Key takeaways
- To choose from the big pool of public colleges in Illinois, you must ponder over critical factors such as faculty qualification and program details.
- The best college in Illinois will be the one with an experienced and accomplished faculty to ensure quality education and growth in digital photography.
- Evaluate the success of the college’s alumni to assess the quality of education and networking opportunities.
- Look for colleges with recognized accreditations to ensure credibility and quality in their programs and overall institute.
- For out-of-state students, assessing on-campus housing options is a crucial factor to consider ensuring a memorable college experience.
- Illinois, particularly Chicago, offers diverse job opportunities in digital photography, with a strong demand for visual content creators.
- New technologies and changes in the photography landscape are allowing new job opportunities and roles to emerge.
- Be aware of the varying living costs in Illinois, especially in urban areas like Chicago, when planning your college journey.
- Success in digital photography relies heavily on building a strong portfolio and staying updated with industry trends, in addition to earning a formal degree.
- The best colleges in Illinois for digital photography majors include the University of Illinois at Chicago, Illinois State University, and Northern Illinois University.
There are plenty of reputable and renowned public colleges in Illinois that offer the most comprehensive formal education in digital photography. For aspiring photographers, visual artists, editors, and many related professions, public colleges are an excellent choice.
Finding the best colleges in Illinois for a degree in photography is not the easiest decision to make. There are numerous factors to consider and take care of. Here, we have narrowed down some options, as well as discussed the digital photography career prospects in Illinois and what it would be like to pursue a career in photography here.
Study digital photography from private and public colleges in Illinois
There are more than 50 recognized and reputable private and public colleges in Illinois. While having so many options might seem great, it can make the final decision a little overwhelming. Information overload is a common problem for young students. Therefore, expert degree advice is crucial during this stage of your college planning.
To help you get started, we have listed the best public colleges in Illinois for a degree in digital photography and related subjects.
University of Illinois, Chicago
The University of Illinois offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art: Photography. This program is particularly cut out for students who are very passionate and serious about pursuing their careers in the photography field. Moreover, the program is fixated on covering modern and contemporary developments and techniques in photography, instead of focusing on its history.
Using photographic techniques and methods, the program teaches students to use visual art as a means of emotional expression. Notable alumni from the college have had their photography artwork presented in books, magazines, and much more.
Furthermore, UIC is one of the largest, most popular public colleges in Illinois, located in the urban setting of Chicago. The college has an acceptance rate of 79%, with an average GPA requirement of 3.5. It houses the most ethnically diverse student body, with more than 70% belonging to ethnic minority communities.
| Location:
Chicago, IL |
GPA requirement:
3.5 |
Acceptance rate:
79% |
Tuition fee:
$17,811 for in-state and $32,833 for out-of-station students Prices excluding housing and other charges |
Illinois State University
Through its Wonsook Kim School of Art, the Illinois State University offers a BA and BS in Photography undergraduate degree. This program is more focused on developing a theoretical and conceptual understanding of photography before students can dive into its technicalities.
The best part about this degree is that it prepares the students for higher studies, such as graduate programs. Therefore, you can always plan and stay on top of things. From digital imaging to color theory to lighting techniques, the program is quite comprehensive and thorough.
Moreover, at Illinois State University, the acceptance rate is 86%, while the average GPA requirement is 3.6. It is one of the largest public colleges in Illinois, offering a notable campus life, college sports, and incredible housing options.
| Location:
Normal, IL |
GPA requirement:
3.6 |
Acceptance rate:
86% |
Tuition fee:
$15,602 tuition and fees for in-state and $27,126 tuition and fee for out-of-state students Prices excluding housing and other charges |
Northern Illinois University
Some students prefer individualistic learning and training. This is because individualistic learning is more focused on the capabilities and interests of an individual, rather than a whole generic group. Therefore, for aspiring photographers or professionals who want a formal education, the Photography degree at Northern Illinois University is the best.
The program here focuses on hands-on and practical learning opportunities. It allows students to dive deep into the depths of photography, and conduct research and other individual projects. It is led by qualified faculty members who cater to various types of student needs.
This public college in Illinois has an acceptance rate of 71%, with an average GPA requirement of 3.4. Additionally, it has a lower student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, allowing individual attention and personal learning outcomes. Lastly, it hosts more than 100 college sports teams, allowing students to enjoy an incredible campus life.
| Location:
DeKalb, IL |
GPA requirement:
3.4 |
Acceptance rate:
71% |
Tuition fee:
$13,248 annually Price excludes living expenses and other charges |
How to decide which public college in Illinois is best for you?
