Analysis
Indian River State College delivers a graphic communications bachelor's with remarkably low debt—just $12,500 compared to a $27,000 state and national median. That's among the lowest debt loads for this program anywhere (5th percentile nationally), which dramatically changes the return-on-investment calculation. While earnings around $30,000 trail Florida's median by roughly 10% and fall short of top performers like Ringling College ($44,000), you're paying less than half what most graphic communications students borrow.
The modest 5% earnings growth to $30,328 after four years suggests this program leads to entry-level positions without strong advancement trajectories. However, with debt payments consuming less than half your first-year income, graduates have breathing room that peers at pricier programs don't enjoy. The moderate sample size means these numbers represent a real pattern, not a statistical fluke.
For a student certain about graphic communications, this represents a calculated tradeoff: accept middle-of-the-pack Florida earnings in exchange for minimal financial risk. The low debt makes career pivots or freelance work more feasible than they'd be under typical design school debt loads. Just understand you're buying affordability, not necessarily top-tier earning potential.
Where Indian River State College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all graphic communications bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Indian River State College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian River State College | $28,874 | $30,328 | +5% |
| Brigham Young University | $38,725 | $74,650 | +93% |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | $32,044 | $73,091 | +128% |
| Ringling College of Art and Design | $44,048 | $69,773 | +58% |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $49,029 | $67,063 | +37% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Graphic Communications bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Indian River State CollegeFort Pierce | $2,764 | $28,874 | $30,328 | $12,500 | 0.43 |
 Ringling College of Art and DesignSarasota | $55,480 | $44,048 | $69,773 | $27,000 | 0.61 |
 Florida State College at JacksonvilleJacksonville | $2,878 | $30,795 | — | — | — |
 Lynn UniversityBoca Raton | $42,950 | $17,099 | — | $35,503 | 2.08 |
| National Median | — | $25,330 | — | $27,000 | 1.07 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with graphic communications graduates
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 Indian River State College, approximately 33% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 34 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.