HEALTH Specialization

Medical Illustration

Only 8 colleges in the country offer Medical Illustration, which means graduates enter the workforce from a smaller, more specialized pool. Median earnings four years out: $51,128.

About Medical Illustration

Medical Illustration is a focused area of study within Health. Graduates typically earn around $51,128 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 8 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 116 students complete this program each year, most earning a post-bacc cert.. Training is clinical and hands-on, often leading to licensure or certification.


Median Earnings · 4yr
$51,128
Colleges Offering
8
Graduates / Year
116
Avg Net Price / yr
$14,956

How Much Do Medical Illustration Graduates Earn?

Medical Illustration graduates earn $51,128 four years out, below average for bachelor's degree holders.

$51,128
4-Year National Median

Below average for bachelor's degree holders.

$50,826
4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 116 students who complete Medical Illustration programs each year, the majority (50%) earn a post-bacc cert. degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

Post-Bacc Cert. 50%
Master's 36%
Certificate 7%

What Can You Do With a Medical Illustration Degree?

Medical Illustration connects to 8 occupations in the job market. Cardiologist leads at $496,010/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +4.1%
$496,010
$274K $610K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 600 openings/yr 17K employed nationally
↗ +2.7%
$420,860
$217K $506K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 800 openings/yr 27K employed nationally
↗ +3.2%
$391,490
$207K $491K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 1,300 openings/yr 39K employed nationally
↗ +4.1%
$358,550
$181K $531K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 400 openings/yr 14K employed nationally
↗ +2.7%
$335,550
$185K $419K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 1,000 openings/yr 33K employed nationally
↗ +6.4%
$328,730
$140K $452K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 400 openings/yr 11K employed nationally
↗ +4.2%
$312,400
$186K $373K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 400 openings/yr 11K employed nationally
↗ +4.3%
$300,080
$174K $422K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 300 openings/yr 9K employed nationally

Top Colleges for Medical Illustration

Only 1 colleges had enough verified data to appear here. Sorted by Medical Illustration graduate volume, not selectivity.

# College Graduates Acceptance Net Price/yr Earnings 10yr
1 Maharishi International University Fairfield, IA · Nonprofit 15 95.7% $14,956 $27,981

Ranked by Medical Illustration graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Medical Illustration program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

Medical Illustration Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Medical Illustration shows 1 measurable strengths and 3 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS
  • Positive job outlook Related careers project up to +6.4% job growth over the next 10 years, a solid signal for long-term demand.
CONS
  • Modest median earnings Four-year median of $51,128 lags STEM and business fields, affecting ROI at higher-cost programs.
  • Licensure often required Most roles in this field require state licensure or certification before you can practice. Budget time and costs for board exams alongside your degree.
  • Limited program availability Only 8 colleges offer this program nationally, which may limit geographic flexibility when choosing a school.

Medical Illustration Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Medical Illustration graduates earn?
Medical Illustration graduates earn a national median of $51,128 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $28,047 and above median. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What jobs can you get with a Medical Illustration degree?
Medical Illustration degree holders pursue careers including Cardiologist, which pays a median of $496,010/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Medical Illustration program take?
Post-baccalaureate Medical Illustration certificates are designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree and typically take one to two years to complete.
How many colleges offer Medical Illustration?
8 colleges and universities in the United States offer Medical Illustration programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Medical Illustration degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $51,128 and an average net price of roughly $14,956/yr, a Medical Illustration degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Medical Illustration and Health?
Medical Illustration is a focused concentration within the broader Health field. The Health major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Medical Illustration-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Medical Illustration graduates?
Employers hiring Medical Illustration graduates consistently prioritize clinical judgment, patient communication, and evidence-based decision-making. Licensure, certifications, and supervised clinical hours are typically required or strongly preferred in most roles.
Is graduate school worth it for Medical Illustration graduates?
In health fields, advanced degrees (nurse practitioner, physician assistant, doctor of physical therapy) typically unlock significantly higher salaries and expanded scope of practice, making graduate education a strong investment for most students. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Medical Illustration graduates?
The job outlook for Medical Illustration graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +4.0% job growth over the next 10 years. Dermatologists is among the strongest-growth roles at +6.4%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.

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