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Graphic Communications at University of California-Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
21 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
21
Optimistic
21
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,358/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Large (32,300 openings/yr)
ROI 7.0x earnings multiple (2.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #28 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 $397K $410K $402K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 6.8x 7.0x 6.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.2x 2.3x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 47% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 21 21 18

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$58,240
Out-of-state: $181,348 (2.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$66,428
-14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,411
9.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $25,358/yr, Graphic Communications graduates from University of California-Santa Cruz land near the $28,601 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 7.0x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 49% task exposure — and the -1% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $20,411 debt-to-$25,358 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #28 out of 54 programs, University of California-Santa Cruz's financial outcomes for Graphic Communications trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About University of California-Santa Cruz

University of California-Santa Cruz accepts 63% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, enrolling 17,812 students in Santa Cruz, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Santa Cruz →

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

Compare this program → View all 54 schools offering Graphic Communications →

Graphic Communications at Other Schools

Baker College ($74,387) Art Center College of Design ($67,010) California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($49,029) University of Wisconsin-Stout ($48,744) University of Maryland Global Campus ($46,581) Ringling College of Art and Design ($44,048) Carroll University ($40,825) New Jersey Institute of Technology ($39,134)

Other Majors at University of California-Santa Cruz

Computer Engineering ($79,969) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($78,842) Computer Science ($75,150) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($55,856) Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management ($55,773) Business/Managerial Economics ($52,029) Economics ($50,518) Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences ($45,088)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Graphic Communications trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 University of California-Santa Cruz's Graphic Communications program score?
This program scores 21/100 — 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 →