Medical Illustration and Informatics at Temple University

Temple University's Medical Illustration and Informatics program sits squarely in the middle of the pack nationally, but that's not necessarily a problem. First-year earnings of $52,611 represent exactly the national median for this specialized field, while the $25,000 in typical debt creates a manageable 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning graduates earn roughly twice what they owe. Within Pennsylvania's limited landscape of just three programs offering this degree, Temple performs slightly above the state median, landing in the 60th percentile.

The real question for parents is whether the middle-of-the-road outcome justifies the investment when higher-earning programs exist. Nationally, top-quartile programs see graduates earning $63,318—about $10,000 more annually. However, Temple's accessible admission rate (83%) and the specialized nature of medical illustration work in its favor. This field requires specific technical and artistic skills that not everyone possesses, so getting trained at a reasonable debt level matters more than chasing the absolute highest starting salary.

For students genuinely drawn to this niche intersection of art, science, and healthcare communication, Temple offers solid preparation without crushing debt. The program won't catapult your child to the top of the earnings distribution, but it provides a viable entry point into a specialized career at a cost that allows flexibility in those crucial early working years.