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Graphic Communications at University of Wisconsin-Stout

Menomonie, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $48,744/yr (70% vs median)

AI Risk High (49% exposed)

Job Market Large (32,300 openings/yr)

ROI 13.6x earnings multiple (7.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #4 of 54 Graphic Communications programs Top 10%

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	$561K	$552K	$502K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.8x	13.6x	12.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	7.5x	7.4x	6.7x
Probability of Field Employment	47%	41%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	53	52	44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$40,568

Out-of-state: $74,824 (7.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$69,460

-71% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,290

5.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$61,093

25% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Wisconsin-Stout Graphic Communications graduates command $48,744/yr out of the gate, well above the $28,601 national median. That 70% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

With a 13.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Graphic Communications career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $23,290 in median debt clears quickly against $48,744 in annual earnings.

At #4 of 54 programs, this Graphic Communications program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

A 25% earnings increase from $48,744 to $61,093 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Wisconsin-Stout

A 85% acceptance rate means University of Wisconsin-Stout is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 5,900 in Menomonie, WI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-Stout →

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 University of Wisconsin-Stout

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 52/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Graphic Communications at University of Wisconsin-Stout?

At 52/100, University of Wisconsin-Stout's Graphic Communications program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Graphic Communications at University of Wisconsin-Stout?

The 49% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →