Analysis
Austin Community College's graphic communications program is a standout performer in a field that often struggles with low earnings. At $32,657 in first-year salary, graduates here earn roughly $8,000 more than the Texas median and nearly $9,000 above the national average. Among Texas programs, this ranks in the 80th percentile—significantly stronger than the state's typical outcome.
The debt picture is equally favorable. At $11,626, borrowers face a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.36, meaning graduates could feasibly pay off their loans in less than five months of gross earnings. That's manageable by any measure, especially when you consider that Houston Community College—another Texas option—produces graduates earning half as much ($16,155) with similar debt loads.
Earnings also show modest but positive growth, reaching $35,111 by year four. For an associate's degree in a creative field where many programs lead to service-industry wages, Austin CC delivers a genuinely practical path. If your child is interested in graphic design and willing to stay in Austin's thriving creative economy, this program offers strong returns without the debt burden of a four-year degree.
Where Austin Community College District Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all graphic communications associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Austin Community College District 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Community College District | $32,657 | $35,111 | +8% |
| Front Range Community College | $24,989 | $39,303 | +57% |
| CUNY Hostos Community College | $10,309 | $30,130 | +192% |
| Houston Community College | $16,155 | $28,839 | +79% |
| Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology | $26,870 | $28,048 | +4% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Graphic Communications associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (12 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Austin Community College DistrictAustin | $2,550 | $32,657 | $35,111 | $11,626 | 0.36 |
 Houston Community CollegeHouston | $2,040 | $16,155 | $28,839 | — | — |
| National Median | — | $23,932 | — | $11,626 | 0.49 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with graphic communications graduates
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 Austin Community College District, approximately 23% 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.