Graphic Communications at Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,059/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Large (32,300 openings/yr)
ROI 9.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #21 of 54 Graphic Communications programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Graphic Communications graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $526K $522K $481K
Earnings Multiple 9.6x 9.6x 8.8x
Probability of Field Employment 47% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 28 23

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$54,520
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$48,808
10% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
10.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,604
65% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $30,059 per year, Graphic Communications graduates from Ferris State University earn slightly above the $28,601 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.6x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

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 $27,000 represents roughly 11 months of the $30,059 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #21 of 54 Graphic Communications programs, Ferris State University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $49,604 show a 65% jump from the $30,059 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Ferris State University

With 81% of applicants admitted, Ferris State University prioritizes broad access, serving 8,087 students in Big Rapids, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Ferris State University →

Top Career Paths

Special effects artists and animators $99,800/yr
Desktop publishers $53,620/yr
Prepress technicians and workers $47,300/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Graphic Communications at Other Schools

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Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Graphic Communications at Ferris State University?
A score of 28/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Graphic Communications. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Graphic Communications careers?
With 49% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $480,952 in decade earnings vs $525,885 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →