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#1 #1 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. School of Visual Arts New York, NY Each year, the School of Visual Arts awards about 239 degrees to students majoring in Illustration, the institution’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design, Computer Graphics, and Photography....view more Acceptance Rate 93% Annual Degrees Awarded 239 SAT Score 1,210–1,420 Median Starting Salary $51,847
#2 #2 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Art Center College of Design Pasadena, CA At the Art Center College of Design, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Illustration, Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects, and Graphic Design....view more Acceptance Rate 76% Annual Degrees Awarded 187 SAT Score -- Median Starting Salary $50,252
#3 #3 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Ringling College of Art and Design Sarasota, FL Annually, Ringling College of Art and Design awards around 124 degrees to those studying Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects, the school’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 70% Annual Degrees Awarded 110 SAT Score -- Median Starting Salary $53,986
#4 #4 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Maryland Institute College of Art Baltimore, MD Every year, Maryland Institute College of Art grants around 90 degrees to those studying Illustration, which is the school’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 77% Annual Degrees Awarded 90 SAT Score 1,060–1,350 Median Starting Salary $56,250
#5 #5 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Massachusetts College of Art and Design Boston, MA At Massachusetts College of Art and Design, the three most popular college majors students study are Illustration, Cinematography and Film/Video Production, and Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia....view more Acceptance Rate 76% Annual Degrees Awarded 89 SAT Score 990–1,180 Median Starting Salary $57,230
#6 #6 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Columbus College of Art & Design Columbus, OH At Columbus College of Art & Design, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Illustration, Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects, and Commercial and Advertising Art....view more Acceptance Rate 72% Annual Degrees Awarded 77 SAT Score 1,010–1,240 Median Starting Salary $55,105
#7 #7 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design Milwaukee, WI Annually, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design awards about 72 degrees to students studying Illustration, the school’s most popular major. Other often-pursued majors include Fine/Studio Arts, General, Graphic Design, and Interior Architecture....view more Acceptance Rate 63% Annual Degrees Awarded 72 SAT Score -- Median Starting Salary $53,551
#8 #8 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Rhode Island School of Design Providence, RI At Rhode Island School of Design, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Systems Science and Theory, Illustration, and Computer Graphics. In fact, Rhode Island School of Design awards 92 degrees every year to Systems Science and Theory majors....view more Acceptance Rate 19% Annual Degrees Awarded 88 SAT Score 1,400–1,530 Median Starting Salary $55,718
#9 #9 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Savannah College of Art and Design Savannah, GA At Savannah College of Art and Design, the most popular majors students pursue are Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects, Illustration, and Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia....view more Acceptance Rate 84% Annual Degrees Awarded 363 SAT Score 1,080–1,280 Median Starting Salary $53,969
#10 #10 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Minneapolis College of Art and Design Minneapolis, MN Each year, Minneapolis College of Art and Design grants about 45 degrees to students studying Illustration, the school’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects, Painting, and Graphic Design....view more Acceptance Rate 48% Annual Degrees Awarded 45 SAT Score 1,170–1,380 Median Starting Salary $52,887
#11 #11 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design Lakewood, CO At Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, the most popular majors students pursue are Illustration, Interior Design, Animation, Interactive Technology, and Video Graphics and Special Effects....view more Acceptance Rate 87% Annual Degrees Awarded 79 SAT Score 990–1,160 Median Starting Salary $51,847
#12 #12 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Montserrat College of Art Beverly, MA Each year, Montserrat College of Art grants around 21 degrees to students majoring in Illustration, the school’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects, Graphic Design, and Painting....view more Acceptance Rate 79% Annual Degrees Awarded 21 SAT Score 850–850 Median Starting Salary $54,325
#13 #13 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Moore College of Art and Design Philadelphia, PA Annually, Moore College of Art and Design awards around 22 degrees to students majoring in Illustration, the school’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Digital Arts, Graphic Design, and Interior Design....view more Acceptance Rate 61% Annual Degrees Awarded 22 SAT Score 1,070–1,270 Median Starting Salary $53,297
#14 #14 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA Every year, Virginia Commonwealth University grants about 458 degrees to those studying Psychology, General, which is the institution’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Health Teacher Education, Business/Commerce, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 92% Annual Degrees Awarded 131 SAT Score 1,040–1,310 Median Starting Salary $51,475
#15 #15 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Nossi College of Art and Design Nashville, TN At Nossi College of Art and Design, the three most popular college majors students study are Illustration, Graphic Design, and Commercial Photography. In fact, Nossi College of Art and Design awards 14 degrees every year to graduating Illustration students....view more Acceptance Rate 43% Annual Degrees Awarded 14 SAT Score -- Median Starting Salary $51,847
#16 #16 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Cleveland Institute of Art Cleveland, OH Each year, Cleveland Institute of Art awards about 29 degrees to those studying Illustration, the school’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects, Painting, and Industrial and Product Design....view more Acceptance Rate 56% Annual Degrees Awarded 29 SAT Score 1,090–1,280 Median Starting Salary $53,445
#17 #17 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Laguna College of Art and Design Laguna Beach, CA At Laguna College of Art and Design, the most popular majors students pursue are Illustration, Game and Interactive Media Design, Animation, Interactive Technology, and Video Graphics and Special Effects....view more Acceptance Rate 96% Annual Degrees Awarded 40 SAT Score -- Median Starting Salary $55,305
#18 #18 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Pennsylvania College of Art and Design Lancaster, PA At Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, the most popular majors students study are Illustration, Fine/Studio Arts, General, and Game and Interactive Media Design. In fact, Pennsylvania College of Art and Design grants 23 degrees every year to graduating Illustration students....view more Acceptance Rate 99% Annual Degrees Awarded 23 SAT Score -- Median Starting Salary $55,163
