Best Graphic Communications Schools in California

California has 10 colleges offering Graphic Communications programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 373 recent graduates. Graduates in California earn $33,842 on average within two years — 13% above the national average of $29,930, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

School choice matters significantly: California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn $52,385 while California College of the Arts graduates earn $30,409 — a $21,976 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in CA

$33,842

CA Avg. Earnings

$29,930

National Avg.

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Graphic Communications in California

Public Schools (2)

$52,385

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (5)

$30,973

avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in California produce comparable or higher early earnings for Graphic Communications graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.

Graphic Communications Schools in California, Ranked by Earnings

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA · Public

$52,385

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $49,435

Graduates: 74

Acceptance: 29.8%

Loyola Marymount University

Los Angeles, CA · Private

$30,409

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 40.3%

University of California-Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA · Public

N/A

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 62.5%

California Baptist University

Riverside, CA · Private

$34,526

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $33,784

Graduates: 49

Acceptance: 73.6%

Academy of Art University

San Francisco, CA ·

$32,498

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $27,837

Graduates: 98

Acceptance: N/A

University of Silicon Valley

San Jose, CA · For-Profit

$30,984

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $27,541

Graduates: 61

Acceptance: 51.3%

Laguna College of Art and Design

Laguna Beach, CA · Private

$21,234

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $22,279

Graduates: 22

Acceptance: 77.6%

Art Center College of Design

Pasadena, CA · Private

$38,289

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $63,126

Graduates: 17

Acceptance: 75.0%

Los Angeles Film School

Hollywood, CA ·

N/A

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $21,111

Graduates: 16

Acceptance: N/A

#10

California College of the Arts

San Francisco, CA · Private

$30,409

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $16,698

Graduates: 36

Acceptance: 73.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Graphic Communications in California?

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ranks #1 for Graphic Communications in California with median graduate earnings of $52,385 within two years of graduation. There are 10 schools offering Graphic Communications programs in the state.

How much do Graphic Communications graduates earn in California?

Graphic Communications graduates in California earn an average of $33,842 within two years of graduation. This is 13% above the national average of $29,930 for this major.

What is the hardest Graphic Communications school to get into in California?

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is the most selective Graphic Communications program in California with an acceptance rate of 29.8%. The average acceptance rate across Graphic Communications programs in the state is 60.4%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Graphic Communications in California?

In California, private Graphic Communications programs produce average earnings of $30,973 vs $52,385 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 2 public and 5 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in California

Construction Management $81,700 Construction Engineering $81,610 Construction Engineering Technologies $76,343 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $75,984 Computer Science $72,889 Computer Engineering $72,447 Dental Support Services and Allied Professions $71,074 Computer and Information Sciences, General $68,388

All colleges in California →

Graphic Communications in Other States

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Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release.