California · Visual and Performing Arts

Best Visual and Performing Arts institutions in California, ranked by earnings

The Visual and Performing Arts program offers a comprehensive exploration of artistic expression through various mediums. This program is designed for students who are passionate about creativity and wish to develop their skills in both…

Institutions
99
offering CIP 50.01
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
1,210
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$27,741
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
3
College Scorecard
Median net price
$37,121
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
45%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Graphic Designers
$91,760
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 3 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1Academy of Art University
San Francisco Private for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$28,4945934%$40,294$31,000
2California State University - San Marcos
San Marcos Public · Bachelor's degree
$27,7418055%$18,750
3Otis College of Art and Design
Los Angeles Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$21,55810566%$44,867$27,000

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Graphic Designers (SOC 27-1024).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+2.1%
About as fast as average
Openings / yr (US)
~20,000
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$61,300
typically Bachelor's degree

Top skills

Active ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingWritingActive LearningReading Comprehension

What Graphic Designers earn in California

Jobs in California
28,310
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$91,760
median $76,440
Best-paying metro
$119,250
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

Related careers

Graphic Designers
$91,760 avg · 28,310 jobs
Art Directors
$150,260 avg · 12,540 jobs
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
$126,870 avg · 10,100 jobs
Special Effects Artists and Animators
$128,880 avg · 7,690 jobs
Photographers
$76,230 avg · 7,300 jobs
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
$152,160 avg · 1,760 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Visual and Performing Arts programs in California.

Which Visual and Performing Arts program in California has the highest-earning graduates?+

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), Academy of Art University tops the list at $28,494. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Graphic Designers earn in California?+

The average annual wage for Graphic Designers in California is $91,760 (median $76,440), across about 28,310 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

What is the focus of the Visual and Performing Arts program?+

The Visual and Performing Arts program offers a comprehensive exploration of artistic expression through various mediums. This program is designed for students who are passionate about creativity and wish to develop their skills in both…

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop active listening, speaking, critical thinking, writing, and related professional skills.

What is the job outlook for Graphic Designers?+

The national job outlook is about +2.1% growth with around 20,000 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).

What is the typical education requirement?+

A Bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).

Visual and Performing Arts in other statesWisconsinVirginiaColoradoVermontMissouriFloridaTexasIndiana

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