Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $17,852/yr fall 38% below the $28,601 national median for Graphic Communications. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
An earnings multiple of 2.8x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.
AI risk is moderate — 49% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $27,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $17,852 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.
At #53 out of 54 programs, Kansas City Art Institute's financial outcomes for Graphic Communications trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $17,852 to $38,437 over five years (115% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.