Illinois · Graphic Communications

Best Graphic Communications institutions in Illinois, ranked by earnings

The Graphic Communications program focuses on the principles and practices of graphic design and visual communication. It is designed for individuals interested in transforming ideas and messages into visual formats, whether through print…

Institutions
21
offering CIP 10.03
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
484
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$24,941
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
3
College Scorecard
Median net price
$21,768
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
45%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Printing Press Operators
$49,070
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
1Columbia College Chicago
Chicago Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$26,30911052%$28,087$25,000
2Bradley University
Peoria Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$24,9411476%$21,768$27,000
3DePaul University
Chicago Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$19,1789168%$28,141$25,864

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Printing Press Operators (SOC 51-5112).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
-8.1%
Decline
Openings / yr (US)
~13,700
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$45,160
typically High school diploma or equivalent

Top skills

MonitoringActive ListeningSpeakingReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingActive Learning

What Printing Press Operators earn in Illinois

Jobs in Illinois
10,060
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$49,070
median $47,210
Best-paying metro
$50,550
Peoria, IL

Related careers

Printing Press Operators
$49,070 avg · 10,060 jobs
Data Entry Keyers
$42,050 avg · 6,680 jobs
Prepress Technicians and Workers
$54,860 avg · 1,060 jobs
Etchers and Engravers
$45,650 avg · 390 jobs
Desktop Publishers
$51,080 avg · 140 jobs
Special Effects Artists and Animators
$79,500

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Graphic Communications programs in Illinois.

Which Graphic Communications program in Illinois has the highest-earning graduates?+

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), Columbia College Chicago tops the list at $26,309. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Printing Press Operators earn in Illinois?+

The average annual wage for Printing Press Operators in Illinois is $49,070 (median $47,210), across about 10,060 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

What is the focus of the Graphic Communications program?+

The Graphic Communications program focuses on the principles and practices of graphic design and visual communication. It is designed for individuals interested in transforming ideas and messages into visual formats, whether through print…

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop monitoring, active listening, speaking, reading comprehension, and related professional skills.

What is the job outlook for Printing Press Operators?+

The national job outlook is about -8.1% growth with around 13,700 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).

What is the typical education requirement?+

A High school diploma or equivalent is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).

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