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2027 Best Art Studies Schools in Illinois

10 Colleges in the United States
309 Art Studies Degrees Awarded
$33,300 Avg Early-Career Salary

Art Studies is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

College Factual analyzed 10 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best art studies schools.

What’s on this page:

Best Schools for Art Studies in Illinois

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall art studies education in Illinois.

Top Schools in Art Studies

1

Leading the list is Illinois State University, our #1 school for art studies. Located in the suburb of Normal, Illinois State University is a very large public university. Illinois State University graduates 64% of students within six years. There were roughly 102 art studies students who graduated with this degree at Illinois State University in the most recent data year. Art Studies graduates of Illinois State University earn a median of $35,967 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $20,125. Read more about the art studies program at Illinois State University

2

Eastern Illinois University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in art studies, ranking #2. Set in the town of Charleston, Eastern Illinois University is a large public institution. Eastern Illinois University graduates 47% of students within six years. There were roughly 73 art studies students who graduated with this degree at Eastern Illinois University in the most recent data year. Art Studies graduates of Eastern Illinois University earn a median of $40,891 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete this degree. Read more about the art studies program at Eastern Illinois University

3

Northern Illinois University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in art studies, landing the #3 spot this year. This large public university is located in the suburb of Dekalb. The six-year graduation rate is 49%. There were roughly 22 art studies students who graduated with this degree at Northern Illinois University in the most recent data year. Art Studies graduates of Northern Illinois University earn a median of $26,795 early in their careers. Northern Illinois University graduates carry a median of $25,781 in student loans. See the full art studies program report for Northern Illinois University

4

A rank of #4 makes Saint Xavier University one of the top schools for art studies. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Chicago. Roughly 57% of students complete a degree within six years here. Saint Xavier University awarded about 11 art studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their art studies degree from Saint Xavier University earn around $51,753 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $25,735 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in art studies from Saint Xavier University

5
Depaul University crest
Depaul University
Chicago, IL

Depaul University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in art studies, ranking #5. Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. Depaul University graduates 68% of students within six years. There were roughly 20 art studies students who graduated with this degree at Depaul University in the most recent data year. Art Studies graduates of Depaul University earn a median of $27,291 early in their careers. Depaul University graduates carry a median of $26,999 in student loans. See the full art studies program report for Depaul University

6

Northeastern Illinois University ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best art studies schools. Located in the city of Chicago, Northeastern Illinois University is a moderately-sized public university. Roughly 22% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 11 art studies students who graduated with this degree at Northeastern Illinois University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, art studies degree recipients from Northeastern Illinois University generally make around $30,845. Northeastern Illinois University graduates carry a median of $20,319 in student loans. Get the full art studies details for Northeastern Illinois University

7
Governors State University crest
Governors State University
University Park, IL

Governors State University placed #7 among the best art studies schools. Set in the suburb of University Park, Governors State University is a moderately-sized public institution. About 21% of students finish within six years. About 16 art studies degrees were awarded at Governors State University in the most recent year. Art Studies graduates of Governors State University earn a median of $51,711 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $24,990 to complete this degree. Read more about the art studies program at Governors State University

8

Western Illinois University ranked #8 on our 2027 list of the best art studies schools. This moderately-sized public university is located in the town of Macomb. About 45% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 10 art studies students who graduated with this degree at Western Illinois University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their art studies degree from Western Illinois University earn around $26,196 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000. Read more about the art studies program at Western Illinois University

9

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville landed the #9 spot for art studies this year. Located in the suburb of Edwardsville, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a large public university. About 55% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 30 art studies students who graduated with this degree at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in the most recent data year. Graduates of the art studies program make about $25,259 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $27,280. More information about a degree in art studies from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

10

Olivet Nazarene University landed the #10 spot for art studies this year. Located in the suburb of Bourbonnais, Olivet Nazarene University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 61%. About 14 art studies degrees were awarded at Olivet Nazarene University in the most recent year. Art Studies graduates of Olivet Nazarene University earn a median of $16,290 early in their careers. Olivet Nazarene University graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. More information about a degree in art studies from Olivet Nazarene University

View All Art Studies Rankings >

Notes and References

This list is compiled 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 · 10 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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