Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Graphic Communications bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (18 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
California Baptist University$43,996
Art Center College of Design$67,010$35,5930.53
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo$49,029$67,063$17,9610.37
University of Silicon Valley$33,727$50,601$31,0000.92
Academy of Art University$27,481$51,035$36,7171.34
California College of the Arts$26,481$46,179$27,0001.02
National Median$25,330$27,0001.07

Other Graphic Communications Programs in California

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Art Center College of Design
Pasadena
$51,640$67,010$35,593
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo
$11,075$49,029$17,961
University of Silicon Valley
San Jose
$22,480$33,727$31,000
Academy of Art University
San Francisco
$28,024$27,481$36,717
California College of the Arts
San Francisco
$57,946$26,481$27,000

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 California Baptist University, approximately 41% 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.