Compare 5 Platemaker/Imager. programs in California. Average earnings: $50,507.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Platemaker/Imager tells a different story. Across 5 programs, earnings range from $38,289 to $67,063—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's Platemaker/Imager program leads with graduates earning $67,063, well above the $50,507 average. Loyola Marymount follows at $54,433, while Laguna College Of Art And Design produces $46,570 earners—proof that outcomes vary dramatically even within the same field.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Cal Poly graduates borrow $18,500 and face just a 5.7% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income, achieving a 0.28 debt-to-earnings ratio.
Highest program earnings: $67,063
Strong outcomes with 78% acceptance
5.7% payment burden | Excellent
18.1% family burden | Challenging
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $67,063 | 92 | $18,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Challenging | |
| #2 | Loyola Marymount UniversityPrivate | $54,433 | 21 | $19,500 | Good | $58,361 | High |
| #3 | $46,570 | 33 | $27,000 | Manageable | $65,400 | High | |
| #4 | $46,179 | 45 | $27,000 | Manageable | $28,055 | High | |
| #5 | Art Center College Of DesignPrivate | $38,289 | 36 | $31,000 | High | $66,614 | High |
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 →
