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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 254 degrees to students majoring in Illustration, the institution’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 95% Annual Degrees Awarded 254 SAT Score 1,080–1,380 Median Starting Salary $51,847
#2 #2 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 Illustration, Systems Science and Theory, Film/Video and Photographic Arts, and Other. In fact, Rhode Island School of Design awards 119 degrees every year to Illustration majors....view more Acceptance Rate 23% Annual Degrees Awarded 119 SAT Score 1,370–1,510 Median Starting Salary $55,718
#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 132 degrees to those studying Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects, the school’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 68% Annual Degrees Awarded 131 SAT Score -- Median Starting Salary $53,986
#4 #4 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 79% Annual Degrees Awarded 141 SAT Score -- Median Starting Salary $50,252
#5 #5 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design Milwaukee, WI Annually, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design awards about 94 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 61% Annual Degrees Awarded 94 SAT Score 1,020–1,270 Median Starting Salary $53,551
#6 #6 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Maryland Institute College of Art Baltimore, MD Every year, Maryland Institute College of Art grants around 91 degrees to those studying Illustration, which is the school’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 77% Annual Degrees Awarded 91 SAT Score 1,120–1,350 Median Starting Salary $56,250
#7 #7 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 83% Annual Degrees Awarded 430 SAT Score 1,060–1,290 Median Starting Salary $53,969
#8 #8 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 68% Annual Degrees Awarded 64 SAT Score 970–1,190 Median Starting Salary $55,105
#9 #9 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 83% Annual Degrees Awarded 79 SAT Score 990–1,180 Median Starting Salary $57,230
#10 #10 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Cleveland Institute of Art Cleveland, OH Each year, Cleveland Institute of Art awards about 33 degrees to those studying Illustration, the school’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects, Game and Interactive Media Design, and Graphic Design....view more Acceptance Rate 61% Annual Degrees Awarded 33 SAT Score 1,050–1,310 Median Starting Salary $53,445
#11 #11 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 52 degrees to students studying Illustration, the school’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 48% Annual Degrees Awarded 52 SAT Score 1,090–1,340 Median Starting Salary $52,887
#12 #12 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 44 degrees to students majoring in Digital Arts, the school’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Illustration, Fashion/Apparel Design, Fine/Studio Arts, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 56% Annual Degrees Awarded 37 SAT Score 1,200–1,390 Median Starting Salary $53,297
#13 #13 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA Every year, Virginia Commonwealth University grants about 510 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 91% Annual Degrees Awarded 147 SAT Score 1,040–1,300 Median Starting Salary $51,475
#14 #14 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 100% Annual Degrees Awarded 90 SAT Score 990–1,160 Median Starting Salary $51,847
#15 #15 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Montserrat College of Art Beverly, MA Each year, Montserrat College of Art grants around 17 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, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 67% Annual Degrees Awarded 17 SAT Score 810–1,230 Median Starting Salary $54,325
#16 #16 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 Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects, Illustration, and Game and Interactive Media Design....view more Acceptance Rate 96% Annual Degrees Awarded 40 SAT Score -- Median Starting Salary $55,305
#17 #17 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 27 degrees annually to Illustration majors....view more Acceptance Rate 72% Annual Degrees Awarded 27 SAT Score -- Median Starting Salary $53,618
#18 #18 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 Commercial Photography, Graphic Design, and Illustration. In fact, Nossi College of Art and Design awards 21 degrees every year to graduating Commercial Photography students....view more Acceptance Rate 46% Annual Degrees Awarded 14 SAT Score -- Median Starting Salary $51,847
#19 #19 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Kansas City Art Institute Kansas City, MO Annually, Kansas City Art Institute awards around 40 degrees to those studying Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects, which is the institution’s most popular major. Other often-pursued majors include Illustration, Painting, and Graphic Design....view more Acceptance Rate 55% Annual Degrees Awarded 34 SAT Score 890–1,230 Median Starting Salary $54,644
#20 #20 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Art Academy of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH Every year, the Art Academy of Cincinnati awards about 21 degrees to those majoring in Illustration, the institution’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Design and Visual Communications, General, Photography, and Creative Writing....view more Acceptance Rate 32% Annual Degrees Awarded 21 SAT Score 740–1,170 Median Starting Salary $53,636
#21 #21 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 Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects, Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General, and Illustration....view more Acceptance Rate 92% Annual Degrees Awarded 42 SAT Score 990–1,210 Median Starting Salary $55,125
#22 #22 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Syracuse University Syracuse, NY At Syracuse University, the most popular majors students pursue are Psychology, General, Economics, General, Finance, and General. In fact, Syracuse University awards 291 degrees annually to graduating Psychology, General students....view more Acceptance Rate 49% Annual Degrees Awarded 20 SAT Score 1,310–1,440 Median Starting Salary $53,877
#23 #23 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Maine College of Art & Design Portland, ME Each year, Maine College of Art & Design grants around 19 degrees to those studying Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects, the school’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Illustration, Painting, and Ceramic Arts and Ceramics....view more Acceptance Rate 76% Annual Degrees Awarded 16 SAT Score 870–1,190 Median Starting Salary $55,105
#24 #24 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 Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology....view more Acceptance Rate 91% Annual Degrees Awarded 28 SAT Score 940–1,220 Median Starting Salary $51,893
#25 #25 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Taylor University Upland, IN Each year, Taylor University awards about 43 degrees to students studying Psychology, General, the school’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Elementary Education and Teaching, Business Administration and Management, General, and Exercise Physiology....view more Acceptance Rate 99% Annual Degrees Awarded 6 SAT Score 1,110–1,360 Median Starting Salary $55,392
#26 #26 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, Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation, and Mechanical Engineering. In fact, Rochester Institute of Technology awards 231 degrees per year to Computer Science majors....view more Acceptance Rate 67% Annual Degrees Awarded 39 SAT Score 1,280–1,460 Median Starting Salary $50,983
#27 #27 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, Management Science, and Exercise Physiology....view more Acceptance Rate 69% Annual Degrees Awarded 14 SAT Score 1,310–1,440 Median Starting Salary $48,720
#28 #28 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. John Brown University Siloam Springs, AR Annually, John Brown University grants around 29 degrees to students studying Psychology, General, the institution’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Construction Management, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, and Computer Science....view more Acceptance Rate 68% Annual Degrees Awarded 10 SAT Score 1,050–1,340 Median Starting Salary $50,442
#29 #29 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Belmont University Nashville, TN Annually, Belmont University grants about 211 degrees to students majoring in Music Management, which is the school’s most popular major. Other often-pursued majors include Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Music, Other, and Recording Arts Technology/Technician....view more Acceptance Rate 94% Annual Degrees Awarded 8 SAT Score 1,180–1,370 Median Starting Salary $56,974
#30 #30 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Pratt Institute-Main Brooklyn, NY Every year, Pratt Institute-Main grants about 222 degrees to students majoring in Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia, which is the school’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 86% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,120–1,410 Median Starting Salary $54,861
#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....view more Acceptance Rate 96% Annual Degrees Awarded 31 SAT Score 1,130–1,320 Median Starting Salary $54,385
#32 #32 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Otis College of Art and Design Los Angeles, CA At Otis College of Art and Design, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Digital Arts, Fashion/Apparel Design, Fine/Studio Arts, and General. In fact, Otis College of Art and Design awards 123 degrees annually to graduating Digital Arts students....view more Acceptance Rate 80% Annual Degrees Awarded 15 SAT Score 1,270–1,400 Median Starting Salary $50,774
#33 #33 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 211 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 8 SAT Score 1,160–1,340 Median Starting Salary $51,450
#34 #34 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 Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Business Administration and Management, General, and Kinesiology and Exercise Science....view more Acceptance Rate 93% Annual Degrees Awarded 6 SAT Score 1,010–1,360 Median Starting Salary $53,449
#35 #35 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, Music Teacher Education, and Elementary Education and Teaching. In fact, SUNY at Fredonia grants 53 degrees annually to graduating Psychology, General students....view more Acceptance Rate 78% Annual Degrees Awarded 30 SAT Score 1,160–1,360 Median Starting Salary $54,693
#36 #36 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, Biology/Biological Sciences, and General. In fact, Marywood University awards 44 degrees per year to graduating Architecture students....view more Acceptance Rate 79% Annual Degrees Awarded 8 SAT Score 970–1,370 Median Starting Salary $55,082
#37 #37 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Columbia College Chicago Chicago, IL Each year, Columbia College Chicago awards about 251 degrees to those majoring in Cinematography and Film/Video Production, which is the school’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 74% Annual Degrees Awarded 57 SAT Score -- Median Starting Salary $53,431
#38 #38 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Lesley University Cambridge, MA Annually, Lesley University grants about 35 degrees to those majoring in Psychology, General, the school’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other, Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other, and......view more Acceptance Rate 97% Annual Degrees Awarded 21 SAT Score 1,010–1,220 Median Starting Salary $53,463
#39 #39 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Arcadia University Glenside, PA Every year, Arcadia University grants around 51 degrees to those studying Biology/Biological Sciences, General, which is the institution’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 74% Annual Degrees Awarded 12 SAT Score 1,050–1,270 Median Starting Salary $54,144
