Compare 20 Platemaker/Imager. programs in the Midwest. Average earnings: $38,098.
The highest-earning Platemaker/Imager program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $37K earnings gap across 20 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Columbia College Chicago's Platemaker/Imager program leads with graduates earning $56,600, well above the $38,098 average. University of Wisconsin-Stout follows at $53,199, while Illinois State University reaches $49,242—demonstrating how specialized programs at focused institutions often outperform broader competitors.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Columbia College Chicago graduates borrow $25,000 and face a 10.1% payment burden, landing in the 'Good' category. For families considering parent loans, University of Wisconsin-Stout leads with a 16.0% family burden versus Columbia's 35.9%—proof that 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 | $53,199 | 33 | $23,000 | Good | $11,000 | Manageable | |
| #3 | $49,242 | 11 | $20,482 | Good | $28,767 | High | |
| #4 | Bradley UniversityPrivate | $48,515 | 23 | $27,000 | Manageable | $41,405 | High |
| #5 | Carroll UniversityPrivate | $46,659 | 9 | $27,000 | Manageable | $32,186 | High |
| #6 | $44,174 | 15 | $19,691 | Manageable | $17,670 | High | |
| #7 | $43,025 | 58 | $25,000 | Manageable | $25,947 | High | |
| #8 | Depaul UniversityPrivate | $41,537 | 43 | $23,168 | Manageable | $41,563 | High |
| #9 | Ferris State UniversityPublic | $41,149 | 61 | $21,000 | Manageable | $14,849 | High |
| #10 | College For Creative StudiesPrivate | $40,979 | 55 | $26,000 | Challenging | $73,420 | High |
| #11 | $40,896 | 16 | $22,024 | Manageable | $22,127 | High | |
| #12 | Baker CollegePrivate | $40,598 | 12 | $25,000 | Challenging | $9,540 | High |
| #13 | $39,455 | 43 | $18,969 | Manageable | $10,000 | Challenging | |
| #14 | Webster UniversityPrivate | $32,735 | 14 | $23,000 | High | $13,587 | High |
| #15 | $30,491 | 44 | $27,000 | High | $55,612 | High | |
| #16 | $28,635 | 6 | $25,251 | High | $20,764 | High | |
| #17 | $24,375 | 27 | $27,000 | High | $30,397 | High | |
| #18 | Huntington UniversityPrivate | $20,140 | 11 | $25,576 | High | $24,974 | High |
| #19 | Kansas City Art InstitutePrivate | $20,140 | 21 | $27,000 | High | $33,642 | High |
| #20 | Cleveland Institute Of ArtPrivate | $19,409 | 20 | $27,000 | High | $60,640 | 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 →
