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Communications Technology · Graphic Communications Rank #54 of 54

Graphic Communicationsat Webster University

Graduates earn $17,593/yr in their first year — about 38.0% below the national Graphic Communications average. Base-case 10-year earnings $437K; scenarios range from $422K to $429K depending on AI disruption.

Saint Louis, MO Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
10 AT RISK
11
Optimistic
8
Pessimistic
Earnings
$17,593
1-year post-graduation
ROI
1.5x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$437K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
46% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Webster University

While the career paths listed show a wide range of possibilities, the earnings data suggests many Webster graduates enter the more traditional, production-focused side of the graphic arts industry. Saint Louis has a solid market for this work, but it's not a major media hub like New York or Los Angeles, which can temper salary growth, especially early in your career. The program's emphasis may be more on the technical craft of print and publishing rather than the high-demand, high-salary niches of UX/UI or digital product design that drive up averages at other schools. To maximize your investment here, you'll need to be aggressive. Your key action is to seek out internships and freelance projects specifically in digital marketing, web design, or motion graphics to build a portfolio that competes for higher-paying roles beyond the local print market.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$422K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score8/100
Earnings Multiple3.4x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$437K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score10/100
Earnings Multiple3.6x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$429K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score11/100
Earnings Multiple3.5x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Webster University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Graphic Communications graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Special effects artists and animators
+1.6% 10-yr growth · 5,000 openings/yr
$99,800/yr
High
2
Desktop publishers
-12.4% 10-yr growth · 400 openings/yr
$53,620/yr
High
3
Prepress technicians and workers
-14.6% 10-yr growth · 2,800 openings/yr
$47,300/yr
Moderate
4
Printing press operators
-8.1% 10-yr growth · 13,700 openings/yr
$45,160/yr
Low
5
Etchers and engravers
-0.7% 10-yr growth · 900 openings/yr
$40,450/yr
Low
6
Data entry keyers
-25.9% 10-yr growth · 9,500 openings/yr
$39,850/yr
Very High
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Graphic Communications

How Webster University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Baker College
MI · Private nonprofit
51
DW Score
$74K
1-yr earn
13.5x
ROI
Art Center College of Design
CA · Private nonprofit
40
DW Score
$67K
1-yr earn
2.2x
ROI
Top score
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
CA · Public
59
DW Score
$49K
1-yr earn
18.7x
ROI
University of Wisconsin-Stout
WI · Public
52
DW Score
$49K
1-yr earn
14.1x
ROI
University of Maryland Global Campus
MD · Public
57
DW Score
$47K
1-yr earn
21.8x
ROI
Also at Webster University

Other top programs at Webster University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Webster University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Graphic Communications offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Graphic Communications trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Graphic Communications at Webster University

What does a 10/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Graphic Communications at Webster University?

At 10/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Graphic Communications programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Graphic Communications at Webster University?

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.

Is Webster University a good choice for Graphic Communications despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Webster University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.