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Best Value Film/Video and Photographic Arts Colleges in Ohio

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

Ohio's film and video arts programs show remarkable cost variation, with net prices ranging from $5,971 at Ohio University-Zanesville to $39,184 at Oberlin College. Kenyon College graduates earn the highest salaries at $35,060, nearly double the $16,992 earned by Oberlin graduates despite similar tuition costs. Public universities dominate the affordability market, with Cleveland State University offering strong value at $16,065 net cost and producing graduates earning $24,615. The state's growing media market benefits from proximity to major employers like the Cleveland Clinic, which produces extensive medical training content, and Ohio's manufacturing sector, which increasingly relies on industrial photography and video documentation. Ohio State University combines reasonable costs with high graduation rates at 87.70%, while smaller programs like Ohio University-Lancaster maintain extremely low costs under $7,000. The earnings gap between top and bottom performers reaches $18,068, making program selection important for return on investment.
26
Programs
$4,503 – $41,480
Net Price Range
$24,002
Avg. Program Earnings
55.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

26 Film/Video and Photographic Arts Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $16,065 $24,615 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
2 $20,918 $26,739 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
3 $29,383 $35,060 $69,330 86.8% 34.3%
4 $17,460 $20,140 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
5 $18,292 $20,140 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
6 $30,139 $25,525 $39,650 61.3% 91.0%
7 $38,111 $22,806 $64,000 80.1% 22.0%
8 $39,184 $16,992 $64,646 79.5% 34.9%
9 $15,389 $9,622 43.0%
10 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
11 $20,413 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
12 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
13 $21,619 $52,357 61.7% 52.2%
14 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
15 $15,216 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
16 $32,342 $48,125 70.5% 84.5%
17 $14,981 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
18 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
19 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
20 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
21 $27,662 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
22 $31,236 $47,600 81.5% 74.1%
23 $41,480 $47,880 67.5% 69.8%
24 $23,156 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
25 $27,654 $37,938 68.6% 77.0%
26 $38,041 $40,250 44.4% 100.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $18,068 earnings gap between Ohio film programs?

Kenyon College graduates earn $35,060 compared to $16,992 at Oberlin College, reflecting different program focuses and alumni networks. Private liberal arts colleges like Kenyon often emphasize fine arts photography and documentary work, leading to higher-paying creative positions. Public universities typically prepare students for broader media roles in corporate communications or regional television markets. The graduation rate difference also matters, with Kenyon achieving 86.80% compared to Oberlin's 79.50%.

How do Ohio's public university film programs compare for value?

Cleveland State University offers the best public value combination at $16,065 net cost with $24,615 graduate earnings. Bowling Green follows closely at $20,918 net cost and $26,739 earnings, representing strong return potential. Ohio State University costs $18,292 but matches Toledo's lower earnings of $20,140, though OSU's 87.70% graduation rate far exceeds Toledo's 55.60%. The Ohio University system provides the lowest-cost options, with branch campuses under $7,000 annually.

Is attending an expensive private film program worth the investment in Ohio?

The data suggests mixed results for private programs in Ohio. Kenyon College justifies its $29,383 net cost with $35,060 graduate earnings and 86.80% graduation rates. However, Oberlin College costs $39,184 but produces the lowest graduate earnings at $16,992, creating questionable value. Columbus College of Art & Design falls between these extremes at $30,139 net cost with $25,525 earnings. Private programs may offer specialized training and networking opportunities not reflected in salary data alone.

Does Ohio's job market support film and photography careers?

Ohio's economy creates varied opportunities beyond traditional entertainment roles. The Cleveland Clinic and Ohio State Wexner Medical Center require extensive medical photography and training video production. Manufacturing giants like Honda need industrial photographers and corporate communications specialists. Graduate earnings ranging from $16,992 to $35,060 reflect this market diversity, with higher salaries typically found in specialized medical, corporate, or fine arts photography rather than general media production.

Where can students find the most affordable film education in Ohio?

Ohio University branch campuses offer the lowest costs, with Lancaster at $6,133 and Zanesville at $5,971 net prices. However, these programs show concerning graduation rates of 13.70% and 17.70% respectively. Youngstown State University provides better balance at $11,877 net cost with 52.90% graduation rates. Students should consider that extremely low-cost programs may lack resources for proper equipment and industry connections essential for film careers.

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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.