Analysis
At $24,427 in first-year earnings, Minneapolis College of Art and Design's graphic communications graduates earn substantially less than the Minnesota median of $30,492—landing in just the 25th percentile among state programs. That $6,000 gap is significant when you're trying to pay off $27,000 in student loans on roughly $2,000 per month before taxes. More concerning, earnings don't improve: graduates earn essentially the same four years later, while University of Minnesota-Duluth graduates in the same field earn $36,557.
The program does keep debt manageable relative to national norms (25th percentile), and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.11 suggests the loans are technically serviceable. However, these are poverty-level wages in Minneapolis for a bachelor's degree graduate. With 40% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are counting on meaningful income mobility that this program isn't delivering.
If your child is set on graphic design, they should understand they're likely facing several years of very tight budgets and possibly needing roommates or family support while building a freelance portfolio or climbing through entry-level positions. The Minnesota data suggests other in-state options deliver significantly better outcomes for similar debt.
Where Minneapolis College of Art and Design Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all graphic communications bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Minneapolis College of Art and Design 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis College of Art and Design | $24,427 | $24,375 | -0% |
| 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 Minnesota
Graphic Communications bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Minneapolis College of Art and DesignMinneapolis | $43,824 | $24,427 | $24,375 | $27,000 | 1.11 |
 University of Minnesota-DuluthDuluth | $14,318 | $36,557 | — | $24,500 | 0.67 |
| 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 Minneapolis College of Art and Design, approximately 40% 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 40 graduates with reported earnings and 43 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.