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Graphic Communications at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Alfred, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
20 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
21
Optimistic
20
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,373/yr (-25% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Large (32,300 openings/yr)
ROI 13.1x earnings multiple (7.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #31 of 54 Graphic Communications programs

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 $460K $464K $440K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.0x 13.1x 12.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.0x 7.1x 6.7x
Probability of Field Employment 47% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 21 20 18

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$35,448
Out-of-state: $65,468 (7.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$57,952
-63% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
15.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$36,674
72% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $21,373 per year, Graphic Communications graduates from SUNY College of Technology at Alfred earn below the $28,601 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 13.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Graphic Communications career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.3x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #31 ranking among 54 Graphic Communications programs places SUNY College of Technology at Alfred in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $21,373-to-$36,674 earnings arc over five years reflects a 72% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

With 82% of applicants admitted, SUNY College of Technology at Alfred prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 3,510 students in Alfred, NY. With 45% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred →

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

Compare this program → View all 54 schools offering Graphic Communications →

Graphic Communications at Other Schools

Baker College ($74,387) Art Center College of Design ($67,010) California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($49,029) University of Wisconsin-Stout ($48,744) University of Maryland Global Campus ($46,581) Ringling College of Art and Design ($44,048) Carroll University ($40,825) New Jersey Institute of Technology ($39,134)

Other Majors at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($77,300) Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians ($60,968) Construction Management ($55,851) Architecture ($49,192) Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management ($48,786) Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians ($46,044) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($44,389) Human Resources Management and Services ($33,658)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Graphic Communications trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 does a 20/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Graphic Communications at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred?
At 20/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Graphic Communications programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Graphic Communications degree from SUNY College of Technology at Alfred?
At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 15 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Graphic Communications at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred?
The 49% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is SUNY College of Technology at Alfred a good choice for Graphic Communications despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If SUNY College of Technology at Alfred's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →