Skip to main content

Best Value Film/Video and Photographic Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Pennsylvania's film programs reveal stark contrasts between cost and career outcomes, with net prices spanning from $18,686 at Swarthmore College to $44,154 at University of the Arts. Lafayette College graduates earn $33,993 annually while Muhlenberg College graduates start at $15,552, creating a $18,441 earnings gap that challenges traditional assumptions about program value. The state's media market benefits from major employers like Comcast, one of the nation's largest broadcasting companies headquartered in Philadelphia, along with growing production facilities throughout the region. Public universities like Temple and Pitt offer compelling middle-ground options with net costs around $29,000-$30,000 and graduate earnings near $25,000. However, the data shows that higher costs don't guarantee better financial outcomes, as several expensive private programs produce graduates with starting salaries below the state average. Students must weigh factors beyond sticker price when evaluating Pennsylvania's film programs.
26
Programs
$18,686 – $44,154
Net Price Range
$23,519
Avg. Program Earnings
75.5%
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 $32,496 $33,993 $62,574 88.1% 33.6%
2 $24,791 $23,745 $38,160 59.6% 82.1%
3 $29,219 $25,735 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
4 $30,074 $25,194 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
5 $30,465 $24,421 $44,800 71.0% 77.2%
6 $31,229 $24,035 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
7 $38,428 $25,194 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
8 $27,686 $16,663 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
9 $43,369 $24,035 $50,279 63.4% 53.2%
10 $30,314 $15,552 $60,240 80.2% 65.5%
11 $44,154 $20,140 $54,290 69.2% 80.0%
12 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
13 $21,900 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%
14 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
15 $35,487 $51,340 79.8% 88.7%
16 $29,266 $31,370 63.8% 44.3%
17 $22,222 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
18 $19,258 $47,675 59.6% 75.2%
19 $21,972 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
20 $25,210 $68,300 89.4% 14.2%
21 $30,086 $64,230 82.7% 56.3%
22 $39,061 $68,380 86.0% 36.2%
23 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
24 $31,671 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
25 $40,690 $62,560 85.6% 30.8%
26 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between Pennsylvania film programs?

Graduate earnings range from $15,552 to $33,993, reflecting different program focuses and regional job markets. Lafayette College leads with $33,993 average earnings despite its liberal arts setting, while specialized art schools like Moore College produce graduates earning $24,035. Temple University and University of Pittsburgh graduates both earn around $25,000 annually, suggesting public programs can compete effectively. The variation often depends more on individual career paths and networking opportunities than program prestige.

How do Pennsylvania's public film programs compare to private options?

Public universities offer significant cost advantages with in-state tuition around $21,000-$22,000 compared to private schools averaging $40,000-$60,000. Temple University provides strong value with a $29,219 net cost and $25,735 graduate earnings, while Pitt offers similar outcomes at $30,074 net cost. Both public options maintain solid 74-84% graduation rates and reasonable debt loads under $23,000. Private schools may offer smaller class sizes but don't consistently deliver better financial outcomes for graduates.

Is the high cost of art-focused programs justified by career outcomes?

Specialized art schools like University of the Arts charge $44,154 net cost but produce graduates earning just $20,140 annually. Moore College of Art and Design costs $43,369 with slightly better earnings at $24,035, though still below full universities. These programs often emphasize artistic development over commercial viability, which may explain the earnings disparity. Students should carefully consider whether the specialized training justifies the premium cost and potential debt burden.

Does acceptance rate indicate program quality in Pennsylvania film schools?

Acceptance rates vary dramatically from 6.5% at University of Pennsylvania to 95.6% at York College, but this doesn't correlate directly with graduate outcomes. Swarthmore accepts just 6.9% of applicants and offers the lowest net cost at $18,686, while Point Park accepts 82% and delivers solid career preparation with reasonable debt loads. Selective admissions often reflect overall institutional reputation rather than program-specific quality. Students should focus on curriculum, facilities, and industry connections over acceptance rates alone.

Where do Pennsylvania film graduates find the best job opportunities?

Philadelphia anchors the state's media industry with Comcast headquarters and numerous production companies, while Pittsburgh's growing tech sector creates new opportunities for multimedia professionals. Temple University's Philadelphia location provides direct access to internships and entry-level positions in broadcasting and digital media. Regional healthcare systems like UPMC also employ video professionals for training and marketing content. The state's proximity to New York and Washington DC markets expands career possibilities for ambitious graduates willing to commute or relocate.

More Film/Video and Photographic Arts Rankings

Cheapest Film/Video and Photographic Arts in Pennsylvania Film/Video and Photographic Arts Under $20,000 in Pennsylvania

Related

All Film/Video and Photographic Arts Programs Best Colleges in Pennsylvania Best Film/Video and Photographic Arts in Pennsylvania

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