Compare 20 Illustration. programs in Pennsylvania. Average earnings: $48,037.
Illustration programs produce graduates earning between $22,718 and $126,932—a $104K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 20 ranked programs in Pennsylvania, outcomes vary dramatically based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Carnegie Mellon University's Illustration program leads with graduates earning $126,932, more than double the state average of $48,037. But the story extends beyond Carnegie Mellon—Drexel University produces graduates earning $62,097 with a 78% acceptance rate, while Temple University delivers $57,777 with 83% acceptance.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Carnegie Mellon graduates borrow $21,750 and face just a 2.9% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. Even at Drexel and Temple, students maintain 'Good' affordability ratings with burdens under 10%, proving strong programs can remain accessible.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Carnegie Mellon UniversityPrivate | $126,932 | 37 | $21,750 | Excellent | $37,130 | Good |
| #2 | Drexel UniversityPrivate | $62,097 | 185 | $25,325 | Good | $40,932 | High |
| #3 | Temple UniversityPublic | $57,777 | 54 | $24,395 | Good | $36,495 | High |
| #4 | $54,690 | 30 | $25,000 | Good | $38,368 | High | |
| #5 | Susquehanna UniversityPrivate | $53,795 | 12 | $27,000 | Good | $46,359 | High |
| #6 | York College Of PennsylvaniaPrivate | $49,817 | 9 | $26,000 | Manageable | $33,999 | High |
| #7 | Mercyhurst UniversityPrivate | $49,690 | 15 | $25,305 | Manageable | $25,932 | High |
| #8 | $48,258 | 24 | $26,798 | Manageable | $26,073 | High | |
| #9 | Thomas Jefferson UniversityPrivate | $46,237 | 68 | $14,744 | Good | $32,255 | High |
| #10 | Marywood UniversityPrivate | $45,948 | 18 | $26,186 | Manageable | $30,588 | High |
| #11 | $44,383 | 53 | $26,000 | Manageable | $26,389 | High | |
| #12 | Arcadia UniversityPrivate | $42,907 | 12 | $27,000 | Challenging | $29,652 | High |
| #13 | Albright CollegePrivate | $39,813 | 25 | $27,000 | Challenging | $31,921 | High |
| #14 | $39,046 | 22 | $23,725 | Challenging | $17,794 | High | |
| #15 | Robert Morris UniversityPrivate | $38,976 | 26 | $26,950 | Challenging | $38,989 | High |
| #16 | University Of The ArtsPrivate | $37,506 | 71 | $27,000 | Challenging | $71,040 | High |
| #17 | $35,957 | 38 | $26,000 | High | $68,228 | High | |
| #18 | Cabrini UniversityPrivate | $35,060 | 7 | $26,000 | High | $33,000 | High |
| #19 | $29,141 | 7 | $24,218 | High | $25,252 | High | |
| #20 | $22,718 | 42 | $27,000 | High | $27,456 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
