Graphic Design Degree in Springfield, IL — Salary & ROI 2026
Graphic Design degree analysis for Springfield, IL. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$44K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$66K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
8.7 yrs
in Springfield
Cost of Living
92
index (100 = avg)
Graphic Design in Springfield, IL Overview
Springfield, Illinois (pop. 114,394) has 9 colleges offering Graphic Design programs. The local cost of living index of 92 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $642/month. Graphic Design enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Adobe Creative Suite and Typography. The adjusted starting salary in Springfield is approximately $44,160.
Category
Arts & Design
Local Colleges
9
Public Tuition
$12,413/yr
Private Tuition
$27,201/yr
Room & Board
$13,584/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$7,401/yr
Unemployment
5.8%
Graduation Rate
61%
Graphic Design Salary in Springfield (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Springfield's cost of living index of 92 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Graphic Design salary: $48,000 starting, $72,000 mid-career, $88,000 senior level.Springfield adjustment factor: 0.92x based on the local cost of living index.
Graphic Design ROI Calculator for Springfield
Estimate your return on investment for a Graphic Design degree using local Springfield tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $12,413 | Private avg: $27,201
Springfield avg aid: $7,401/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$103,988
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$11,960
vs HS diploma in Springfield
ROI Payback Period
8.7 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Springfield
$245,612
Lifetime earnings premium ($349,600) minus total education cost ($103,988)
Student Loan Payoff for Graphic Design in Springfield
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Springfield for Graphic Design
University of Illinois Springfield
public
$12,413/yr
$49,652 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Lincoln Land Community College
$4,980/yr
Top Employers for Graphic Design in Springfield
Springfield offers opportunities in Design agencies, Studios, Tech companies for Graphic Design graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Springfield Hiring Sectors for Arts & Design
Design agencies
Studios
Tech companies
Advertising firms
Media companies
Common Graphic Design Job Titles
Graphic Design in Nearby Illinois Cities
Chicago, IL
$52K starting · COL 109
98 colleges
Aurora, IL
$45K starting · COL 92.8
7 colleges
Joliet, IL
$52K starting · COL 108
12 colleges
Naperville, IL
$49K starting · COL 102
13 colleges
Rockford, IL
$43K starting · COL 90
8 colleges
Elgin, IL
$38K starting · COL 79
13 colleges
Peoria, IL
$50K starting · COL 104
5 colleges
Waukegan, IL
$43K starting · COL 90.3
4 colleges
Other Arts & Design Majors in Springfield
UX Design
$46K starting · 3.2 yr ROI
Architecture
$53K starting · 5.5 yr ROI
Animation & Game Design
$46K starting · 4.8 yr ROI
Industrial Design
$46K starting · 4.8 yr ROI
Interior Design
$46K starting · 5.8 yr ROI
Fashion Design
$46K starting · 6.5 yr ROI
Film & Media Studies
$46K starting · 7.5 yr ROI
Fine Arts
$46K starting · 9 yr ROI
Graphic Design Degree in Springfield — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
Explore More
Compare Graphic Design ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Springfield.