Compare 5 Platemaker/Imager. programs in Illinois. Average earnings: $44,906.
With top graduates earning $56,600, Platemaker/Imager stands out as a field where program choice matters more than school name. The gap between the best and median programs exceeds $12K—proof that evaluating programs individually beats relying on institutional prestige.
Columbia College Chicago's Platemaker/Imager program leads with graduates earning $56,600, well above the $44,906 average across Illinois programs. Illinois State University follows at $49,242, demonstrating that strong outcomes aren't tied to school prestige—they're about program-specific quality and focus.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Columbia College Chicago graduates borrow $25,000 and face just a 10.1% payment burden, landing in the 'Good' category. Illinois State offers lower family debt at $49,249, proving the best choice depends on who's paying.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Columbia College ChicagoPrivate | $56,600 | 82 | $25,000 | Good | $55,700 | High |
| #2 | $49,242 | 11 | $20,482 | Good | $28,767 | High | |
| #3 | Bradley UniversityPrivate | $48,515 | 23 | $27,000 | Manageable | $41,405 | High |
| #4 | Depaul UniversityPrivate | $41,537 | 43 | $23,168 | Manageable | $41,563 | High |
| #5 | $28,635 | 6 | $25,251 | High | $20,764 | 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 →
