Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $20,802/yr fall 27% below the $28,601 national median for Graphic Communications. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
The 11.8x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 49% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $22,250 debt load exceeds a year of the $20,802 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.
At #36 out of 54 programs, East Tennessee State University's financial outcomes for Graphic Communications trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $20,802 to $37,167 over five years (79% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.