CCA is rated as the #4 Bay Area institution for yielding the highest-paying jobs, according to PayScale, a compensation data company, in its 2011-12 College Salary Report. The annual report ranks undergraduate degrees and schools by postgraduation salary potential. Statewide, CCA ranked 11th and was the top art and design college on the list. (The three Bay Area schools in the report that ranked higher than CCA were Stanford University, Santa Clara University, and University of California, Berkeley.)

The PayScale study found CCA alumni had a starting median salary of $44,800 and a median midcareer salary of $94,300. Typical starting graduates have two years of experience; midcareer alumni have 15 years.

“This report confirms what we already know -- that a CCA education has tremendous value,” commented Director of Career Services Olivia Martinez. “At CCA educational value means not only professional preparation and salary-earning potential but also the acquisition of essential creative and critical thinking skills. Our students graduate from CCA with the ability and confidence to thrive in a broad range of professional endeavors.”

CCA’s alumni have been employed at some of the most innovative companies and organizations -- Apple, MTV, Pixar, Yahoo!, Williams-Sonoma, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art -- and many have embarked on successful entrepreneurial businesses.

Read more on CCA alumni careers »

Methodology

The PayScale College Salary Report is based upon survey data for bachelor degree graduates without higher degrees who are full-time employees in the United States. The results may not represent all attendees of these colleges. Salary is the sum of compensation from base salary, bonuses, profit sharing, commissions, and overtime, if applicable, but does not include equity (stock) compensation. Review the full methodology for more information.

About PayScale

Launched in 2002 and headquartered in Seattle, PayScale owns the largest database of online employee salary data in the world. Areas of expertise include compensation, business, and statistics.

[photo: Jim Norrena]