#40 #40 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Ferris State University Big Rapids, MI Each year, Ferris State University grants around 147 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, General Studies, and Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse....view more Acceptance Rate 82% Annual Degrees Awarded 17 SAT Score 890–1,140 Median Starting Salary $50,925
#41 #41 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Seattle Pacific University Seattle, WA Every year, Seattle Pacific University grants about 96 degrees to students majoring in Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, which is the school’s most popular major. Other often-pursued majors include Business/Commerce, General, Psychology, General, and Computer Science....view more Acceptance Rate 93% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 1,040–1,320 Median Starting Salary $53,842
#42 #42 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. California Baptist University Riverside, CA Every year, California Baptist University grants about 185 degrees to those studying Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, which is the school’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 81% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 870–1,180 Median Starting Salary $51,049
#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, Business Administration and Management, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 89% Annual Degrees Awarded 12 SAT Score 960–1,270 Median Starting Salary $50,555
#44 #44 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Brigham Young University-Idaho Rexburg, ID At Brigham Young University-Idaho, the most popular majors students pursue are Business Administration and Management, General, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General, Human Development and Family Studies, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 96% Annual Degrees Awarded 16 SAT Score 1,010–1,230 Median Starting Salary $50,769
#45 #45 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. New England College Henniker, NH Each year, New England College awards around 25 degrees to those majoring in Business Administration and Management, General, which is the institution’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 86% Annual Degrees Awarded 6 SAT Score 820–1,040 Median Starting Salary $49,548
#46 #46 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 Graphic Design. In fact, Pennsylvania College of Art and Design grants 13 degrees every year to graduating Illustration students....view more Acceptance Rate 99% Annual Degrees Awarded 13 SAT Score -- Median Starting Salary $55,163
#47 #47 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. The New School New York, NY Each year, The New School awards about 271 degrees to those studying Fashion/Apparel Design, which is the institution’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Fine and Studio Arts Management, Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design, and Illustration....view more Acceptance Rate 57% Annual Degrees Awarded 110 SAT Score 1,170–1,370 Median Starting Salary $49,833
#48 #48 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Fashion Institute of Technology New York, NY Annually, Fashion Institute of Technology awards around 417 degrees to students studying Fashion Merchandising, which is the school’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Fashion/Apparel Design, Communication Management and Strategic Communications, and International Marketing....view more Acceptance Rate 67% Annual Degrees Awarded 72 SAT Score -- Median Starting Salary $51,847
#49 #49 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 35 SAT Score -- Median Starting Salary $51,847
#50 #50 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Philadelphia, PA At Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, only three majors are offered: Painting, Illustration, and Printmaking....view more Acceptance Rate 91% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score -- Median Starting Salary $53,403
#51 #51 Best College for Illustration in the U.S. Lake Washington Institute of Technology Kirkland, WA At Lake Washington Institute of Technology, the most popular majors students pursue are Dental Hygiene/Hygienist, Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General, Animation, Interactive Technology, and Video Graphics and Special Effects....view more Acceptance Rate 76% Annual Degrees Awarded 7 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 Bachelors degree. 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 Set and Exhibit Designers which are in high demand. Some of the top paying jobs for Illustration majors include Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary, Set and Exhibit Designers and Artists and Related Workers, All Other.

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

2,581

Female Students

2,026 (78%)

Male Students

555 (21%)

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Illustration

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

95%

254

1,080–1,380

$51,847

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

23%

119

1,370–1,510

$55,718

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

68%

131

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$53,986

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

79%

141

--

$50,252

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

61%

94

1,020–1,270

$53,551

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

77%

91

1,120–1,350

$56,250

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

83%

430

1,060–1,290

$53,969

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

68%

64

970–1,190

$55,105

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

83%

79

990–1,180

$57,230

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

61%

33

1,050–1,310

$53,445

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

48%

52

1,090–1,340

$52,887

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

56%

37

1,200–1,390

$53,297

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

91%

147

1,040–1,300

$51,475

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

100%

90

990–1,160

$51,847

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

67%

17

810–1,230

$54,325

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

96%

40

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