Medical Illustration and Informatics (Bachelor's Degree) at Western Governors University

Analysis

Western Governors University's online medical illustration program achieves something rare: graduates earn $74,000 in their first year—41% above the national median for this field—while carrying just $31,740 in debt. That 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates face about five months of gross salary in loans, well below the concerning threshold. The program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally for earnings, and students take on debt below the 5th percentile, a combination that's genuinely unusual in healthcare-adjacent fields.

The modest earnings growth to $77,929 by year four suggests these are solid middle-income positions rather than high-trajectory careers, but the starting point matters more here. Utah has only two programs in this specialized field, so the 60th percentile state ranking is less meaningful than the national comparison—you're essentially looking at WGU versus one other institution. For a parent, the key question is whether your student can handle the self-directed online format, since WGU's competency-based model requires unusual discipline.

At under $32,000 in debt for a job that starts near $75,000, this program offers a clear path to financial stability. The 35% Pell Grant rate suggests WGU serves students who need affordable options, and the debt load reflects that mission. If your student has the drive for independent learning and wants healthcare-adjacent work without medical school debt, this delivers strong returns.

Where Western Governors University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Western Governors University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Western Governors University	$74,026	$77,929	+5%
Rochester Institute of Technology	$25,345	$48,566	+92%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

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

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Western Governors UniversitySalt Lake City	$8,300	$74,026	$77,929	$31,740	0.43
Temple UniversityPhiladelphia	$22,082	$52,611	—	$25,000	0.48
Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester	$57,016	$25,345	$48,566	—	—
National Median	—	$52,611	—	$25,000	0.48

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 Western Governors University, approximately 35% 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.