#19 #19 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Kansas City Art Institute Kansas City, MO Annually, Kansas City Art Institute awards around 31 degrees to those studying Illustration, which is the institution’s most popular major. Other often-pursued majors include Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects, Painting, and Graphic Design....view more Acceptance Rate 55% Annual Degrees Awarded 31 SAT Score 890–1,230 Median Starting Salary $54,644
#20 #20 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. The New School New York, NY Each year, The New School awards about 230 degrees to those studying Fashion/Apparel Design, which is the institution’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design, Fine and Studio Arts Management, and Illustration....view more Acceptance Rate 83% Annual Degrees Awarded 89 SAT Score 1,170–1,370 Median Starting Salary $49,833
#21 #21 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Maine College of Art & Design Portland, ME Each year, Maine College of Art & Design grants around 21 degrees to those studying Illustration, the school’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects, Painting, and Ceramic Arts and Ceramics....view more Acceptance Rate 78% Annual Degrees Awarded 21 SAT Score 870–1,190 Median Starting Salary $55,105
#22 #22 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Pratt Institute-Main Brooklyn, NY Every year, Pratt Institute-Main grants about 129 degrees to students majoring in Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology, which is the school’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Graphic Design, Industrial and Product Design, and Interior Design....view more Acceptance Rate 73% Annual Degrees Awarded 65 SAT Score 1,150–1,400 Median Starting Salary $54,861
#23 #23 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Pacific Northwest College of Art Portland, OR At Pacific Northwest College of Art, the most popular majors students pursue are Illustration, Digital Arts, and Graphic Design. In fact, Pacific Northwest College of Art grants 33 degrees annually to Illustration majors....view more Acceptance Rate 75% Annual Degrees Awarded 33 SAT Score -- Median Starting Salary $53,618
#24 #24 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Art Academy of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH Every year, the Art Academy of Cincinnati awards about 11 degrees to those majoring in Design and Visual Communications, General, the institution’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Illustration, Photography, and Painting....view more Acceptance Rate 33% Annual Degrees Awarded 10 SAT Score 740–1,170 Median Starting Salary $53,636
#25 #25 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. College for Creative Studies Detroit, MI At the College for Creative Studies, the most popular majors students study are Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General, Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects, and Illustration....view more Acceptance Rate 92% Annual Degrees Awarded 44 SAT Score 990–1,210 Median Starting Salary $55,125
#26 #26 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Syracuse University Syracuse, NY At Syracuse University, the most popular majors students pursue are Psychology, General, Sport and Fitness Administration/Management, and Information Science/Studies. In fact, Syracuse University awards 233 degrees annually to graduating Psychology, General students....view more Acceptance Rate 46% Annual Degrees Awarded 11 SAT Score 1,290–1,440 Median Starting Salary $53,877
#27 #27 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. University of the Arts Philadelphia, PA Each year, the University of the Arts awards around 64 degrees to students studying Dance, General, which is the school’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Music Management, Musical Theatre, Music Performance, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 78% Annual Degrees Awarded 19 SAT Score 930–1,170 Median Starting Salary $58,523
#28 #28 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester, NY At Rochester Institute of Technology, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Modeling, and Virtual Environments and Simulation. In fact, Rochester Institute of Technology awards 195 degrees per year to Computer Science majors....view more Acceptance Rate 67% Annual Degrees Awarded 32 SAT Score 1,280–1,460 Median Starting Salary $50,983
#29 #29 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. California College of the Arts San Francisco, CA At California College of the Arts, the most popular majors students study are Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects, Illustration, and Industrial and Product Design....view more Acceptance Rate 91% Annual Degrees Awarded 32 SAT Score 940–1,220 Median Starting Salary $51,893
#30 #30 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. John Brown University Siloam Springs, AR Annually, John Brown University grants around 34 degrees to students studying Psychology, General, the institution’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, and Family and Community Services....view more Acceptance Rate 68% Annual Degrees Awarded 13 SAT Score 1,110–1,350 Median Starting Salary $50,442
#31 #31 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. University of Hartford West Hartford, CT Annually, the University of Hartford awards around 61 degrees to students studying Psychology, General, the institution’s most popular major. Other often-pursued majors include Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General, and Mechanical Engineering....view more Acceptance Rate 96% Annual Degrees Awarded 27 SAT Score 1,130–1,320 Median Starting Salary $54,385
#32 #32 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Lesley University Cambridge, MA Annually, Lesley University grants about 47 degrees to those majoring in Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other, the school’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Psychology, General, Digital Arts, and Illustration....view more Acceptance Rate 94% Annual Degrees Awarded 25 SAT Score 1,040–1,240 Median Starting Salary $53,463
#33 #33 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Brigham Young University Provo, UT At Brigham Young University, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Research and Experimental Psychology, Other, Exercise Physiology, Finance, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 69% Annual Degrees Awarded 16 SAT Score 1,310–1,440 Median Starting Salary $48,720
#34 #34 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Marywood University Scranton, PA At Marywood University, the most popular majors students study are Architecture, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Psychology, and General. In fact, Marywood University awards 50 degrees per year to graduating Architecture students....view more Acceptance Rate 61% Annual Degrees Awarded 7 SAT Score 1,070–1,250 Median Starting Salary $55,082
#35 #35 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. St. John's University-New York Queens, NY Each year, St- John's University-New York grants around 250 degrees to those majoring in Biology/Biological Sciences, General, which is the school’s most popular major. Other often-pursued majors include Business Administration and Management, General, Psychology, General, Finance, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 83% Annual Degrees Awarded 6 SAT Score 1,160–1,340 Median Starting Salary $51,450
