by our College Data Analytics Team
[Illustration](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/design-and-applied-arts/illustration/) 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.
College Factual analyzed 3 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value illustration schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the illustration degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Capital Community College, our #1 best value for illustration in Connecticut. Located in the city of New Britain, Capital Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,338, compared with $15,596 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for illustration graduates is $12,059. Early-career illustration graduates make about $43,086. That is a strong return on a $12,059 median debt.
A rank of #2 makes University Of Hartford one of the best values for illustration. University Of Hartford is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of West Hartford. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,075. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the illustration program here. Illustration graduates of University Of Hartford earn a median of $29,515 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes University Of New Haven one of the best values for illustration. Set in the suburb of West Haven, University Of New Haven is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $47,332 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for illustration graduates is $27,000. Illustration graduates of University Of New Haven earn a median of $49,615 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of New Haven admits about 60% of applicants.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.