchenry County College one of the best values for visual communications. Set in the rural area of Crystal Lake, Mchenry County College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,162, while out-of-state students pay about $14,399. Typical student debt for visual communications graduates is $7,440. Soon after graduation, visual communications degree recipients from Mchenry County College generally make around $24,177. Set against $7,440 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #4 makes Sauk Valley Community College one of the best values for visual communications. Located in the rural area of Dixon, Sauk Valley Community College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $5,340 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,900 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for visual communications graduates is $12,811. Early-career visual communications graduates make about $48,855. Set against $12,811 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of Illinois At Chicago is a great value for students pursuing a degree in visual communications, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,949 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. Visual Communications graduates carry a median of $25,750 in student loans. Soon after graduation, visual communications degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Chicago generally make around $34,377. Set against $25,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Chicago admits about 77% of applicants.
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Elmhurst College earned the #6 position for value in visual communications this year. Set in the suburb of Elmhurst, Elmhurst College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,955. Students borrow a median of $22,400 to complete the visual communications program here. Visual Communications graduates of Elmhurst College earn a median of $51,232 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,400 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.
Northwestern University placed #7 among the best values for visual communications. Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Evanston. In-state tuition and fees average $68,322. Typical student debt for visual communications graduates is $16,616. Soon after graduation, visual communications degree recipients from Northwestern University generally make around $78,551. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted.
Depaul University landed the #8 spot for visual communications value this year. Set in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,405. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the visual communications program here. Visual Communications graduates of Depaul University earn a median of $30,536 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
Loyola University Chicago ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value visual communications schools. Loyola University Chicago is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,710. Visual Communications graduates carry a median of $23,521 in student loans. Visual Communications graduates of Loyola University Chicago earn a median of $58,568 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Loyola University Chicago admits about 82% of applicants.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 14 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.