Location: Philadelphia, PA•In-State Tuition: $22,082•Out-of-State Tuition: $37,462•Admission Rate: 83%
Median Earnings (1yr)
$52,611
50th percentile
Median Debt
$25,000
At national median
D/E Ratio: 0.48 ManageableSample: 56 graduates

Analysis

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.

Where Temple University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all medical illustration and informatics bachelors's programs nationally

Temple UniversityOther medical illustration and informatics programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Temple University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Temple University earns $53k — 50th percentile among medical illustration and informatics bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Medical Illustration and Informatics bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Temple UniversityPhiladelphia$22,082$52,611—$25,0000.48
Western Governors UniversitySalt Lake City$8,300$74,026$77,929$31,7400.43
Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester$57,016$25,345$48,566——
National Median—$52,611—$25,0000.48

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with medical illustration and informatics graduates

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

$140,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars

Apply knowledge of healthcare and information systems to assist in the design, development, and continued modification and analysis of computerized healthcare systems. Abstract, collect, and analyze treatment and followup information of patients. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the healthcare information system. May design, develop, test, and implement databases with complete history, diagnosis, treatment, and health status to help monitor diseases.

$67,310/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators

Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.

$56,260/yrJobs growth:

Computer Occupations, All Other

All computer occupations not listed separately.

Web Administrators

Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications.

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.

Document Management Specialists

Implement and administer enterprise-wide document management systems and related procedures that allow organizations to capture, store, retrieve, share, and destroy electronic records and documents.

Penetration Testers

Evaluate network system security by conducting simulated internal and external cyberattacks using adversary tools and techniques. Attempt to breach and exploit critical systems and gain access to sensitive information to assess system security.

Information Security Engineers

Develop and oversee the implementation of information security procedures and policies. Build, maintain and upgrade security technology, such as firewalls, for the safe use of computer networks and the transmission and retrieval of information. Design and implement appropriate security controls to identify vulnerabilities and protect digital files and electronic infrastructures. Monitor and respond to computer security breaches, viruses, and intrusions, and perform forensic investigation. May oversee the assessment of information security systems.

Digital Forensics Analysts

Conduct investigations on computer-based crimes establishing documentary or physical evidence, such as digital media and logs associated with cyber intrusion incidents. Analyze digital evidence and investigate computer security incidents to derive information in support of system and network vulnerability mitigation. Preserve and present computer-related evidence in support of criminal, fraud, counterintelligence, or law enforcement investigations.

Blockchain Engineers

Maintain and support distributed and decentralized blockchain-based networks or block-chain applications such as cryptocurrency exchange, payment processing, document sharing, and digital voting. Design and deploy secure block-chain design patterns and solutions over geographically distributed networks using advanced technologies. May assist with infrastructure setup and testing for application transparency and security.

Computer Systems Engineers/Architects

Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Temple University, approximately 30% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.