#36 #36 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Arcadia University Glenside, PA Every year, Arcadia University grants around 66 degrees to those studying Biology/Biological Sciences, General, which is the institution’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Psychology, General, Public Health, General, and Actuarial Science....view more Acceptance Rate 80% Annual Degrees Awarded 7 SAT Score 1,090–1,280 Median Starting Salary $54,144
#37 #37 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. SUNY at Fredonia Fredonia, NY At SUNY at Fredonia, the most popular majors students study are Psychology, General, Business Administration and Management, General, and Elementary Education and Teaching. In fact, SUNY at Fredonia grants 67 degrees annually to graduating Psychology, General students....view more Acceptance Rate 79% Annual Degrees Awarded 24 SAT Score 1,080–1,310 Median Starting Salary $54,693
#38 #38 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. George Fox University Newberg, OR At George Fox University, the three most popular college majors students study are Elementary Education and Teaching, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Business Administration and Management, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 94% Annual Degrees Awarded 9 SAT Score 1,060–1,340 Median Starting Salary $53,449
#39 #39 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Seattle Pacific University Seattle, WA Every year, Seattle Pacific University grants about 87 degrees to students majoring in Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, which is the school’s most popular major. Other often-pursued majors include Psychology, General, Business/Commerce, General, and Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies....view more Acceptance Rate 83% Annual Degrees Awarded 9 SAT Score 1,070–1,310 Median Starting Salary $53,842
#40 #40 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Grace College and Theological Seminary Winona Lake, IN At Grace College and Theological Seminary, the most popular majors students study are Psychology, General, Elementary Education and Teaching, Business Administration and Management, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 81% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 970–1,190 Median Starting Salary $54,279
#41 #41 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. University of New Haven West Haven, CT Annually, the University of New Haven grants about 215 degrees to those majoring in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration, which is the school’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 60% Annual Degrees Awarded 4 SAT Score 1,080–1,280 Median Starting Salary $56,736
#42 #42 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Ferris State University Big Rapids, MI Each year, Ferris State University grants around 150 degrees to those majoring in Business Administration and Management, General, the institution’s most popular major. Other often-pursued majors include Criminal Justice/Police Science, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, and General Studies....view more Acceptance Rate 92% Annual Degrees Awarded 30 SAT Score 900–1,130 Median Starting Salary $50,925
#43 #43 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth North Dartmouth, MA At the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, the most popular majors students pursue are Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Other, Psychology, General, and Criminology....view more Acceptance Rate 91% Annual Degrees Awarded 13 SAT Score 1,070–1,280 Median Starting Salary $50,555
#44 #44 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. California Baptist University Riverside, CA Every year, California Baptist University grants about 179 degrees to those studying Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, which is the school’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 85% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 930–1,210 Median Starting Salary $51,049
#45 #45 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Columbia College Chicago Chicago, IL Each year, Columbia College Chicago awards about 212 degrees to those majoring in Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects, which is the school’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 75% Annual Degrees Awarded 47 SAT Score -- Median Starting Salary $53,431
#46 #46 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. New England College Henniker, NH Each year, New England College awards around 35 degrees to those majoring in Criminal Justice/Police Science, which is the institution’s most popular major. Other often-pursued majors include Business Administration and Management, General, Psychology, General, and Illustration....view more Acceptance Rate 92% Annual Degrees Awarded 19 SAT Score 820–1,040 Median Starting Salary $49,548
#47 #47 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Cornish College of the Arts Seattle, WA At Cornish College of the Arts, the three most popular college majors students study are Fine/Studio Arts, General, Musical Theatre, Music Performance, and General. In fact, Cornish College of the Arts grants 12 degrees every year to Fine/Studio Arts, General majors....view more Acceptance Rate 70% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score -- Median Starting Salary $55,382
#48 #48 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Academy of Art University San Francisco, CA At Academy of Art University, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects, Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation, Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 100% Annual Degrees Awarded 32 SAT Score -- Median Starting Salary $51,847
#49 #49 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Belmont University Nashville, TN Annually, Belmont University grants about 249 degrees to students majoring in Music Management, which is the school’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 95% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,180–1,370 Median Starting Salary $56,974
#50 #50 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Fashion Institute of Technology New York, NY Annually, Fashion Institute of Technology awards around 406 degrees to students studying Fashion Merchandising, which is the school’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Communication Management and Strategic Communications, Fashion/Apparel Design, and International Marketing....view more Acceptance Rate 60% Annual Degrees Awarded 89 SAT Score -- Median Starting Salary $51,847
#51 #51 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Philadelphia, PA At Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the most popular majors students pursue are Painting, Illustration, and Sculpture. In fact, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts awards 11 degrees every year to Painting majors....view more Acceptance Rate 86% Annual Degrees Awarded 6 SAT Score -- Median Starting Salary $53,403
#52 #52 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Sessions College for Professional Design Tempe, AZ At Sessions College for Professional Design, only two majors are offered: Graphic Design, and Illustration....view more Acceptance Rate 86% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score -- Median Starting Salary $51,847
*The estimated net prices above are College Raptor’s estimate. Please contact the college financial aid office for actual net cost figures.

