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Graphic Communications at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design

Lakewood, CO · Private for-profit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $23,247/yr (-19% vs median)

AI Risk High (49% exposed)

Job Market Large (32,300 openings/yr)

ROI 4.2x earnings multiple

Ranked #40 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	$386K	$400K	$395K
Earnings Multiple	4.1x	4.2x	4.2x
Probability of Field Employment	47%	41%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	17	17	14

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$94,880

Median Debt at Graduation

$28,115

14.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $23,247 per year, Graphic Communications graduates from Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design earn below the $28,601 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The 4.2x 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 -2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $28,115 debt load exceeds a year of the $23,247 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #40 out of 54 programs, Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design's financial outcomes for Graphic Communications trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design

a compact campus enrolling 1,878 students in Lakewood, CO. With 46% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design →

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 Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design

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 Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design's Graphic Communications program score?

This program scores 17/100 — on the lower end for Graphic Communications. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

Do Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design Graphic Communications graduates earn enough to justify the loans?

The debt-to-income ratio of 1.2x 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 Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design?

Lower starting pay at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design 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 →