Best Value Film/Video and Photographic Arts Colleges in Minnesota

Saint Cloud State University delivers the most affordable film education in Minnesota at just $14,485 net cost, while Carleton College graduates earn surprisingly low starting salaries of $21,964 despite the $27,320 price tag. The 11 programs span a $16,000 cost range, with public universities averaging under $18,000 compared to private institutions exceeding $25,000. Minnesota's media market benefits from Target's headquarters requiring constant video content, plus the Twin Cities' growing film tax incentive program that attracted major productions. Public school graduates typically earn $25,000-$28,000 starting out, making the lower tuition costs particularly attractive for creative careers known for modest early earnings.

Programs

$14,485 – $30,525

Net Price Range

$24,850

Avg. Program Earnings

67.0%

Avg. Graduation Rate

11 Film/Video and Photographic Arts Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, Minnesota	$14,485	$25,194	$10,117	46.9%	95.3%
2	Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$17,816	$27,669	$10,336	54.6%	56.6%
3	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, Minnesota	$17,139	$23,456	$16,488	84.8%	74.9%
4	Minneapolis College of Art and Design Minneapolis, Minnesota	$25,935	$25,967	$43,824	69.2%	56.9%
5	Carleton College Northfield, Minnesota	$27,320	$21,964	$65,457	91.2%	16.6%
6	Augsburg University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,875		$43,942	52.4%	76.5%
7	Minnesota State University-Mankato Mankato, Minnesota	$18,609		$9,490	54.1%	70.7%
8	St Olaf College Northfield, Minnesota	$22,752		$56,970	83.5%	56.4%
9	Crown College Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota	$27,324		$30,200	64.3%	66.6%
10	University of St Thomas Saint Paul, Minnesota	$30,525		$52,284	75.2%	77.0%
11	Winona State University Winona, Minnesota	$18,148		$10,498	60.9%	73.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Saint Cloud State such good value for film students?

Saint Cloud State costs just $14,485 net with a 95% acceptance rate, yet graduates earn $25,194 starting salaries. The combination of low barriers to entry and solid earning potential makes it accessible for students entering the competitive film industry.

How do public versus private film programs compare financially?

Public programs average under $18,000 net cost while private schools exceed $25,000, creating a $7,000+ gap. However, Minneapolis College of Art and Design graduates earn $25,967, justifying the $25,935 cost better than some liberal arts colleges.

Does the University of Minnesota offer strong job prospects?

Minnesota-Twin Cities combines reasonable $17,139 net cost with an 84.8% graduation rate, the second-highest among film programs statewide. The Minneapolis location provides access to corporate video work and the state's growing film production scene.

Why do some expensive schools show lower starting salaries?

Carleton College graduates earn just $21,964 despite the school's selectivity and $27,320 net cost. Liberal arts environments may emphasize artistic pursuits over commercial applications, affecting immediate post-graduation earning potential.

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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.