Graphic Communications at Pikes Peak State College

Colorado Springs, CO · Public · Associate Degree

with a mid-sized student body of 9,307 in Colorado Springs, CO.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $25,596 track close to the $24,808 national median for Graphic Communications programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The 32.5x 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 #8 out of 17 programs, Pikes Peak State 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.

33 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
30
Low End
33
Score
35
High End
Earnings $25,596/yr (3% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (51% shielded)
Job Market Large (32,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$293K
3.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
34.1x
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)
$8,604
Out-of-state: $33,068

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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Graphic Communications careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering other programs.

Read the full Graphic Communications career guide →

Compare & Explore

Graphic Communications Overview

Graphic Communications at Other Schools

Other Majors at Pikes Peak State College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 33/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Graphic Communications at Pikes Peak State College?
At 33/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Graphic Communications programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Will AI affect Graphic Communications careers?
The 49% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — Pikes Peak State College graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Graphic Communications graduates?
The DOL recognizes 55 apprenticeship pathways related to Graphic Communications. For students weighing Pikes Peak State College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →