looking for recommendations on art schools that have good illustration/graphic design programs. I am open to international schools, just looking for affordable options.
As one idea, look into PrattMWP, which offers a less expensive alternative to the first two years at the renowned Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. The school describes its financial aid as “generous.”
https://www.mwpai.edu/admissions/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance/
There is an entire sub-forum for Art and Design Majors inside the College Majors forum. I can’t find the link today, or I would share it with you here. 
Well, it really depends a lot on the program you want. Parsons has an amazing fashion program in Paris and some students are also illustrators. But are you speaking about illustration per se, which could include architecture, graphics, or not. Also, some universities have excellent programs and very low costs compared to US colleges but you would need to speak the language. Find the art and design forum and ask there. Many art students study abroad, esp in Italy/France.