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Best Design and Applied Arts Schools in Illinois

Illinois has 11 colleges offering Design and Applied Arts programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 770 recent graduates. Graduates in Illinois earn $32,368 on average within two years — 6% below the national average of $34,594. Lower cost of living or industry mix may explain the gap.

School choice matters significantly: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn $41,565 while American Academy of Art College graduates earn $23,719 — a $17,846 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

11
Schools in IL
$32,368
IL Avg. Earnings
$34,594
National Avg.
311
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Design and Applied Arts in Illinois

Public Schools (2)
$34,104
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (8)
$33,016
avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in Illinois produce comparable or higher early earnings for Design and Applied Arts graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.

Design and Applied Arts Schools in Illinois, Ranked by Earnings

#1
U

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

$41,565
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $44,353
Graduates: 70
Acceptance: 43.7%
#2
D

DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private

$41,193
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $32,912
Graduates: 43
Acceptance: 73.5%
#3
B

Bradley University

Peoria, IL · Private

$38,289
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $32,786
Graduates: 28
Acceptance: 76.7%
#4
N

North Central College

Naperville, IL · Private

$33,993
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $39,366
Graduates: 25
Acceptance: 58.3%
#5
D

Dominican University

River Forest, IL · Private

$31,133
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $27,196
Graduates: 29
Acceptance: 79.8%
#6
T

Trinity International University-Illinois

Deerfield, IL · Private

$30,409
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 93.2%
#7
C

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$29,737
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $29,065
Graduates: 429
Acceptance: 91.2%
#8
A

Augustana College

Rock Island, IL · Private

$29,685
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 67.7%
#9
L

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$29,685
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 81.4%
#10
U

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL · Public

$26,643
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $33,866
Graduates: 96
Acceptance: 78.5%
#11
A

American Academy of Art College

Chicago, IL ·

$23,719
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $22,434
Graduates: 50
Acceptance: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Design and Applied Arts in Illinois?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ranks #1 for Design and Applied Arts in Illinois with median graduate earnings of $41,565 within two years of graduation. There are 11 schools offering Design and Applied Arts programs in the state.
How much do Design and Applied Arts graduates earn in Illinois?
Design and Applied Arts graduates in Illinois earn an average of $32,368 within two years of graduation. This is 6% below the national average of $34,594 for this major.
What is the hardest Design and Applied Arts school to get into in Illinois?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the most selective Design and Applied Arts program in Illinois with an acceptance rate of 43.7%. The average acceptance rate across Design and Applied Arts programs in the state is 74.4%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Design and Applied Arts in Illinois?
In Illinois, private Design and Applied Arts programs produce average earnings of $33,016 vs $34,104 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 2 public and 8 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Illinois

Mathematics and Computer Science $76,967 Chemical Engineering $69,173 Industrial Engineering $69,102 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $68,897 Engineering, General $67,238 Computer Science $66,656 Computer Engineering $65,978 Materials Engineering $64,773
All colleges in Illinois →

Design and Applied Arts in Other States

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.