Choosing the right institute is a huge part of college planning. Your selection makes the most difference, influencing your academic career and your success at practicing your degree. However, the decision can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate through. Therefore, you must assess and evaluate crucial factors that can help you make an informed choice. Some of these factors include the following:
Faculty
Don’t forget to look into who is teaching the courses, what accomplishments they have, and what is their academic and professional background. Good faculty will guarantee more learning and growth for you.
Alumni profiles
Star alumni of the college will reflect the college’s quality of education as well as its support to students. It will also be a good opportunity to network with the alumni and ask about their experience at the college.
Acceptance rate
The acceptance rate reflects the ease with which students can get into college. This is a crucial consideration factor for students with lower high school grades and GPAs.
Graduation rate
Other than the acceptance rate, also look into how many students graduate every year from the college. This implies that the college is supportive, facilitates students, and ensures academic success for the majority of its students.
Accreditations
Accreditations are awards and recognition given to colleges by official agencies. These accreditations will allow you to be sure of the college’s credibility.
Campus and student life
You must tap into your preferences when looking for a public college in Illinois. Evaluate whether a rural or urban campus is more suitable for you. Don’t forget to explore factors like student clubs and organizations, as well as campus location safety and accessibility features.
Housing options
If you are an out-of-state student or just want to explore on-campus housing options, it will be a crucial factor in shaping the next 4 years of college.
Program details
Be particularly attentive towards discovering the program coursework and ensure that it aligns with your career goals and preferred learning outcomes.
Are there digital photography degree jobs in Illinois?
Here is everything you need to know about employment in Illinois, living costs in Illinois, and the digital photography industry:
The job market in Illinois
Illinois, a state with a diverse economy, offers a wide range of employment opportunities across various industries. The state has a robust economy, with good employment opportunities available based on various factors. On average, there are more than 6% of job openings every month, compared to the national average of 4%. Moreover, Chicago is the star city of Illinois, being an economic hub with the most prevailing industries and education opportunities as well.
Chicago offers jobs most predominantly in fields like tech, startups, and healthcare. Furthermore, the state’s unemployment rate has been relatively low, though it can vary depending on economic conditions. Illinois is also known for its strong infrastructure, skilled workforce, and vibrant business environment, making it an attractive place for both employers and job seekers.
Digital photography jobs in Illinois
Digital photography, as part of the broader creative and media industry, offers several career opportunities in Illinois. It is a diverse industry with diverse job roles and employment types. From freelance work to post-production work and contract-based jobs to full-time jobs, digital photography career paths are different from the traditional degrees.
These jobs range from traditional roles like portrait and event photography to more specialized positions in advertising, commercial, and digital content creation. The kind of photography degree jobs you are mostly faced with depends largely on your academic background. With Chicago being a major media center, many digital photographers find work in advertising agencies, marketing firms, news outlets, and even in the growing field of digital marketing and social media management.
Illinois is home to a number of photography studios, art galleries, and media companies that often seek skilled photographers. Additionally, many photographers in the state work as freelancers or run their own businesses, offering services for weddings, corporate events, and commercial projects. The demand for digital content has enabled many new job roles to emerge and create new opportunities.
If you are wondering if a digital photography degree is right for you or not, consider the following. Those with a degree in digital photography may find roles as photo editors, visual content creators, or even in technical positions related to image processing and editing. While a degree is an excellent badge to add to your profile, a digital photography portfolio is much more essential. The key to success in this field often lies in building a strong portfolio and network, as well as staying updated with the latest trends and technology in digital photography.
Living in Illinois
Working in Illinois offers a mix of urban and suburban experiences, particularly in and around Chicago. The state is known for its cultural diversity, world-class educational institutions, and vibrant arts scene. Illinois offers a variety of work environments, from bustling downtown offices in Chicago to quieter, more laid-back settings in smaller towns and cities.
However, the cost of living is a major concern for students and fresh graduates in Illinois. It can vary significantly depending on which city or region you are in. However, for good student life and a pleasant life ahead, you do get to enjoy many amenities like parks, museums, and excellent public transportation in larger cities.
Get ready for your digital photography degree in Illinois.
In summary, we can agree that the best public colleges in Illinois offer amazing degrees and programs for formal education in photography. They offer an excellent variety of academic opportunities to people who are either already working in the industry or wish to do so.
Nonetheless, choosing the right college is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as you embark on your journey toward a career in digital photography. With the vast number of public and private colleges in Illinois offering specialized programs in this field, the decision-making process can feel overwhelming.
Therefore, it is crucial that you look at the important factors discussed above, such as alumni profiles, graduation rates, acceptance rates, and campus life. Once you have evaluated these factors, it will be easier for you to decide which college suits your career goals and preferences the best.