Overview

Columbia College Chicago offers two degrees in Illustration: the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). The BFA is a rigorous, professionally focused degree in illustration. The BFA requires more advanced coursework and has few opportunities to choose electives than the BA.

Key Features

You’ll practice techniques in both traditional and digital illustration and apply your visual storytelling skills in hands-on, client-focused projects. You’ll learn three commercial models: freelance, institutional, and contract-based. You’ll also learn the core business skills you’ll need to thrive as a professional illustrator.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Drawing
Design Thinking
Illustration
Concept Art
Figure Drawing

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Chicago, United States

Disciplines

Graphic Design View 608 other Bachelors in Graphic Design in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Students must submit all official educational records of high school, secondary school or college/university work. Ask your school(s) to send official or certified true copies of your educational records that demonstrate successful completion of a high school or secondary education.
Proof of English language proficiency is required for admission to the college if English is not your country’s primary language.
Within the application, submit a writing sample.
Portfolio, audition, and/or interview requirements can vary based on your intended major.
Application fee for international students (nonrefundable): $25

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

35498 USD / year

≈ 35498 USD / year
Out-of-State

35498 USD / year

≈ 35498 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

35498 USD / year

≈ 35498 USD / year

Living costs

Chicago

United States

1297 - 2491 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Illustration.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Key Features

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Chicago

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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