Compare 86 Illustration. programs in the South. Average earnings: $41,931.
The highest-earning Illustration program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $28K earnings gap across 86 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand. Southern programs range from $48,527 to $76,309 in graduate earnings.
The University of Texas at Austin's Illustration program leads with graduates earning $76,309, well above the $41,931 regional average. Georgia Tech follows at $74,666, while Texas Christian rounds out the top three at $65,030. These outcomes reflect program strength, not just school reputation.
High earnings don't tell the whole story — debt burden matters. UT Austin graduates borrow $20,500 and face just a 5.2% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income, proving top programs can also be affordable.
Highest program earnings: $76,309
Strong outcomes ($60,807) with 61% acceptance
5.2% payment burden | Excellent
12.7% family burden | Manageable
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $76,309 | 61 | $20,500 | Excellent | $26,632 | Manageable | |
| #2 | $74,666 | 41 | $21,672 | Excellent | $32,216 | Manageable | |
| #3 | Texas Christian UniversityPrivate | $65,030 | 37 | $21,500 | Excellent | $54,925 | High |
| #4 | University Of FloridaPublic | $62,198 | 54 | $15,000 | Excellent | $18,837 | Manageable |
| #5 | $60,807 | 7 | $19,500 | Excellent | $40,025 | Challenging | |
| #6 | George Washington UniversityPrivate | $60,610 | 23 | $20,449 | Excellent | $30,881 | Challenging |
| #7 | $59,906 | 60 | $21,500 | Excellent | $35,325 | Challenging | |
| #8 | $57,533 | 70 | $20,121 | Excellent | $23,000 | Challenging | |
| #9 | University Of HoustonPublic | $54,250 | 31 | $18,194 | Excellent | $18,072 | Manageable |
| #10 | Texas State UniversityPublic | $54,246 | 126 | $21,000 | Good | $22,500 | Challenging |
| #11 | $51,938 | 31 | $21,000 | Good | $15,191 | Manageable | |
| #12 | Florida State UniversityPublic | $51,681 | 37 | $18,000 | Good | $17,000 | Manageable |
| #13 | Clemson UniversityPublic | $51,270 | 82 | $21,500 | Good | $35,463 | High |
| #14 | Baylor UniversityPrivate | $51,121 | 34 | $23,000 | Good | $50,786 | High |
| #15 | Marymount UniversityPrivate | $51,014 | 47 | $25,000 | Manageable | $45,008 | High |
| #16 | Winthrop UniversityPublic | $50,697 | 17 | $26,975 | Manageable | $23,888 | High |
| #17 | University Of KentuckyPublic | $50,177 | 23 | $22,500 | Good | $30,006 | High |
| #18 | West Virginia UniversityPublic | $50,020 | 65 | $22,500 | Good | $32,980 | High |
| #19 | $48,787 | 47 | $23,250 | Manageable | $16,000 | Challenging | |
| #20 | Auburn UniversityPublic | $48,527 | 132 | $21,000 | Good | $43,605 | High |
| #21 | Stevenson UniversityPrivate | $48,404 | 37 | $26,000 | Manageable | $52,117 | High |
| #22 | $48,073 | 144 | $20,231 | Good | $21,919 | Challenging | |
| #23 | $47,912 | 34 | $22,858 | Manageable | $14,638 | Challenging | |
| #24 | University Of DelawarePublic | $47,260 | 27 | $24,572 | Manageable | $43,000 | High |
| #25 | $47,102 | 44 | $22,750 | Manageable | $48,666 | 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 →
