by our College Data Analytics TeamPhotography degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.
College Factual analyzed 4 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best photography schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall photography education in the Great Lakes Region.
No school ranked higher than Columbus State Community College this year for photography. Columbus State Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Columbus. About 37 photography degrees were awarded at Columbus State Community College in the most recent year. Typical student debt for the program is $9,041. See the full photography program report for Columbus State Community College
College Of Dupage came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best photography schools. College Of Dupage is a very large public school located in the suburb of Glen Ellyn. There were roughly 21 photography students who graduated with this degree at College Of Dupage in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, photography degree recipients from College Of Dupage generally make around $43,025. Students borrow a median of $12,492 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in photography from College Of Dupage
Columbia College Chicago is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in photography, ranking #3. Located in the city of Chicago, Columbia College Chicago is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 52%. About 51 photography degrees were awarded at Columbia College Chicago in the most recent year. Graduates of the photography program make about $29,694 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,000. See the full photography program report for Columbia College Chicago
College For Creative Studies came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best photography schools. Located in the city of Detroit, College For Creative Studies is a small private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 71%. College For Creative Studies awarded about 10 photography degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the photography program make about $24,350 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000. More information about a degree in photography from College For Creative Studies
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 4 schools evaluated.
More about our data sources and methodologies.