Graphic Communications at East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
20
Optimistic
19
Base Case
17
Pessimistic
Earnings
$20,802/yr (-27% vs median)
AI Risk
High (49% exposed)
Job Market
Large (32,300 openings/yr)
ROI
11.8x earnings multiple (8.5x out-of-state)
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 | $466K | $469K | $444K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 11.7x | 11.8x | 11.2x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 8.4x | 8.5x | 8.1x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 47% | 41% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 20 | 19 | 17 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$39,800
Out-of-state: $55,160 (8.5x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,250
12.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$37,167
79% growth from Year 1
About East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University has a 87% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 9,807 students in Johnson City, TN.
See all programs and financial aid at East Tennessee State University →Top Career Paths
Special effects artists and animators
$99,800/yr
Desktop publishers
$53,620/yr
Prepress technicians and workers
$47,300/yr
Compare & Explore
Graphic Communications at Other Schools
Other Majors at East Tennessee State University
Explore the Trade Alternative
Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does East Tennessee State 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 East Tennessee State 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.
Why are Graphic Communications earnings lower at East Tennessee State University?
Lower starting pay at East Tennessee State University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →