Graphic Communications at Hawkeye Community College

Waterloo, IA · Public · Associate Degree

with a smaller student body of 2,528 in Waterloo, IA.

Program Analysis

Hawkeye Community College's Graphic Communications graduates start at $29,682/yr — above the $24,808 national average, though not by a wide margin.

The 25.7x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 49% task exposure — and the 9% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Graphic Communications graduates.

Ranked #5 out of 17 programs, Hawkeye Community College's Graphic Communications offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

With 55 registered apprenticeships mapped to Graphic Communications, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

34 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
31
Low End
34
Score
37
High End
Earnings $29,682/yr (20% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (51% shielded)
Job Market Large (32,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$340K
3.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
27.0x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
5 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$12,616
Out-of-state: $13,196
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$24,820
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Graphic Communications graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Special effects artists and animators $99,800 +1.6% 48%
Desktop publishers $53,620 -12.4% 35%
Prepress technicians and workers $47,300 -14.6% 56%
Special effects artists and animators
$99,800
+1.6% growth 48% AI-proof
Desktop publishers
$53,620
-12.4% growth 35% AI-proof
Prepress technicians and workers
$47,300
-14.6% growth 56% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Graphic Communications Career Guide

Explore what Graphic Communications graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 17 programs nationwide.

Read the full Graphic Communications career guide →

Compare & Explore

Graphic Communications Overview

Graphic Communications at Other Schools

Other Majors at Hawkeye Community College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Hawkeye Community College's Graphic Communications program score?
This program scores 34/100 — on the lower end for Graphic Communications. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
What's the AI risk for Graphic Communications graduates from Hawkeye Community College?
The 49% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — Hawkeye Community College graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Graphic Communications graduates?
Yes — 55 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Graphic Communications career paths, including Assistant Press Operator. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Hawkeye Community College.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →