Graphic Communications at Bradley University

Peoria, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
19 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
20
Optimistic
19
Base Case
16
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,941/yr (-13% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Large (32,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #34 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 $626K $608K $542K
Earnings Multiple 3.9x 3.8x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 47% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 20 19 16

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$158,720
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$94,288
41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
13.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,232
133% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Bradley University's Graphic Communications program produces graduates earning $24,941/yr — within striking distance of the $28,601 national average for this field.

The 3.8x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 49% task exposure — and the 13% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $24,941 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #34 out of 54 programs, Bradley University's financial outcomes for Graphic Communications trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $24,941 to $58,232 over five years (133% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Bradley University

A 77% acceptance rate means Bradley University is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 3,865 in Peoria, IL. The average net cost of $94,288 over four years represents a 41% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Bradley University →

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

Graphic Communications at Other Schools

Other Majors at Bradley University

Consider the Trade Route?

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

How does Bradley University's Graphic Communications program score?
This program scores 19/100 — on the lower end for Graphic Communications. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Bradley University Graphic Communications graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.1x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
How vulnerable is Graphic Communications to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Graphic Communications careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 49% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →