Analysis
Starting at nearly $39,000 in the first year, this program dramatically outperforms the national median for graphic communications degrees, which sits at just over $25,000. BYU's graduates earn in the 86th percentile nationally, suggesting something distinctive about either the program's curriculum or its placement networks. The estimated $27,000 in debt—derived from other programs at BYU—translates to a manageable 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio, well below the concerning 1.0 threshold.
The real story emerges by year four, when earnings nearly double to $74,650. This 93% growth trajectory is unusual for creative fields and suggests graduates are moving beyond entry-level design work into leadership, strategic, or specialized technical roles. That kind of progression typically indicates strong industry connections or a curriculum that blends creative skills with business acumen.
The caveat: because the actual debt figure isn't available for this specific program, you're working with an institutional estimate. If this program's graduates carry meaningfully different debt loads than BYU's average student, the calculation shifts. But given the strong starting salary and exceptional earnings growth, even moderately higher debt wouldn't fundamentally change the value proposition here.
Where Brigham Young University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all graphic communications bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Brigham Young 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brigham Young University | $38,725 | $74,650 | +93% |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | $32,044 | $73,091 | +128% |
| Ringling College of Art and Design | $44,048 | $69,773 | +58% |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $49,029 | $67,063 | +37% |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | $46,581 | $65,334 | +40% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Graphic Communications bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Brigham Young UniversityProvo | $6,496 | $38,725 | $74,650 | $27,000* | — |
 Baker CollegeOwosso | $12,810 | $74,387 | $40,598 | $32,714* | 0.44 |
 Art Center College of DesignPasadena | $51,640 | $67,010 | — | $35,593* | 0.53 |
 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo | $11,075 | $49,029 | $67,063 | $17,961* | 0.37 |
 University of Wisconsin-StoutMenomonie | $10,142 | $48,744 | $53,199 | $25,937* | 0.53 |
 University of Maryland Global CampusAdelphi | $7,992 | $46,581 | $65,334 | $26,038* | 0.56 |
| National Median | — | $25,330 | — | $27,000* | 1.07 |
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 Brigham Young University, approximately 32% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 27 graduates with reported earnings and 12 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.