Graphic Communications at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

Lancaster, PA · Public · Associate Degree

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology accepts 53% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 1,449 students in Lancaster, PA.

Program Analysis

At $26,870 per year, Graphic Communications graduates from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology earn slightly above the $24,808 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 15.6x 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 3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Graphic Communications graduates.

The median debt load of $8,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

At #12 out of 17 programs, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology's financial outcomes for Graphic Communications trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $26,870 to $28,781 over five years (7% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

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

29 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
26
Low End
29
Score
32
High End
Earnings $26,870/yr (8% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (51% shielded)
Job Market Large (32,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$291K
1.7% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
16.1x
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
$18,100
Median Debt at Graduation
$8,000
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$28,781
7% 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

What can you do with a Graphic Communications credential from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Graphic Communications career guide →

Compare & Explore

Graphic Communications Overview

Graphic Communications at Other Schools

Other Majors at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Graphic Communications at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology?
This program scores 29/100 — 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 Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology?
Our scenarios model 49% of Graphic Communications tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology's 29/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
How affordable is Graphic Communications at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology?
Median debt of just $8,000 against $26,870/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 4 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
Are there apprenticeship options for Graphic Communications?
There are 55 registered apprenticeships connected to Graphic Communications occupations, such as Assistant Press Operator and Compositor. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →