Graphic Communications at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

Thaddeus Stevens delivers something rare in graphic communications: graduates who earn above the national median while carrying significantly less debt than typical programs. At $8,625 in median debt versus $11,626 nationally, students here borrow about 26% less, and that matters when starting salaries hover around $27,000. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 means graduates owe roughly four months of their first-year salary—manageable territory for an associate degree that can lead to steady employment in print shops, design studios, or corporate marketing departments.

The earnings picture is solid if unspectacular. This program ranks in the 78th percentile nationally, outperforming three-quarters of comparable associate programs in graphic communications. Among Pennsylvania's limited options (only three schools offer this degree), it matches the state median. Graduates see modest growth from year one to year four, which reflects the reality of this field: you'll likely need to build specialized skills or move into more senior production roles to see meaningful salary increases.

The major caveat: these numbers come from a very small graduate sample. If your child is genuinely passionate about print production, design software, or visual communications work, the low debt load makes this a defensible choice. But they should understand they're entering a field where crossing $30,000 annually will require intentional career moves, not just time on the job.