Graphic Communications (Bachelor's Degree) at Illinois State University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$24,941

Est. from IL median (3 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$24,500

Est. from national median (23 programs)

Where Illinois State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all graphic communications bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Illinois State University	—	$49,242	—
Brigham Young University	$38,725	$74,650	+93%
Columbia College Chicago	$26,309	$56,600	+115%
Bradley University	$24,941	$48,515	+95%
DePaul University	$19,178	$41,537	+117%

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Graphic Communications bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (8 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Illinois State UniversityNormal	$16,021	$24,941*	$49,242	$24,500*	—
Columbia College ChicagoChicago	$32,520	$26,309*	$56,600	$25,000*	0.95
Bradley UniversityPeoria	$39,680	$24,941*	$48,515	$27,000*	1.08
DePaul UniversityChicago	$44,460	$19,178*	$41,537	$25,864*	1.35
National Median	—	$25,330*	—	$27,000*	1.07

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with graphic communications graduates

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.

$99,800/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Desktop Publishers

Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.

$53,620/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Data Entry Keyers

Operate data entry device, such as keyboard or photo composing perforator. Duties may include verifying data and preparing materials for printing.

Prepress Technicians and Workers

Format and proof text and images submitted by designers and clients into finished pages that can be printed. Includes digital and photo typesetting. May produce printing plates.

Printing Press Operators

Set up and operate digital, letterpress, lithographic, flexographic, gravure, or other printing machines. Includes short-run offset printing presses.

Etchers and Engravers

Engrave or etch metal, wood, rubber, or other materials. Includes such workers as etcher-circuit processors, pantograph engravers, and silk screen etchers.

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 Illinois State University, approximately 30% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in IL. Actual outcomes may vary.