Best Value Film/Video and Photographic Arts Colleges in Massachusetts

Film programs in Massachusetts reveal striking cost variations that don't match their earnings outcomes. Emerson College charges $46,766 annually yet delivers $29,081 in median earnings, while Massachusetts College of Art and Design costs just $23,764 and produces graduates earning $26,353. The state's film industry benefits from proximity to major production companies and streaming services establishing regional offices around Boston. Public options like Salem State University at $18,441 create accessible pathways into visual media careers. Massachusetts houses 20 film and photography programs with net prices spanning from $16,816 to $46,766, yet graduate earnings cluster tightly between $15,552 and $29,081. This narrow earnings band suggests regional media job markets offer consistent salary ranges regardless of program prestige. Mount Holyoke College graduates earn just $20,140 despite the school's 85% graduation rate, while Clark University alumni make even less at $15,552. The MassGrant Plus program helps in-state students access these opportunities at reduced costs, particularly at public institutions where tuition remains below $16,000.

Programs

$15,432 – $46,766

Net Price Range

$24,657

Avg. Program Earnings

76.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

23 Film/Video and Photographic Arts Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Massachusetts College of Art and Design Boston, Massachusetts	$23,764	$26,353	$14,960	69.2%	78.6%
2	Wheaton College (Massachusetts) Norton, Massachusetts	$30,934	$26,739	$62,080	75.7%	79.5%
3	Brandeis University Waltham, Massachusetts	$33,885	$28,960	$64,946	86.1%	39.4%
4	Lesley University Cambridge, Massachusetts	$31,805	$25,774	$32,780	61.7%	86.2%
5	Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Massachusetts	$29,562	$20,140	$64,142	85.0%	39.8%
6	Emerson College Boston, Massachusetts	$46,766	$29,081	$55,392	79.3%	42.8%
7	Clark University Worcester, Massachusetts	$27,711	$15,552	$55,160	77.1%	50.3%
8	Boston College Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts	$39,866		$67,680	91.0%	16.7%
9	Wellesley College Wellesley, Massachusetts	$25,008		$64,320	91.2%	13.6%
10	Tufts University Medford, Massachusetts	$35,435		$67,844	93.3%	9.7%
11	University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth North Dartmouth, Massachusetts	$20,605		$15,208	49.0%	95.5%
12	Smith College Northampton, Massachusetts	$26,181		$61,568	89.7%	22.9%
13	Bard College at Simon's Rock Great Barrington, Massachusetts	$36,684		$66,594	54.2%	95.5%
14	Salem State University Salem, Massachusetts	$18,441		$11,978	55.0%	92.7%
15	Northeastern University Boston, Massachusetts	$32,116		$63,141	90.4%	6.8%
16	Montserrat College of Art Beverly, Massachusetts	$34,725		$39,000	61.5%
17	Boston University Boston, Massachusetts	$26,996		$65,168	90.0%	14.4%
18	Amherst College Amherst, Massachusetts	$18,246		$67,280	93.4%	7.3%
19	College of the Holy Cross Worcester, Massachusetts	$36,868		$60,850	89.6%	36.4%
20	Harvard University Cambridge, Massachusetts	$16,816		$59,076	97.3%	3.2%
21	Hampshire College Amherst, Massachusetts	$25,810		$56,630	57.2%	68.9%
22	Fitchburg State University Fitchburg, Massachusetts	$15,432		$11,046	52.7%	86.1%
23	Endicott College Beverly, Massachusetts	$39,324		$39,212	75.4%	73.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge gap between program costs and graduate earnings?

Massachusetts film programs show costs ranging from $18,441 to $46,766, but earnings stay between $15,552 and $29,081. This means expensive private programs don't translate to higher salaries. The regional media job market appears to pay consistent rates regardless of where graduates studied. Entry-level positions in film and photography typically offer similar compensation across the Boston area.

How do public programs compare to private ones for value?

Massachusetts College of Art and Design delivers the strongest value at $23,764 with $26,353 earnings and a 69.2% graduation rate. Salem State University costs just $18,441 for in-state students but has a 55% graduation rate. UMass Dartmouth at $20,605 offers another affordable option with a 49% graduation rate. Private programs cost significantly more but don't guarantee better career outcomes.

Is Emerson College worth its high price for film students?

Emerson College charges $46,766 annually, making it the most expensive option, yet graduates earn $29,081, only $2,728 more than MassArt graduates. The school maintains a 79.3% graduation rate and 42.75% acceptance rate. Students accumulate $23,250 in debt on average. The premium price doesn't align with the modest earnings advantage over much cheaper alternatives.

Does graduation rate affect earning potential in these programs?

High graduation rates don't correlate with higher earnings in Massachusetts film programs. Mount Holyoke College has an 85% graduation rate but graduates earn just $20,140. Clark University graduates earn only $15,552 despite a 77.1% completion rate. Massachusetts College of Art and Design produces higher earnings at $26,353 with a lower 69.2% graduation rate. Program completion matters less than regional job market conditions.

Where should budget-conscious students focus their applications?

Salem State University offers the lowest net price at $18,441 with reasonable outcomes for in-state students. Massachusetts College of Art and Design provides the best balance of cost and earnings at $23,764 annually. UMass Dartmouth costs $20,605 and accepts 95.52% of applicants. These public options help students avoid the debt burdens associated with expensive private programs while accessing the same regional job market.

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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.