Graphic Communications at Front Range Community College

Front Range Community College's Graphic Communications associate program starts slow but shows impressive growth potential, with earnings jumping 57% from $25K to $39K over four years. That trajectory matters more than the modest first-year number, though the small graduating class means individual circumstances could swing these figures significantly.

The debt picture is remarkably clean—$13,275 is well below the national average, and that 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly half their starting salary. Within Colorado, this program sits in the middle of the pack for earnings (40th percentile), slightly trailing Pikes Peak State's program. Nationally, it performs better than 60% of similar programs, suggesting Colorado's graphic communications market may simply pay less than coastal hubs.

The real question is whether that first year at $25K is manageable. For students living at home or willing to hustle through entry-level work, the four-year earnings suggest the degree opens doors—$39K represents real career traction in a creative field. Just remember the small sample size means these numbers could look different for your student's cohort. The low debt load makes this a relatively safe bet for students passionate about design work, but they'll need patience (or side income) in year one.