About Illustration

Illustration programs prepare individuals to use artistic techniques to develop and execute interpretations of the concepts of authors and designers to specifications. Includes instruction in book illustration, fashion illustration, map illustration, rendering, exhibit preparation, textual layout, cartooning, and the use of various artistic techniques as requested by clients.

Students studying Illustration can advance up to a Postbaccalaureate certificate. On average, 78% percent of women and 22% percent of men make up the degrees awarded across all college campuses. Of all the US states, New York is where degrees in Illustration are most popular. The Median Starting Salary for an undergraduate degree in Illustration is $36,800.

Popularity of Illustration Degrees in the U.S.

This heat map represents the states that have the highest percent of Illustration degrees compared to all other degrees awarded in that state.

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Careers

Majoring in Illustration, your experience can be applied to different careers. Illustration majors go on to find jobs including Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary and Designers, All Other which are in high demand. Some of the top paying jobs for Illustration majors include Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary, Artists and Related Workers, All Other and Set and Exhibit Designers.

Top Paying Careers

These are the highest paying careers for Illustration majors.

Most In-Demand Careers

These are the careers in highest demand for Illustration majors.

Student Demographics

Total Students

2,497

Female Students

1,950 (78%)

Male Students

547 (21%)

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Illustration

#1 Best College for Illustration in the U.S.

93%

239

1,210–1,420

$51,847

#2 Best College for Illustration in the U.S.

76%

187

--

$50,252

#3 Best College for Illustration in the U.S.

70%

110

--

$53,986

#4 Best College for Illustration in the U.S.

77%

90

1,060–1,350

$56,250

#5 Best College for Illustration in the U.S.

76%

89

990–1,180

$57,230

#6 Best College for Illustration in the U.S.

72%

77

1,010–1,240

$55,105

#7 Best College for Illustration in the U.S.

63%

72

--

$53,551

#8 Best College for Illustration in the U.S.

19%

88

1,400–1,530

$55,718

#9 Best College for Illustration in the U.S.

84%

363

1,080–1,280

$53,969

#10 Best College for Illustration in the U.S.

48%

45

1,170–1,380

$52,887

#11 Best College for Illustration in the U.S.

87%

79

990–1,160

$51,847

#12 Best College for Illustration in the U.S.

79%

21

850–850

$54,325

#13 Best College for Illustration in the U.S.

61%

22

1,070–1,270

$53,297

#14 Best College for Illustration in the U.S.

92%

131

1,040–1,310

$51,475

#15 Best College for Illustration in the U.S.

43%

14

--

$51,847

#16 Best College for Illustration in the U.S.

56%

29

1,090–1,280