Compare 10 Illustration. programs in Wisconsin. Average earnings: $40,116.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Illustration tells a different story. Across 10 programs in Wisconsin, earnings range from $26,353 to $51,862—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
University Of Wisconsin-Madison's Illustration program leads with graduates earning $51,862, well above the $40,116 state average. Milwaukee Institute Of Art & Design follows at $47,768, while UW-Stout reaches $47,390—proving specialized art schools compete directly with flagship programs.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. UW-Madison graduates borrow $20,484 and face just a 9.6% payment burden, landing in the 'Good' category. UW-Stout offers the best family value with a 19.7% combined burden, while Milwaukee Art & Design's 38.0% family burden requires careful planning.
Highest program earnings: $51,862
Strong outcomes ($47,768) with 63% acceptance
9.6% payment burden | Good - payment 8-12% of discretionary
19.7% family burden | Challenging - payment 18-25% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $51,862 | 35 | $20,484 | Good | $28,364 | Challenging | |
| #2 | $47,768 | 91 | $27,000 | Manageable | $37,230 | High | |
| #3 | $47,390 | 154 | $23,000 | Manageable | $11,000 | Challenging | |
| #4 | Carthage CollegePrivate | $42,358 | 20 | $26,000 | Challenging | $42,940 | High |
| #5 | $41,243 | 25 | $21,503 | Manageable | $14,012 | High | |
| #6 | Saint Norbert CollegePrivate | $37,856 | 16 | $26,731 | Challenging | $37,792 | High |
| #7 | Mount Mary UniversityPrivate | $37,070 | 17 | $25,288 | Challenging | $18,000 | High |
| #8 | $35,270 | 18 | $18,500 | Challenging | $13,480 | High | |
| #9 | $33,993 | 9 | $25,750 | High | $24,831 | High | |
| #10 | Edgewood CollegePrivate | $26,353 | 7 | $24,424 | High | $20,000 | 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 →
