Compare 10 Platemaker/Imager. programs in the South. Average earnings: $34,850.
Platemaker/Imager programs produce graduates earning between $17,099 and $69,773—a $53K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 10 ranked programs in the South, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Ringling College Of Art And Design's Platemaker/Imager program leads with graduates earning $69,773, far above the $34,850 average. George Mason University follows at $53,634, proving that program-specific factors drive outcomes. The 113-student cohort at Ringling demonstrates focused expertise translates to market value.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Ringling graduates borrow $27,000 and face just a 7.8% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. George Mason offers the best family value with a 21.4% family burden, showing that the optimal choice depends on funding strategy.
Highest program earnings: $69,773
Strong outcomes ($69,773) with 67% acceptance
7.8% payment burden | Excellent
21.4% family burden | Challenging
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $69,773 | 113 | $27,000 | Excellent | $114,120 | High | |
| #2 | George Mason UniversityPublic | $53,634 | 58 | $19,500 | Good | $25,142 | Challenging |
| #3 | $41,688 | 335 | $25,148 | Challenging | $99,784 | High | |
| #4 | Regent UniversityPrivate | $35,813 | 21 | $24,534 | High | $15,513 | High |
| #5 | Chowan UniversityPrivate | $35,060 | 7 | $29,491 | High | $27,319 | High |
| #6 | $31,218 | 44 | $19,442 | High | $16,938 | High | |
| #7 | Morgan State UniversityPublic | $24,843 | 14 | $27,250 | High | $22,000 | High |
| #8 | $20,140 | 13 | $21,000 | High | $12,589 | High | |
| #9 | $19,227 | 26 | $21,983 | High | $19,433 | High | |
| #10 | Lynn UniversityPrivate | $17,099 | 17 | $17,940 | High | $47,538 | 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 →
