Compare 43 Platemaker/Imager. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $44,225. Top programs: $79,432+.
With top graduates earning $79,432, Platemaker/Imager programs stand 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. Across 43 ranked programs, the data rewards those who look beyond the nameplate.
Topping the list, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo delivers $79,432 in median program earnings—nearly double the $44,225 field average. Loyola Marymount University follows at $76,522 and Ringling College of Art and Design at $75,213, demonstrating that strong Platemaker/Imager outcomes aren't confined to any single type or tier of institution. Program focus drives results here, not school reputation.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Brigham Young University graduates borrow just $11,069 in student loans and face a 3.0% payment burden, landing firmly in the 'Excellent' category. For families, BYU leads again with a combined debt of $20,768 and a 5.9% family burden—also 'Excellent'—making it the strongest value pick whether students are financing the degree alone or with parental support. [Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →](https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs)
Highest program earnings: $79,432
Strong outcomes ($75,213) with 70% acceptance
3.0% payment burden | Excellent
5.9% family burden | Excellent
| 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 | $39,369 | 15 | — | — | — | — |
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 May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
