Graphic Communications: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Graphic Communications is a dynamic field centered on the creation, management, and distribution of visual content across digital and print platforms. This program equips students with the technical expertise and creative insight needed to produce high-impact visual messages in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
- Prepress Production: The process of preparing digital artwork for printing, including color management, image resolution optimization, and file formatting to ensure print-ready output.
- Printing Technologies: In-depth study of various printing methods such as offset lithography, digital printing, and screen printing, including their applications, advantages, and limitations.
- Design for Print and Digital Media: Application of visual design principles to create compelling layouts and graphics tailored for both physical and online distribution channels.
- Color Theory and Management: Understanding the science and psychology of color, along with systems like CMYK and RGB, to ensure consistent and accurate color reproduction across media.
- Workflow Integration: Mastery of end-to-end production processes, from concept development to final output, using industry-standard software and collaborative tools.
- Production Management: Skills in scheduling, quality control, cost estimation, and project coordination to ensure efficient and timely delivery of graphic communication projects.
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, Printing Press Operators and Etchers and Engravers. 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 176,570 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 |
| Printing Press Operators 51-5112 | $45,160 | $31,450 - $63,060 | 145,110 | $21.71 |
| Etchers and Engravers 51-9194 | $40,450 | $29,530 - $60,430 | 8,390 | $19.45 |
Graphic Communications Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $31,540 in Oklahoma to $107,275 in District of Columbia—a 240% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Vermont, and New Jersey. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 176,570 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 10 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 H Councill Trenholm State Community College (TSCC) (35 graduates), Bowling Green State University (BGSU), Main Campus (33 graduates), Middlesex College (MCC) (31 graduates), Washtenaw Community College (WCC) (26 graduates), and Kapiolani Community College (KCC) (12 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 157 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H Councill Trenholm State Community College (TSCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
35 | Montgomery, Alabama | Public | trenholmstate.edu |
| Bowling Green State University (BGSU) |
Bachelor's
|
33 | Bowling Green, Ohio | Public | bgsu.edu |
| Middlesex College (MCC) |
Associate's
|
31 | Edison, New Jersey | Public | middlesexcollege.edu |
| Washtenaw Community College (WCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
26 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | wccnet.edu |
| Kapiolani Community College (KCC) |
Associate's
|
12 | Honolulu, Hawaii | Public | kapiolani.hawaii.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Stout |
Bachelor's
|
12 | Menomonie, Wisconsin | Public | uwstout.edu |
| Bishop State Community College (BSCC) |
Associate's
|
3 | Mobile, Alabama | Public | bishop.edu |
| Bowling Green State University (BGSU) |
Associate's
|
3 | Huron, Ohio | Public | firelands.bgsu.edu |
| Alpena Community College (ACC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Alpena, Michigan | Public | alpenacc.edu |
| Northcentral Technical College (NTC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Wausau, Wisconsin | Public | ntc.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, while Printing Press Operators earn around $45,160. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $107,275 compared to $31,540 in Oklahoma. Approximately 176,570 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 10 accredited institutions offer Graphic Communications degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include H Councill Trenholm State Community College (TSCC) (35 graduates), Bowling Green State University (BGSU), Main Campus (33 graduates), and Middlesex College (MCC) (31 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 decreased over the past decade, rising from 248 in 2010 to a peak of 190 in 2020, before declining slightly to 157 in 2023-24. This represents a 37% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, 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, Printing Press Operators, and Etchers and Engravers. Related occupations employ approximately 176,570 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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