Graphic Communications at Baker College

Something unusual is happening with Baker College's graphic communications program. First-year graduates earn an impressive $74,387—nearly triple the national median and the highest among Michigan's eight programs. With debt of just $32,714, that initial outlook seems outstanding. But by year four, median earnings crater to $40,598, a 45% decline that flips the value equation. This dramatic swing suggests either graduates are taking high-paying temporary positions that don't lead to stable careers, or we're seeing statistical noise from an extremely small sample size.

That small sample warning matters here. With fewer than 30 graduates tracked, one or two outliers—perhaps a grad who landed an exceptional first job before switching careers, or someone who took time off for further education—can wildly skew the numbers. The pattern doesn't match what we typically see in creative fields, where earnings usually grow or at least stabilize as professionals build portfolios and client relationships.

For an anxious parent, this data is too unstable to guide a decision. The program appears to rank at the top of Michigan schools initially, but without understanding why earnings drop so sharply, you can't assess whether your child would follow that trajectory. If seriously considering this program, you'd need to speak directly with recent alumni and career services to understand what's actually happening to graduates in years 2-4. The numbers alone raise more questions than they answer.