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2024 Best Graphic Communications Schools in California

8 Colleges in California
1,462 Graphic Communication Degrees Awarded
$34,422 Avg Early-Career Salary
Graphic Communications is above average in terms of popularity with it being the #122 most popular degree program in the country. This means you won't have too much trouble finding schools that offer the degree.

In 2024, College Factual analyzed 8 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best Graphic Communications Schools in California ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 1,462 degrees in graphic communications to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Graphic Communications School

Best Graphic Communications Schools in California Your choice of graphic communications school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. For our Best Overall Graphic Communications School rankings, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Pick Your Graphic Communications Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Graphic Communication
Bachelor's Degrees in Graphic Communication
Master's Degrees in Graphic Communication

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we've developed the Best Graphic Communications Schools in California ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision. You can also filter this list by location to find schools closer to you.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.

More information on how we come up with our rankings can be found here: College Factual's Data Methodology.

Best Schools for Graphic Communications in California

If you aren't interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the graphic communication degrees they offer, see the list below.

Top California Schools in Graphic Communication

1
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
94 Graphic Communication Degrees Awarded
2.1% Growth in Graduates

It is hard to beat California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo if you wish to pursue a degree in graphic communications. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is a fairly large public university located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo. A Best Colleges rank of #95 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is a great university overall.

There were about 94 graphic communications students who graduated with this degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the most recent year we have data available. Those graphic communications students who get their degree from California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo make $15,013 more than the typical graphic communication grad.

More information about a degree in graphic communications from California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo

2
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
41 Graphic Communication Degrees Awarded
12.2% Growth in Graduates

It is hard to beat Art Center College of Design if you want to pursue a degree in graphic communications. Art Center College of Design is a small private not-for-profit college located in the midsize city of Pasadena.

There were about 41 graphic communications students who graduated with this degree at Art Center College of Design in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the graphic communications degree program at Art Center College of Design get $28,704 above the typical college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in graphic communications from Art Center College of Design

3
Academy of Art University crest
Academy of Art University
San Francisco, CA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
222 Graphic Communication Degrees Awarded
$27,837 Median Starting Salary

Academy of Art University is a great choice for students interested in a degree in graphic communications. Academy of Art University is a medium-sized private for-profit university located in the city of San Francisco. This university ranks 37th out of 168 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 222 graphic communications students who graduated with this degree at Academy of Art University in the most recent data year. After graduation, graphic communication degree recipients generally make an average of $27,837 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in graphic communications from Academy of Art University

4
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
$22,279 Median Starting Salary
$27,000 Median Student Debt

Laguna College of Art and Design is a wonderful choice for students pursuing a degree in graphic communications. LCAD is a small private not-for-profit college located in the rural area of Laguna Beach.

There were roughly 25 graphic communications students who graduated with this degree at LCAD in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the graphic communication program earn about $22,279 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in graphic communications from Laguna College of Art and Design

5
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
64 Graphic Communication Degrees Awarded
12.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of San Francisco, California College of the Arts is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population.

There were roughly 64 graphic communications students who graduated with this degree at California College of the Arts in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the graphic communication program earn about $16,698 in the first couple years of their career.

More information about a degree in graphic communications from California College of the Arts

6
Cogswell crest
Cogswell College
San Jose, CA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
44 Graphic Communication Degrees Awarded
$27,541 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of San Jose, Cogswell is a private for-profit college with a fairly small student population.

There were about 44 graphic communications students who graduated with this degree at Cogswell in the most recent year we have data available. After graduating, graphic communication degree recipients typically make around $27,541 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in graphic communications from Cogswell College

7
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
35 Graphic Communication Degrees Awarded
$21,111 Median Starting Salary

LA Film School is a moderately-sized private for-profit school located in the city of Hollywood.

There were about 35 graphic communications students who graduated with this degree at LA Film School in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the graphic communication program report average early career income of $21,111.

More information about a degree in graphic communications from Los Angeles Film School

8
Laurus College crest
Laurus College
San Luis Obispo, CA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
$21,531 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small city of San Luis Obispo, Laurus College is a private for-profit college with a small student population. This college ranks 166th out of 168 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were roughly 11 graphic communications students who graduated with this degree at Laurus College in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the graphic communication program make an average of $21,531 for their early career.

More information about a degree in graphic communications from Laurus College

9

Best Graphic Communications Colleges in the Far Western US Region

Explore all the Best Graphic Communications Schools in the Far Western US Area or other specific states within that region.

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Washington 300 150
Oregon 266 16
Nevada 192 0
Hawaii 164 113

View All Rankings >

Graphic Communications is one of 3 different types of Communications Technologies & Support programs to choose from.

Graphic Communication Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects 1,062
Prepress/Desktop Publishing & Digital Imaging Design 290
General Graphic Communications 104
Graphic & Printing Equipment Operator, General Production 6

View All Graphic Communication Focus Areas >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Audiovisual Communications 895
Other Communication Technology 23

View All Graphic Communication Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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