ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Graphic Communications Schools in California

7 Colleges in the United States
1,789 Graphic Communications Degrees Awarded
$48,906 Avg Early-Career Salary

Graphic Communications is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. The schools below stand out for the quality of their graphic communications programs.

For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 92 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for graphic communications students pursuing a degree.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/communications-tech-support/graphic-communications/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/communications-tech-support/graphic-communications/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/communications-tech-support/graphic-communications/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/communications-tech-support/graphic-communications/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/communications-tech-support/graphic-communications/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/communications-tech-support/graphic-communications/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/communications-tech-support/graphic-communications/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: No offers_data.offers found, showing generic ESYOH widget

Best Schools for Graphic Communications in California

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall graphic communications education in California.

Top Schools in Graphic Communications

1

Our analysis ranked California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo the best school in the country for a degree in graphic communications. This very large public university is located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo awarded about 80 graphic communications degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their graphic communications degree from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earn around $49,029 in the first couple years of their career. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo graduates carry a median of $17,961 in student loans. See the full graphic communications program report for California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo

2

University Of Southern California came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best graphic communications schools. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit university. University Of Southern California graduates 92% of students within six years. There were roughly 35 graphic communications students who graduated with this degree at University Of Southern California in the most recent data year. Students who receive their graphic communications degree from University Of Southern California earn around $75,677 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $15,625. Read more about the graphic communications program at University Of Southern California

3

Chapman University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in graphic communications, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Orange, Chapman University is a large private not-for-profit university. About 82% of students finish within six years. About 30 graphic communications degrees were awarded at Chapman University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, graphic communications degree recipients from Chapman University generally make around $50,947. Students borrow a median of $21,657 to complete this degree. Read more about the graphic communications program at Chapman University

4

Loyola Marymount University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in graphic communications, landing the #4 spot this year. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Los Angeles. Loyola Marymount University graduates 79% of students within six years. Loyola Marymount University awarded about 22 graphic communications degrees in the most recent data year. Graphic Communications graduates of Loyola Marymount University earn a median of $52,935 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $22,248 to complete this degree. Read more about the graphic communications program at Loyola Marymount University

5

A rank of #5 makes Art Center College Of Design one of the top schools for graphic communications. Set in the city of Pasadena, Art Center College Of Design is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 79% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 95 graphic communications students who graduated with this degree at Art Center College Of Design in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, graphic communications degree recipients from Art Center College Of Design generally make around $67,010. Students borrow a median of $35,593 to complete this degree. Get the full graphic communications details for Art Center College Of Design

6

California State University Los Angeles landed the #6 spot for graphic communications this year. California State University Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. About 53% of students finish within six years. About 14 graphic communications degrees were awarded at California State University Los Angeles in the most recent year. Students who receive their graphic communications degree from California State University Los Angeles earn around $48,403 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $14,430 to complete this degree. See the full graphic communications program report for California State University Los Angeles

7

Santa Rosa Junior College earned the #7 position for graphic communications this year. Santa Rosa Junior College is a very large public school located in the city of Santa Rosa. There were roughly 28 graphic communications students who graduated with this degree at Santa Rosa Junior College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their graphic communications degree from Santa Rosa Junior College earn around $80,047 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $14,692. Read more about the graphic communications program at Santa Rosa Junior College

8
Diablo Valley College crest
Diablo Valley College
Pleasant Hill, CA

Diablo Valley College earned the #8 position for graphic communications this year. Located in the suburb of Pleasant Hill, Diablo Valley College is a very large public university. Diablo Valley College awarded about 29 graphic communications degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the graphic communications program make about $27,813 in their early career. Diablo Valley College graduates carry a median of $9,205 in student loans. More information about a degree in graphic communications from Diablo Valley College

9

California College Of The Arts placed #9 among the best graphic communications schools. Set in the city of San Francisco, California College Of The Arts is a small private not-for-profit institution. About 61% of students finish within six years. California College Of The Arts awarded about 68 graphic communications degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, graphic communications degree recipients from California College Of The Arts generally make around $26,481. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. Get the full graphic communications details for California College Of The Arts

10

California Institute Of The Arts ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best graphic communications schools. California Institute Of The Arts is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Valencia. About 67% of students finish within six years. California Institute Of The Arts awarded about 72 graphic communications degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the graphic communications program make about $22,475 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $26,031 to complete this degree. See the full graphic communications program report for California Institute Of The Arts

11

Laguna College Of Art And Design landed the #11 spot for graphic communications this year. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the rural area of Laguna Beach. The six-year graduation rate is 52%. About 46 graphic communications degrees were awarded at Laguna College Of Art And Design in the most recent year. Students who receive their graphic communications degree from Laguna College Of Art And Design earn around $17,941 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. Get the full graphic communications details for Laguna College Of Art And Design

12

Woodbury University came in at #12 for graphic communications this year. Woodbury University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Burbank. Woodbury University graduates 60% of students within six years. Woodbury University awarded about 12 graphic communications degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, graphic communications degree recipients from Woodbury University generally make around $45,051. Typical student debt for the program is $30,996. See the full graphic communications program report for Woodbury University

13

Mt San Antonio College landed the #13 spot for graphic communications this year. Mt San Antonio College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Walnut. Mt San Antonio College awarded about 62 graphic communications degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their graphic communications degree from Mt San Antonio College earn around $44,391 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $9,384 to complete this degree. See the full graphic communications program report for Mt San Antonio College

