Graphic Communications: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Graphic Communications is a technical discipline focused on the end-to-end production and distribution of visual content across print and digital media. Students develop expertise in the full lifecycle of graphic output, from initial design preparation to final finishing and delivery, mastering industry-standard methods and technologies.
- Prepress Operations: Involves preparing digital artwork for printing, including color management, file formatting, proofing, and creating printing plates to ensure accuracy and consistency across output.
- Press Production Methods: Covers hands-on training in various printing technologies such as offset lithography, flexography, gravure, letterpress, and screen printing, each suited to different materials, volumes, and applications.
- Digital Imaging and Workflow: Focuses on high-resolution image editing, raster and vector graphics manipulation, and integrating digital tools into efficient, scalable production pipelines.
- Postpress Finishing Techniques: Explores processes that complete printed materials, including binding, trimming, folding, laminating, die-cutting, and foil stamping to enhance durability and visual appeal.
- Reproduction Technologies: Provides exposure to emerging and traditional reproduction methods, emphasizing precision, quality control, and adaptability across diverse media and client demands.
Graphic Communications Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Graphic Communications Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Graphic Communications degrees, including Prepress Technicians and Workers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 23,070 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepress Technicians and Workers 51-5111 | $47,300 | $34,270 - $65,530 | 23,070 | $22.74 |
Graphic Communications Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $22,170 in Oklahoma to $98,780 in District of Columbia—a 346% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, New Jersey, and Delaware. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 23,070 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Graphic Communications by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 32 institutions offering Graphic Communications programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Graphic Communications is found at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo (81 graduates), University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) (77 graduates), Northeast Technology Center (70 graduates), Central Texas College (CTC) (62 graduates), and Indian Capital Technology Center (ICTC), Muskogee (35 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 551 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) |
Bachelor's
|
81 | San Luis Obispo, California | Public | calpoly.edu |
| University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) |
Bachelor's
|
77 | Adelphi, Maryland | Public | umgc.edu |
| Northeast Technology Center |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
70 | Pryor, Oklahoma | Public | netech.edu |
| Central Texas College (CTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
62 | Killeen, Texas | Public | ctcd.edu |
| Indian Capital Technology Center (ICTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
35 | Muskogee, Oklahoma | Public | ictech.edu |
| Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) |
Associate's
|
31 | Springfield, Missouri | Public | otc.edu |
| Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
25 | Charlotte, North Carolina | Public | cpcc.edu |
| Northcentral Technical College (NTC) |
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
23 | Wausau, Wisconsin | Public | ntc.edu |
| Appalachian State University (App State) |
Bachelor's
|
15 | Boone, North Carolina | Public | appstate.edu |
| California State University |
Bachelor's
|
14 | Los Angeles, California | Public | calstatela.edu |
| Tarrant County College District (TCCD) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
14 | Fort Worth, Texas | Public | tccd.edu |
| Illinois State University (ISU) |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Normal, Illinois | Public | illinoisstate.edu |
| Danville Community College (DCC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Other Award
|
12 | Danville, Virginia | Public | danville.edu |
| Central Maine Community College (CMCC) |
Associate's
|
8 | Auburn, Maine | Public | cmcc.edu |
| Linn-Benton Community College (LBCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
8 | Albany, Oregon | Public | linnbenton.edu |
| University of Northern Iowa (UNI) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Cedar Falls, Iowa | Public | uni.edu |
| Michigan Career and Technical Institute (MCTI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
7 | Plainwell, Michigan | Public | michigan.gov |
| South Central College (SCC) |
Associate's
|
7 | North Mankato, Minnesota | Public | southcentral.edu |
| Northwest Vista College (NVC) |
Other Award
|
7 | San Antonio, Texas | Public | alamo.edu |
| The University of Findlay (UF) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Findlay, Ohio | Private | findlay.edu |
| Carroll University |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Waukesha, Wisconsin | Private | carrollu.edu |
| Ferris State University (FSU) |
Associate's
|
5 | Big Rapids, Michigan | Public | ferris.edu |
| Bluefield University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Bluefield, Virginia | Private | bluefield.edu |
| Lewis-Clark State College (LC State) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Lewiston, Idaho | Public | lcsc.edu |
| City Colleges of Chicago (KKC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Chicago, Illinois | Public | ccc.edu |
| Prairie State College (PSC) |
Associate's
|
2 | Chicago Heights, Illinois | Public | prairiestate.edu |
| Somerset Community College (SCC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Somerset, Kentucky | Public | somerset.kctcs.edu |
| Stephens College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Columbia, Missouri | Private | stephens.edu |
| Chowan University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Murfreesboro, North Carolina | Private | chowan.edu |
| Holy Family University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | holyfamily.edu |
| Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | slcc.edu |
| University of Charleston (UC) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Charleston, West Virginia | Private | ucwv.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Graphic Communications programs
How much can I earn with a Graphic Communications degree?
Salaries for Graphic Communications graduates vary by role and location. Prepress Technicians and Workers earn a median of $47,300 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $98,780 compared to $22,170 in Oklahoma. Approximately 23,070 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Graphic Communications programs?
Currently 32 accredited institutions offer Graphic Communications degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo (81 graduates), University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) (77 graduates), and Northeast Technology Center (70 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Graphic Communications growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 549 in 2010 to a peak of 638 in 2020, before declining slightly to 551 in 2023-24. This represents a 0% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Graphic Communications degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Prepress Technicians and Workers. Related occupations employ approximately 23,070 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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