Graphic Communications at Houston Community College

Houston, TX · Public · Associate Degree

one of the larger campuses at 37,970 students in Houston, TX.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $16,155 place Houston Community College below the $24,808 national median for Graphic Communications — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 56.8x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Graphic Communications carry above-average AI exposure (49% of tasks). The 40% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

A #7 ranking among 17 Graphic Communications programs places Houston Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $16,155-to-$39,213 earnings arc over five years reflects a 143% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

The 55 apprenticeship pathways connected to Graphic Communications reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

34 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
28
Low End
34
Score
39
High End
Earnings $16,155/yr (-35% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (51% shielded)
Job Market Large (32,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$284K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
69.5x
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)
$4,080
Out-of-state: $10,920
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,213
143% growth from Year 1

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 Houston Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Houston Community College's Graphic Communications program score?
At 34/100, 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 Houston Community College?
With 49% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $169,018 in decade earnings vs $283,501 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Why are Graphic Communications earnings lower at Houston Community College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Can I learn Graphic Communications through an apprenticeship instead of Houston Community College?
If Houston Community College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 55 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Graphic Communications. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →