Graphic Communications at Huntington University

That $16,522 first-year salary should concern any parent considering this program. While Huntington performs at the median among Indiana's two graphic communications programs, it ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of similar programs produce better-earning graduates. The debt load of $27,000 isn't unusually high for this field, but when your child is earning less than $17,000 their first year out, they're facing debt that's 1.6 times their annual income. That's a recipe for financial stress and delayed repayment.

The small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing dramatically year to year, but that volatility cuts both ways. Indiana's graphic communications market appears weak overall—the state median matches Huntington's disappointing outcome. Your child would likely need to leave Indiana after graduation to reach the $25,000+ salaries that graphic communications graduates earn in other states.

Unless your family has specific reasons to choose this program—perhaps a substantial scholarship or unique faculty connections that could open career doors—the math doesn't work. At these earning levels, even modest state school tuition would be hard to justify. Consider whether your child could pursue graphic design or communications at a larger Indiana university with stronger industry connections, or whether this career path might be better achieved through a portfolio-focused associate degree with far less debt.