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Best Value Film/Video and Photographic Arts Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

The City University of New York system delivers remarkable value for film and photography students, with Hunter College charging just $2,446 net annually while producing graduates who earn $25,194. This affordability gap becomes stark when compared to programs like University of Arizona at $15,960 net cost. California dominates the market with five programs offering strong earning potential, reflecting the state's position as home to major film studios, streaming platforms, and media companies that collectively employ over 430,000 entertainment industry workers. Florida State stands out with the highest graduate earnings at $35,060 despite a moderate $10,997 net cost, while maintaining an 83% graduation rate. The data reveals significant regional variations, with West Coast programs generally commanding higher costs but delivering stronger post-graduation earnings. Public institutions clearly lead this field, occupying 14 of the 15 top value positions and offering in-state students particularly strong returns on investment.
50
Programs
$2,446 – $23,911
Net Price Range
$26,336
Avg. Program Earnings
63.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Film/Video and Photographic Arts Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,943 $31,236 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
2 $2,446 $25,194 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
3 $3,486 $24,035 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
4 $7,599 $27,874 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
5 $10,997 $35,060 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
6 $6,305 $19,227 $8,280 35.7%
7 $6,747 $19,358 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
8 $10,512 $27,126 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
9 $13,485 $33,993 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
10 $14,013 $33,993 $13,747 92.7% 8.6%
11 $13,945 $30,771 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
12 $10,011 $22,055 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
13 $13,825 $29,064 $14,965 85.3% 25.9%
14 $15,960 $32,213 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
15 $14,922 $29,374 $12,652 56.9% 80.0%
16 $14,715 $28,960 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%
17 $10,650 $20,921 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
18 $13,853 $27,204 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
19 $14,832 $28,682 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
20 $14,487 $27,482 $6,496 82.2% 66.7%
21 $13,670 $25,729 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
22 $12,882 $24,151 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
23 $13,707 $25,503 $14,170 76.6% 68.7%
24 $12,372 $22,917 $9,477 79.2% 31.8%
25 $14,118 $25,967 $10,418 52.0% 74.6%
26 $17,424 $31,974 $10,108 65.8% 78.6%
27 $13,091 $23,807 $8,353 47.2% 96.1%
28 $12,840 $23,340 $14,237 86.0% 21.2%
29 $13,172 $23,649 $9,315 63.9% 89.1%
30 $16,438 $29,322 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
31 $13,816 $24,035 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
32 $14,485 $25,194 $10,117 46.9% 95.3%
33 $17,084 $29,413 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
34 $14,141 $24,035 $7,260 25.6%
35 $12,932 $21,703 $11,238 53.1% 93.1%
36 $23,911 $39,369 $60,774 91.8% 11.4%
37 $15,266 $24,421 $35,822 61.7% 84.1%
38 $15,931 $25,194 $8,478 53.7% 66.8%
39 $18,701 $29,487 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
40 $13,710 $21,508 $29,982 68.2% 77.5%
41 $14,159 $22,192 $14,766 64.3% 91.3%
42 $14,773 $23,113 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%
43 $17,816 $27,669 $10,336 54.6% 56.6%
44 $16,065 $24,615 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
45 $13,584 $20,748 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
46 $17,485 $26,353 $13,304 50.8% 70.6%
47 $17,365 $25,658 $11,700 68.8% 87.8%
48 $15,288 $22,482 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
49 $17,096 $24,697 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
50 $17,231 $24,730 $8,769 60.4% 82.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY programs such strong values for film students?

CUNY schools dominate the most affordable tier, with Hunter College at $2,446 net cost and Brooklyn College at $2,943. Hunter graduates earn $25,194 annually while Brooklyn College graduates achieve $31,236, creating strong return ratios. All three CUNY programs maintain acceptance rates between 47-67%, making them accessible options with solid career outcomes.

How do California film programs compare in terms of cost and earnings?

California hosts five programs ranging from $7,599 at Cal State Northridge to $14,013 at UCLA. UCLA graduates earn the highest at $33,993 with a 92.7% graduation rate, justifying the premium cost. Cal State schools offer more moderate pricing with Sacramento at $10,512 and Northridge at $7,599, while still delivering competitive earnings above $27,000.

Does Florida State University offer good value despite higher costs?

Florida State delivers the highest graduate earnings at $35,060 with an impressive 83% graduation rate. At $10,997 net cost, students gain access to strong industry connections in a state with growing film production incentives. The 25.04% acceptance rate indicates selectivity, but graduates see strong career returns that justify the investment.

What graduation rates should film students expect from these programs?

Graduation rates span from 35.7% at Atlantic University to 92.7% at UCLA, with most programs falling between 50-85%. Public flagships like University of Washington (83.7%) and UC Santa Barbara (85.3%) show consistently strong completion rates. CUNY schools maintain solid rates around 55-61% despite their low costs.

Where do film graduates earn the most after completing these programs?

Florida State leads at $35,060 annually, followed closely by UCLA and University of Washington at $33,993 each. Arizona graduates earn $32,213, while Brooklyn College produces the highest-earning CUNY graduates at $31,236. The lowest earnings appear at Atlantic University ($19,227) and New Mexico State ($19,358), reflecting regional market differences.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.