Best Colleges for Graphic Communications

Graphic Communications graduates enter a competitive field where technical skills and creative vision intersect. With an average starting salary of $29,817, success often depends on portfolio quality and specialized training in digital design software, printing technologies, and multimedia production.

When evaluating programs among the 57 schools offering this major, students should prioritize hands-on laboratory experience with industry-standard equipment, internship partnerships with design firms or print companies, and faculty with professional experience. Strong programs emphasize both traditional print media and emerging digital platforms, preparing graduates for roles in advertising agencies, publishing houses, corporate communications departments, and freelance design work. Look for curricula that balance artistic development with technical proficiency.

Schools Ranked

$39,152

Avg. Program Earnings

60.8%

Avg. Graduation Rate

Top 25 Schools

College rankings
#	School	Median Earnings	Graduation Rate	School Type
1	Brigham Young University Provo, Utah	$54,713	82.2%	private-nonprofit
2	Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester, New York	$54,252	70.8%	private-nonprofit
3	California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, California	$52,385	85.2%	public
4	Ringling College of Art and Design Sarasota, Florida	$48,725	70.8%	private-nonprofit
5	University of Maryland Global Campus Adelphi, Maryland	$47,260	29.6%	public
6	University of Wisconsin-Stout Menomonie, Wisconsin	$42,123	52.5%	public
7	Baker College Owosso, Michigan	$41,565	31.3%	private-nonprofit
8	University of Minnesota-Duluth Duluth, Minnesota	$40,896	64.5%	public
9	Carroll University Waukesha, Wisconsin	$40,768	69.6%	private-nonprofit
10	New Jersey Institute of Technology Newark, New Jersey	$39,369	73.1%	public
11	Roger Williams University Bristol, Rhode Island	$39,369	66.6%	private-nonprofit
12	Illinois State University Normal, Illinois	$39,369	66.3%	public
13	Art Center College of Design Pasadena, California	$38,289	82.6%	private-nonprofit
14	Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, Arizona	$36,368	67.8%	public
15	Ferris State University Big Rapids, Michigan	$35,823	47.9%	public
16	Chowan University Murfreesboro, North Carolina	$35,060	28.5%	private-nonprofit
17	California Baptist University Riverside, California	$34,526	59.5%	private-nonprofit
18	Columbia College Chicago Chicago, Illinois	$33,993	48.5%	private-nonprofit
19	George Mason University Fairfax, Virginia	$33,993	69.3%	public
20	Bradley University Peoria, Illinois	$33,382	72.1%	private-nonprofit
21	Academy of Art University San Francisco, California	$32,498	40.5%	private-forprofit
22	Pittsburg State University Pittsburg, Kansas	$31,907	57.6%	public
23	University of Silicon Valley San Jose, California	$30,984	34.9%	private-forprofit
24	University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, Iowa	$30,771	68.9%	public
25	Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles, California	$30,409	79.8%	private-nonprofit