Program Analysis
Graduates earn $26,481/yr, roughly in line with the $28,601 national median for Graphic Communications. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The financial case is thin at 2.3x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.
Some AI exposure exists in Graphic Communications's typical career paths, with 49% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 9% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $26,899 against $26,481/yr in first-year earnings means roughly 1.0 years of salary goes to loan repayment. That's a heavy but not crushing debt load.
Ranked #43 of 54 Graphic Communications programs, California College of the Arts falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $48,315 show a 82% jump from the $26,481 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.