Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $17,941 place Laguna College of Art and Design below the $28,601 national median for Graphic Communications — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
At 5.1x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.
AI risk is moderate — 49% task exposure — and the 18% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $27,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $17,941 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.
At #29 out of 54 programs, Laguna College of Art and Design's financial outcomes for Graphic Communications trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $17,941 to $62,659 over five years (249% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.