Graphic Communications at California College of the Arts

California College of the Arts produces graphic communications graduates who start slow but gain momentum remarkably fast—earnings jump from $26,481 to $46,179 over just four years, a 74% increase that's unusual for design fields. The debt load of $27,000 is relatively contained (25th percentile nationally), though that first-year salary means you're looking at a full year's income just to cover the loans initially.

Here's the catch: while this program performs solidly against national benchmarks, it lands in the 40th percentile among California's 18 graphic communications programs. You're paying San Francisco living costs and tuition for outcomes that trail Cal Poly SLO ($49k) and sit well below Art Center ($67k). However, the earnings trajectory matters—by year four, graduates are outpacing many programs that start higher, suggesting this school may develop skills that take time to monetize.

For parents, the calculation depends on your child's timeline. If they can weather the lean first year (possibly living at home or with roommates), the rapid earnings growth could make this worthwhile. The moderate debt helps—you're not gambling with $50k+ loans. But if they need immediate income after graduation, programs with stronger starting salaries might justify themselves despite the CCA name recognition in design circles.