Best institutions to study Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the layout, design and typographic arrangement of printed and/or electronic graphic and textual products.
83 U.S. institutions graduated 1,335 Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 10.0303, a specialization of Graphic Communications (CIP 10.03), and leads most directly to the Desktop Publishers occupation (BLS SOC 43-9031).
About Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the layout, design and typographic arrangement of printed and/or electronic graphic and textual products. Includes instruction in printing and lithographic equipment and operations, computer hardware and software, digital imaging, print preparation, page layout and design, desktop publishing, and applicable principles of graphic design and web page design.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design program, part of the Graphic Communications field, prepares individuals to utilize technical knowledge and skills in the layout, design, and typographic arrangement of printed and electronic graphic products. This program is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in communications technologies and support services.
Learn more about Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design →
Students will gain core skills in operating desktop publishing software, designing visually appealing layouts, checking proofs for errors, and making necessary corrections. Coursework includes instruction in digital imaging, print preparation, and principles of graphic design and web page design.
Credentials awarded
What Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year634 graduates / yr · 53 institutions48%
- Associate's degree521 graduates / yr · 49 institutions39%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years180 graduates / yr · 22 institutions14%
Graduates over time
Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 879 |
| 2013 | 914 |
| 2014 | 866 |
| 2015 | 928 |
| 2016 | 872 |
| 2017 | 828 |
| 2018 | 902 |
| 2019 | 996 |
| 2020 | 906 |
| 2021 | 923 |
| 2022 | 1,094 |
| 2023 | 1,137 |
| 2024 | 1,171 |
| 2025 | 1,335 |
Top 50 institutions for Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Houston City College Houston, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 167 | 17% | — | $16,155 |
| 2 | Salt Lake Community College Salt Lake City, UTPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 66 | 29% | — | $23,932 |
| 3 | Riverside City College Riverside, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 64 | 37% | — | — |
| 4 | Santa Ana College Santa Ana, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 51 | 31% | — | — |
| 5 | Pasadena City College Pasadena, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 47 | 48% | — | — |
| 6 | Cerro Coso Community College Ridgecrest, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 46 | 25% | — | — |
| 7 | Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Green Bay, WIPublicAssociate's | 44 | 51% | — | — |
| 8 | Sacramento City College Sacramento, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 37 | 33% | — | — |
| 9 | Mt San Jacinto Community College District San Jacinto, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 36 | 36% | — | — |
| 10 | Norco College Norco, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 35 | 42% | — | — |
| 11 | San Joaquin Delta College Stockton, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 31 | 35% | — | — |
| 12 | Charlotte Technical College Port Charlotte, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 29 | 51% | — | — |
| 13 | Santa Monica College Santa Monica, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 28 | 36% | — | — |
| 14 | Chabot College Hayward, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 26 | 47% | — | — |
| 15 | Camden County College Blackwood, NJPublicAssociate's | 26 | 31% | — | — |
| 16 | City College of San Francisco San Francisco, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 25 | 40% | — | — |
| 17 | American River College Sacramento, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 23 | 37% | — | — |
| 18 | College of San Mateo San Mateo, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 23 | 61% | — | — |
| 19 | Los Angeles Trade Technical College Los Angeles, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 22 | 35% | — | — |
| 20 | Lewis and Clark Community College Godfrey, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 21 | 44% | — | — |
| 21 | Passaic County Community College Paterson, NJPublicAssociate's | 20 | 19% | — | — |
| 22 | Dallas College Dallas, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 19 | 32% | — | — |
| 23 | Tarrant County College District Fort Worth, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 19 | 34% | — | — |
| 24 | Cabrillo College Aptos, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 18 | 38% | — | — |
| 25 | Palo Verde College Blythe, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 18 | 31% | — | — |
| 26 | Southwestern Illinois College Belleville, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 17 | 36% | — | — |
| 27 | Cape Coral Technical College Cape Coral, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 17 | 83% | — | — |
| 28 | M - DCPS The English Center Miami, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 17 | 92% | — | — |
| 29 | Lake Land College Mattoon, ILPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 15 | 58% | — | — |
| 30 | Labette Community College Parsons, KSPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 15 | 24% | — | — |
| 31 | Osceola Technical College Kissimmee, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 15 | 47% | — | — |
| 32 | Coastline Community College Fountain Valley, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 13 | 34% | — | — |
| 33 | Robert Morgan Educational Center and Technical College Miami, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 13 | 13% | — | — |
| 34 | Kansas City Kansas Community College Kansas City, KSPublicAssociate's | 12 | 42% | — | — |
| 35 | Southeast Technical College Sioux Falls, SDPublicAssociate's | 12 | 59% | — | — |
| 36 | Crafton Hills College Yucaipa, CAPublicAssociate's | 11 | 31% | — | — |
| 37 | Manatee Technical College Bradenton, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 11 | 64% | — | — |
| 38 | Washburn Institute of Technology Topeka, KSPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 11 | 68% | — | — |
| 39 | Clover Park Technical College Lakewood, WAPublicAssociate's | 11 | 43% | — | — |
| 40 | Kellogg Community College Battle Creek, MIPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 10 | 30% | — | — |
