Compare 48 Platemaker/Imager. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $42,839. Top programs: $79,432+.
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 | $79,432 | 83 | $18,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Manageable | |
| #2 | Loyola Marymount UniversityPrivate | $76,522 | 14 | $19,500 | Excellent | $58,361 | Challenging |
| #3 | $75,213 | 118 | $27,000 | Excellent | $114,120 | High | |
| #4 | Brigham Young UniversityPrivate | $73,941 | 32 | $11,069 | Excellent | $9,699 | Excellent |
| #5 | $61,062 | 29 | $22,024 | Excellent | $22,127 | Manageable | |
| #6 | $59,621 | 18 | $23,000 | Good | $11,000 | Manageable | |
| #7 | $57,618 | 87 | $19,500 | Excellent | $23,519 | Challenging | |
| #8 | $55,723 | 20 | $20,482 | Good | $28,767 | Challenging | |
| #9 | $55,122 | 33 | $26,778 | Good | $35,625 | High | |
| #10 | $52,388 | 58 | $25,000 | Good | $25,947 | High | |
| #11 | University Of IdahoPublic | $49,188 | 24 | $21,982 | Good | $21,162 | Challenging |
| #12 | George Mason UniversityPublic | $47,440 | 53 | $19,500 | Good | $25,142 | High |
| #13 | Carroll UniversityPrivate | $47,327 | 10 | $27,000 | Manageable | $32,186 | High |
| #14 | University Of CharlestonPrivate | $47,037 | 7 | $19,500 | Good | $18,300 | Challenging |
| #15 | Depaul UniversityPrivate | $45,028 | 52 | $23,168 | Manageable | $41,563 | High |
| #16 | Ferris State UniversityPublic | $44,116 | 71 | $21,000 | Manageable | $14,849 | Challenging |
| #17 | $44,066 | 10 | $19,691 | Manageable | $17,670 | High | |
| #18 | Columbia College ChicagoPrivate | $43,970 | 209 | $25,000 | Manageable | $55,700 | High |
| #19 | $43,745 | 27 | $27,000 | Manageable | $30,397 | High | |
| #20 | $43,058 | 523 | $25,148 | Manageable | $99,784 | High | |
| #21 | $42,579 | 53 | $21,983 | Manageable | $19,433 | High | |
| #22 | $41,784 | 8 | $21,000 | Manageable | $12,589 | High | |
| #23 | $41,074 | 53 | $19,442 | Manageable | $16,938 | High | |
| #24 | Webster UniversityPrivate | $40,168 | 21 | $23,000 | Manageable | $13,587 | High |
| #25 | $39,946 | 33 | $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 →
