Best Graphic Communications Degrees in California by ROI
Colleges in California ranked by estimated 20-year net return on investment — calculated from median graduate earnings, total attendance cost, and average student debt. Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Programs in California
7
Colleges with salary data
Average 20-Yr Net ROI
-$249,552
Across California programs
Average Annual Cost
$53,799
Cost of attendance
| # | College | 20-Yr Net ROI | Median Salary | Annual Cost | Avg Debt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Grad rate: 85.3% |
+$273,900 | $62,891 | $29,918 | $17,961 | Full ROI → |
| 2 |
University of Silicon Valley
Grad rate: 40.5% |
-$157,274 | $43,501 | $36,361 | $31,000 | Full ROI → |
| 3 |
Laguna College of Art and Design
Grad rate: 63.1% |
-$169,782 | $46,570 | $56,183 | $27,000 | Full ROI → |
| 4 |
Loyola Marymount University
Grad rate: 80.6% |
-$229,028 | $45,722 | $75,867 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 5 |
California Baptist University
Grad rate: 61.2% |
-$341,812 | $35,391 | $52,408 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 6 |
Academy of Art University
Grad rate: 42.4% |
-$406,627 | $33,586 | $47,195 | $36,717 | Full ROI → |
| 7 |
California College of the Arts
Grad rate: 65.7% |
-$716,246 | $23,743 | $78,664 | $27,000 | Full ROI → |
How ROI is calculated
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings (salary × 20) − Total Degree Cost (annual cost × programme years) − Debt Payoff (avg debt × 1.35) − Baseline Opportunity Cost ($42,000 × 20 = $840,000)
A positive ROI means a degree in this field pays off relative to entering the workforce without one. Data from the U.S. College Scorecard.
Find Best Graphic Communications Degrees by State
Browse Graphic Communications programs ranked by 20-year ROI in every state that offers this degree.