Compare 45 Platemaker/Imager. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $39,820. Top programs: $74,650+.
With top graduates earning $74,650, Platemaker/Imager stands out as a field where program choice matters more than school name. The gap between the best and median programs exceeds $35K—proof that evaluating programs individually beats relying on institutional prestige.
Brigham Young University's Platemaker/Imager program leads with graduates earning $74,650, well above the $39,820 average across all programs. Rochester Institute of Technology follows at $73,091, while Ringling College of Art and Design rounds out the top three at $69,773—demonstrating how specialized programs can excel regardless of overall school rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Brigham Young University graduates borrow $11,069 and face just a 2.9% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. Even at Rochester Institute of Technology, students maintain an excellent 7.3% burden despite higher debt, proving top programs can remain affordable.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Brigham Young UniversityPrivate | $74,650 | 15 | $11,069 | Excellent | $9,699 | Excellent |
| #2 | $73,091 | 45 | $26,778 | Excellent | $35,625 | Challenging | |
| #3 | $69,773 | 113 | $27,000 | Excellent | $114,120 | High | |
| #4 | $67,063 | 92 | $18,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Challenging | |
| #5 | Columbia College ChicagoPrivate | $56,600 | 82 | $25,000 | Good | $55,700 | High |
| #6 | Loyola Marymount UniversityPrivate | $54,433 | 21 | $19,500 | Good | $58,361 | High |
| #7 | George Mason UniversityPublic | $53,634 | 58 | $19,500 | Good | $25,142 | Challenging |
| #8 | $53,609 | 101 | $19,500 | Good | $23,519 | Challenging | |
| #9 | $53,199 | 33 | $23,000 | Good | $11,000 | Manageable | |
| #10 | $49,242 | 11 | $20,482 | Good | $28,767 | High | |
| #11 | Bradley UniversityPrivate | $48,515 | 23 | $27,000 | Manageable | $41,405 | High |
| #12 | $47,959 | 24 | $21,000 | Good | $22,866 | High | |
| #13 | Carroll UniversityPrivate | $46,659 | 9 | $27,000 | Manageable | $32,186 | High |
| #14 | $46,570 | 33 | $27,000 | Manageable | $65,400 | High | |
| #15 | $46,179 | 45 | $27,000 | Manageable | $28,055 | High | |
| #16 | $44,174 | 15 | $19,691 | Manageable | $17,670 | High | |
| #17 | $43,025 | 58 | $25,000 | Manageable | $25,947 | High | |
| #18 | $41,688 | 335 | $25,148 | Challenging | $99,784 | High | |
| #19 | Depaul UniversityPrivate | $41,537 | 43 | $23,168 | Manageable | $41,563 | High |
| #20 | Ferris State UniversityPublic | $41,149 | 61 | $21,000 | Manageable | $14,849 | High |
| #21 | College For Creative StudiesPrivate | $40,979 | 55 | $26,000 | Challenging | $73,420 | High |
| #22 | $40,896 | 16 | $22,024 | Manageable | $22,127 | High | |
| #23 | Baker CollegePrivate | $40,598 | 12 | $25,000 | Challenging | $9,540 | High |
| #24 | University Of IdahoPublic | $40,404 | 22 | $21,982 | Manageable | $21,162 | High |
| #25 | $39,455 | 43 | $18,969 | Manageable | $10,000 | Challenging |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
