Graphic Communications at Middlesex College

Edison, NJ · Public · Associate Degree

enrolling 8,321 students in Edison, NJ.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $20,483 place Middlesex College below the $24,808 national median for Graphic Communications — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

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 exposure is significant at 49% of job tasks, producing a 40% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.

At #10 out of 17 programs, Middlesex College's financial outcomes for Graphic Communications trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $20,483 to $35,271 over five years (72% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful salary progression.

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
24
Low End
29
Score
34
High End
Earnings $20,483/yr (-17% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (51% shielded)
Job Market Large (32,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$359K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
39.7x
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)
$9,048
Out-of-state: $14,136
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,271
72% 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

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 Middlesex 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 Middlesex College's Graphic Communications program score?
A score of 29/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Graphic Communications. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
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 — Middlesex College graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Why are Graphic Communications earnings lower at Middlesex 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 Middlesex 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 →