| 41 | Fresno City College Fresno, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 9 | 24% | — | — |
| 42 | Moorpark College Moorpark, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 9 | 44% | — | — |
| 43 | Fort Hays State University - Northwest Kansas Technical College Goodland, KSPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 9 | 73% | — | — |
| 44 | Whatcom Community College Bellingham, WAPublicAssociate's | 9 | 36% | — | — |
| 45 | Long Beach City College Long Beach, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 8 | 30% | — | — |
| 46 | Palomar College San Marcos, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 8 | 38% | — | — |
| 47 | Kirkwood Community College Cedar Rapids, IAPublicAssociate's | 8 | 43% | — | — |
| 48 | Fullerton College Fullerton, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 7 | 34% | — | — |
| 49 | Gavilan College Gilroy, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 7 | 42% | — | — |
| 50 | Hutchinson Community College Hutchinson, KSPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 7 | 53% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Graphic Communications field (CIP 10.03) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 18 states
Where Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design graduates come from. Each state links to all Graphic Communications programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 40 | 654 | Riverside City College64 / yr |
| Texas | 3 | 205 | Houston City College167 / yr |
| Florida | 7 | 105 | Charlotte Technical College29 / yr |
| Utah | 1 | 66 | Salt Lake Community College66 / yr |
| Illinois | 6 | 60 | Lewis and Clark Community College21 / yr |
| Kansas | 6 | 56 | Labette Community College15 / yr |
| New Jersey | 2 | 46 | Camden County College26 / yr |
| Wisconsin | 1 | 44 | Northeast Wisconsin Technical College44 / yr |
| Iowa | 5 | 28 | Kirkwood Community College8 / yr |
| Washington | 2 | 20 | Clover Park Technical College11 / yr |
| Michigan | 2 | 16 | Kellogg Community College10 / yr |
| South Dakota | 1 | 12 | Southeast Technical College12 / yr |
| Oklahoma | 2 | 5 | Great Plains Technology Center4 / yr |
| Massachusetts | 1 | 5 | Springfield Technical Community College5 / yr |
| Oregon | 1 | 5 | Southwestern Oregon Community College5 / yr |
| Arkansas | 1 | 4 | Arkansas State University - Mountain Home4 / yr |
| Minnesota | 1 | 2 | Hennepin Technical College2 / yr |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | 2 | Westmoreland County Community College2 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 43-9031, Desktop Publishers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Desktop Publishers or Prepress Technicians. While the job outlook shows a decline of 12.4%, there are approximately 400 annual openings, with a median wage of $53,620. An Associate's degree is typically required for these positions.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 10.0303
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Desktop Publishersprimary SOC 43-9031 | $55,290 | -12.4% Decline | ~400 | Associate's degree |
Prepress Technicians and Workers SOC 51-5111 | $48,690 | -14.6% Decline | ~2,800 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Operate desktop publishing software and equipment to design, lay out, and produce camera-ready copy.
- Position text and art elements from a variety of databases in a visually appealing way to design print or web pages, using knowledge of type styles and size and layout patterns.
- Check preliminary and final proofs for errors and make necessary corrections.
- View monitors for visual representation of work in progress and for instructions and feedback throughout process, making modifications as necessary.
- Enter text into computer keyboard and select the size and style of type, column width, and appropriate spacing for printed materials.
- Prepare sample layouts for approval, using computer software.
Tools and technology used
Other Graphic Communications specializations
The 8 other 6-digit CIP codes under Graphic Communications (CIP 10.03).
- Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special EffectsCIP 10.03046,849 graduates / yr250 institutions
- Graphic CommunicationsCIP 10.0301455 graduates / yr29 institutions
- Graphic and Printing Equipment OperatorCIP 10.0305252 graduates / yr19 institutions
- Graphic CommunicationsCIP 10.0399170 graduates / yr10 institutions
- Printing ManagementCIP 10.0302partial data56 graduates / yr3 institutions
- Printing Press OperatorCIP 10.0307limited data9 graduates / yr2 institutions
- Platemaker/CIP 10.0306
Imager limited data7 graduates / yr2 institutions - Computer Typography and Composition Equipment OperatorCIP 10.0308limited data7 graduates / yr1 institutions
Common questions
What types of degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn an Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year, an Associate's degree, or an Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, active listening, and various design-related tasks.
What careers can I pursue after completing this program?+
You can work as a Desktop Publisher or a Prepress Technician.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook indicates a decline of 12.4%, with around 400 annual job openings.
What is the CIP code for Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design?+
Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design is CIP 10.0303 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Graphic Communications (CIP 10.03). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the layout, design and typographic arrangement of printed and/or electronic graphic and textual products. Includes instruction in printing and lithographic equipment and operations, computer hardware and software, digital imaging, print preparation, page layout and design, desktop publishing, and applicable principles of graphic design and web page design.
How many institutions offer Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design programs?+
83 U.S. institutions reported Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 18 states, awarding 1,335 credentials in the year. That is 14.6% of all Graphic Communications graduates.
How much do Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Desktop Publishers occupation, which Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design most directly leads to, pays a median of $55,290 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Graphic Communications field report median earnings of $23,932 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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