Graphic Communications at University of California-Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
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)
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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,411
9.7 months of Year 1 earnings
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
Compare & Explore
Graphic Communications at Other Schools
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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?
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 →