Graphic Communications at Pratt Institute-Main

Brooklyn, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
11 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
12
Optimistic
11
Base Case
9
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,048/yr (-30% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Large (32,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #48 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 $624K $607K $541K
Earnings Multiple 2.6x 2.5x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 47% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 12 11 9

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$238,732
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$202,588
15% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
15.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,693
168% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $20,048 place Pratt Institute-Main below the $28,601 national median for Graphic Communications — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

An earnings multiple of 2.5x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

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

The $26,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $20,048 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #48 out of 54 programs, Pratt Institute-Main's financial outcomes for Graphic Communications trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $20,048 to $53,693 over five years (168% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Pratt Institute-Main

A 53% admission rate makes Pratt Institute-Main accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with a smaller student body of 3,766 in Brooklyn, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at Pratt Institute-Main →

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 Pratt Institute-Main

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 Pratt Institute-Main's Graphic Communications program score?
This program scores 11/100 — on the lower end for Graphic Communications. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Pratt Institute-Main Graphic Communications graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.3x 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 Pratt Institute-Main?
Lower starting pay at Pratt Institute-Main 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 →