Graphic Communications at Carroll University

Waukesha, WI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $40,825/yr (43% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Large (32,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #19 of 54 Graphic Communications programs Top 50%

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 $536K $530K $487K
Earnings Multiple 3.6x 3.6x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 47% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 31 23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$148,920
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$97,448
35% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,027
35% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Carroll University Graphic Communications graduates command $40,825/yr out of the gate, well above the $28,601 national median. That 43% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

The 3.6x 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 9% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$40,825 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #19 out of 54 programs, Carroll University's Graphic Communications offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $40,825 to $55,027 shows 35% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Carroll University

Carroll University's 58% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 2,525 students in Waukesha, WI. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $97,448 — 35% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Carroll 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 Carroll University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Carroll University's Graphic Communications program score?
This program scores 31/100 — on the lower end for Graphic Communications. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
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 →