Compare 7 Illustration. programs in Washington. Average earnings: $58,439.
The highest-earning Illustration program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $38K earnings gap across 7 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
University of Washington-Seattle Campus's Illustration program leads with graduates earning $71,597, followed closely by Western Washington University at $68,445. The average across all programs is $58,439, but what stands out is how accessible top programs remain—Western Washington accepts 91% of applicants while delivering near-elite outcomes.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of Washington-Seattle graduates borrow $14,615 and face just a 4.1% 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: $71,597
Strong outcomes ($68,445) with 91% acceptance
4.1% payment burden | Excellent
12.1% family burden | Manageable
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $71,597 | 44 | $14,615 | Excellent | $24,883 | Manageable | |
| #2 | $68,445 | 66 | $18,500 | Excellent | $23,123 | Manageable | |
| #3 | Seattle Pacific UniversityPrivate | $68,201 | 33 | $24,000 | Excellent | $37,687 | Challenging |
| #4 | $57,332 | 34 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,968 | Challenging | |
| #5 | Cornish College Of The ArtsPrivate | $55,554 | 33 | $27,000 | Good | $66,828 | High |
| #6 | Seattle UniversityPrivate | $53,951 | 32 | $19,883 | Good | $37,520 | High |
| #7 | Walla Walla UniversityPrivate | $33,993 | 11 | $26,842 | High | $28,131 | 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 →