14
Orange Coast College crest
Orange Coast College
Costa Mesa, CA

Orange Coast College placed #14 among the best graphic communications schools. Located in the city of Costa Mesa, Orange Coast College is a very large public university. About 25 graphic communications degrees were awarded at Orange Coast College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, graphic communications degree recipients from Orange Coast College generally make around $46,306. Orange Coast College graduates carry a median of $8,978 in student loans. Read more about the graphic communications program at Orange Coast College

15

Southern California Institute Of Architecture placed #15 among the best graphic communications schools. Southern California Institute Of Architecture is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Los Angeles. Roughly 71% of students complete a degree within six years here. Southern California Institute Of Architecture awarded about 21 graphic communications degrees in the most recent data year. Read more about the graphic communications program at Southern California Institute Of Architecture

16
Santa Monica College crest
Santa Monica College
Santa Monica, CA

Santa Monica College earned the #16 position for graphic communications this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Santa Monica. Roughly 81% of students complete a degree within six years here. Santa Monica College awarded about 129 graphic communications degrees in the most recent data year. Read more about the graphic communications program at Santa Monica College

17
Santa Ana College crest
Santa Ana College
Santa Ana, CA

Santa Ana College landed the #17 spot for graphic communications this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Santa Ana. Santa Ana College awarded about 62 graphic communications degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, graphic communications degree recipients from Santa Ana College generally make around $39,633. Students borrow a median of $11,196 to complete this degree. Read more about the graphic communications program at Santa Ana College

18
College Of San Mateo crest
College Of San Mateo
San Mateo, CA

College Of San Mateo landed the #18 spot for graphic communications this year. College Of San Mateo is a large public school located in the city of San Mateo. College Of San Mateo awarded about 16 graphic communications degrees in the most recent data year. Students borrow a median of $12,831 to complete this degree. See the full graphic communications program report for College Of San Mateo

19
College Of The Canyons crest
College Of The Canyons
Santa Clarita, CA

College Of The Canyons came in at #19 for graphic communications this year. College Of The Canyons is a very large public school located in the suburb of Santa Clarita. College Of The Canyons awarded about 38 graphic communications degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, graphic communications degree recipients from College Of The Canyons generally make around $51,913. College Of The Canyons graduates carry a median of $9,776 in student loans. More information about a degree in graphic communications from College Of The Canyons

20

Pasadena City College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best graphic communications schools. Located in the city of Pasadena, Pasadena City College is a very large public university. About 46 graphic communications degrees were awarded at Pasadena City College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, graphic communications degree recipients from Pasadena City College generally make around $38,841. Typical student debt for the program is $9,191. More information about a degree in graphic communications from Pasadena City College

21
Canada College crest
Canada College
Redwood City, CA

Canada College came in at #21 for graphic communications this year. Located in the suburb of Redwood City, Canada College is a large public university. Canada College awarded about 20 graphic communications degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, graphic communications degree recipients from Canada College generally make around $106,691. Typical student debt for the program is $15,000. See the full graphic communications program report for Canada College

22
Chabot College crest
Chabot College
Hayward, CA

Chabot College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best graphic communications schools. This large public university is located in the suburb of Hayward. About 24 graphic communications degrees were awarded at Chabot College in the most recent year. Graphic Communications graduates of Chabot College earn a median of $85,175 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $14,122. Get the full graphic communications details for Chabot College

23
Santa Barbara City College crest
Santa Barbara City College
Santa Barbara, CA

Santa Barbara City College earned the #23 position for graphic communications this year. Set in the city of Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara City College is a large public institution. There were roughly 17 graphic communications students who graduated with this degree at Santa Barbara City College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their graphic communications degree from Santa Barbara City College earn around $68,184 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,090. See the full graphic communications program report for Santa Barbara City College

24

City College Of San Francisco landed the #24 spot for graphic communications this year. Located in the city of San Francisco, City College Of San Francisco is a very large public university. There were roughly 22 graphic communications students who graduated with this degree at City College Of San Francisco in the most recent data year. Students who receive their graphic communications degree from City College Of San Francisco earn around $100,031 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $10,332 to complete this degree. See the full graphic communications program report for City College Of San Francisco

25

Cabrillo College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best graphic communications schools. This large public university is located in the suburb of Aptos. There were roughly 14 graphic communications students who graduated with this degree at Cabrillo College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the graphic communications program make about $47,750 in their early career. Cabrillo College graduates carry a median of $10,425 in student loans. Get the full graphic communications details for Cabrillo College

Rest of the Top 46 Graphic Communications Schools

Not far behind, these schools also delivered a strong graphic communications education:

26
27
28
Sacramento City College crest
Sacramento City College
Sacramento, CA
29
30
Cerritos College crest
Cerritos College
Norwalk, CA
31
Chaffey College crest
Chaffey College
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
32
American River College crest
American River College
Sacramento, CA
33
34
Sierra College crest
Sierra College
Rocklin, CA
35
Academy Of Art University crest
Academy Of Art University
San Francisco, CA
36
Norco College crest
Norco College
Norco, CA
37
38
Bakersfield College crest
Bakersfield College
Bakersfield, CA
39
Victor Valley College crest
Victor Valley College
Victorville, CA
40
Hartnell College crest
Hartnell College
Salinas, CA
41
42
43
44
45
46

ADBLOCK #173
View All Graphic Communications Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 92 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options