Graphic Communications at University of California-Santa Cruz
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Starting at $25,358 puts UC Santa Cruz graphic communications graduates below the California median ($26,981) and at the national median—which means half of all programs produce higher earnings. More concerning is where Santa Cruz ranks among California's 18 programs: the 40th percentile. Top alternatives like Cal Poly SLO ($49,029) and even the Academy of Art University ($27,481) generate notably better first-year outcomes.
The debt picture offers a silver lining. At $20,714, Santa Cruz graduates carry about $6,000 less than the California median and roughly $8,300 less than typical for this field nationally. That lower debt load keeps the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.82—manageable, though the modest starting salary means repayment will still require discipline. For context, the highest-earning programs carry similar or higher debt but offset it with salaries two to three times larger.
For a UC campus, these outcomes feel underwhelming. Santa Cruz's brand and network should theoretically open doors, but the data suggests this particular program doesn't deliver the premium you'd expect. If your child is committed to graphic communications and wants the UC experience, understand they're accepting below-average California earnings for the field. If career outcomes are the priority, Cal Poly SLO would be worth serious consideration despite potentially higher debt—the earnings difference more than compensates.
Where University of California-Santa Cruz Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all graphic communications bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of California-Santa Cruz graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of California-Santa Cruz graduates earn $25k, placing them in the 50th percentile of all graphic communications bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Graphic Communications bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (18 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-Santa Cruz | $25,358 | — | $20,714 | 0.82 |
| Art Center College of Design | $67,010 | — | $35,593 | 0.53 |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $49,029 | $67,063 | $17,961 | 0.37 |
| University of Silicon Valley | $33,727 | $50,601 | $31,000 | 0.92 |
| Academy of Art University | $27,481 | $51,035 | $36,717 | 1.34 |
| California College of the Arts | $26,481 | $46,179 | $27,000 | 1.02 |
| National Median | $25,330 | — | $27,000 | 1.07 |
Other Graphic Communications Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Center College of Design Pasadena | $51,640 | $67,010 | $35,593 |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo | $11,075 | $49,029 | $17,961 |
| University of Silicon Valley San Jose | $22,480 | $33,727 | $31,000 |
| Academy of Art University San Francisco | $28,024 | $27,481 | $36,717 |
| California College of the Arts San Francisco | $57,946 | $26,481 | $27,000 |
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 University of California-Santa Cruz, approximately 32% 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.