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Best Value Film/Video and Photographic Arts Colleges in New York

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

CUNY Hunter College delivers the lowest net cost for Film/Video and Photographic Arts in New York at just $2,446, while graduates from Vassar College earn the highest median income at $39,729. This dramatic spread between $2,446 and $58,628 in net costs reflects the state's split between affordable public options and premium private institutions. The CUNY system dominates the most affordable spots, with Brooklyn College, Hunter College, and City College all charging under $3,500 net. New York's massive media industry, from major film studios to advertising agencies concentrated in Manhattan, creates strong demand for visual arts graduates. However, the numbers reveal a complex value equation where higher costs don't always translate to proportionally higher earnings, making program selection critical for managing debt loads in an expensive metropolitan market.
38
Programs
$2,446 – $58,628
Net Price Range
$26,693
Avg. Program Earnings
66.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

38 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 $17,231 $24,730 $8,769 60.4% 82.6%
5 $18,481 $26,353 $8,524 68.9% 58.3%
6 $19,067 $25,372 $8,953 61.6% 74.7%
7 $20,470 $26,489 $10,782 73.4% 67.7%
8 $29,694 $32,747 $57,016 70.8% 67.2%
9 $38,182 $39,729 $67,805 89.1% 18.7%
10 $21,364 $22,192 $10,363 83.6% 41.8%
11 $31,046 $28,019 $51,424 61.4% 82.9%
12 $35,035 $30,952 $60,438 88.5% 12.5%
13 $32,965 $28,998 $50,510 74.1% 75.2%
14 $20,799 $17,652 $29,950 49.0% 58.3%
15 $23,901 $19,045 $41,642 55.4% 92.7%
16 $50,647 $26,121 $59,683 72.7% 50.5%
17 $55,359 $26,739 $56,386 71.2% 57.2%
18 $58,628 $24,863 $49,140 74.9% 87.4%
19 $22,921 $35,166 40.9% 87.7%
20 $15,644 $8,771 53.5% 84.6%
21 $41,026 $63,061 81.4% 51.8%
22 $13,980 $28,670 31.0% 78.2%
23 $19,951 $8,815 68.2% 59.8%
24 $14,229 $8,486 36.0% 86.0%
25 $27,733 $52,000 68.1% 68.5%
26 $39,253 $66,246 92.9% 8.8%
27 $26,985 $50,110 68.5% 84.7%
28 $30,248 $64,348 84.5% 38.9%
29 $37,037 $40,260 49.8% 72.1%
30 $25,842 $42,950 53.7% 84.1%
31 $28,314 $65,740 91.3% 11.8%
32 $42,581 $61,992 80.3% 54.1%
33 $22,024 $6,170 83.3% 52.8%
34 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
35 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
36 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
37 $32,337 $66,014 95.1% 7.5%
38 $29,107 $67,024 90.5% 12.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY schools such strong value options for film students?

The three CUNY colleges offering Film/Video and Photographic Arts charge between $2,446 and $3,486 in net costs, making them exceptionally affordable. CUNY Brooklyn College graduates earn $31,236 annually while paying just $2,943 net, creating one of the best return-on-investment ratios in the state. These schools benefit from New York City locations that provide internship and networking opportunities with major media companies.

How do graduation rates vary between public and private film programs?

Private institutions show significantly higher completion rates, with Vassar College leading at 89.1% and NYU at 88.5%. Among public options, University at Buffalo achieves 73.4% while Binghamton reaches 83.6%. The SUNY schools typically graduate between 54% and 69% of film students, suggesting that higher-cost private programs may provide more support structures for degree completion.

Does paying more for private film school lead to better earnings?

The data shows mixed results for this assumption. Vassar College justifies its $38,182 net cost with $39,729 in graduate earnings, but NYU charges $35,035 net while graduates earn $30,952. Rochester Institute of Technology offers a middle ground at $29,694 net cost with $32,747 earnings. Some CUNY graduates actually out-earn those from expensive private programs.

Where do film graduates find the best job prospects in New York?

New York City concentrates the majority of media industry jobs, from television networks to advertising agencies to independent film companies. The city's entertainment sector employs thousands of photographers, videographers, and film professionals. Schools in Manhattan and Brooklyn provide direct access to internships and entry-level positions, while upstate programs may require graduates to relocate for optimal career opportunities.

What debt levels should film students expect from New York programs?

Debt loads range from $13,500 at CUNY Brooklyn College to $27,000 at Rochester Institute of Technology. Most SUNY schools keep debt between $18,000 and $26,000, while private colleges vary widely. Vassar College graduates carry $17,993 in debt despite high tuition, likely due to generous financial aid. Students should weigh these debt levels against median earnings when choosing programs.

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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.