Graphic Communications at Miami Dade College

Miami, FL · Public · Associate Degree

serving a student body of 35,001 in Miami, FL.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $12,448/yr fall 50% below the $24,808 national median for Graphic Communications. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 24.0x 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.

At #14 out of 17 programs, Miami Dade College's financial outcomes for Graphic Communications trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

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

25 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
21
Low End
25
Score
27
High End
Earnings $12,448/yr (-50% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (51% shielded)
Job Market Large (32,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$143K
3.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
25.1x
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)
$5,676
Out-of-state: $19,322

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

Graphic Communications opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Graphic Communications career guide →

Compare & Explore

Graphic Communications Overview

Graphic Communications at Other Schools

Other Majors at Miami Dade College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Graphic Communications at Miami Dade College?
At 25/100, 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?
AI won't eliminate Graphic Communications careers, but it may reshape them. At Miami Dade College, a score of 25/100 already accounts for the 49% task exposure — the ROI calculation factors in reduced employment probability.
Why are Graphic Communications earnings lower at Miami Dade 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 Miami Dade College?
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 →