Best Colleges for Film/Video and Photographic Arts

Film and video production graduates face a competitive creative landscape, with average early-career earnings of $25,349. However, strong programs can significantly impact career trajectories through industry connections and hands-on training. When evaluating Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs, students should prioritize access to professional-grade equipment, faculty with active industry experience, and strong internship networks with studios, production companies, or media outlets. Look for programs offering specialized tracks in cinematography, editing, or documentary work that align with your interests. With 151 schools nationwide offering this major, choosing the right program means finding one that combines technical skills development with real-world production experience and meaningful industry partnerships.

Schools Ranked

$33,236

Avg. Program Earnings

76.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

Top 25 Schools

College rankings
#	School	Median Earnings	Graduation Rate	School Type
1	American University Washington, District of Columbia	$40,896	78.5%	private-nonprofit
2	Vassar College Poughkeepsie, New York	$39,729	89.1%	private-nonprofit
3	Emory University Atlanta, Georgia	$39,369	91.8%	private-nonprofit
4	Chapman University Orange, California	$37,568	80.4%	private-nonprofit
5	Fairfield University Fairfield, Connecticut	$36,848	83.8%	private-nonprofit
6	Stevenson University Owings Mills, Maryland	$35,864	66.4%	private-nonprofit
7	Florida State University Tallahassee, Florida	$35,060	83.0%	public
8	Kenyon College Gambier, Ohio	$35,060	86.8%	private-nonprofit
9	University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, California	$33,993	92.7%	public
10	Lafayette College Easton, Pennsylvania	$33,993	88.1%	private-nonprofit
11	University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, Washington	$33,993	83.7%	public
12	Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester, New York	$32,747	70.8%	private-nonprofit
13	Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles, California	$32,711	79.8%	private-nonprofit
14	University of Arizona Tucson, Arizona	$32,213	65.9%	public
15	University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln, Nebraska	$31,974	65.8%	public
16	CUNY Brooklyn College Brooklyn, New York	$31,236	56.6%	public
17	New York University New York, New York	$30,952	88.5%	private-nonprofit
18	Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, Indiana	$30,771	83.1%	public
19	Southern Methodist University Dallas, Texas	$29,685	83.3%	private-nonprofit
20	University of Southern California Los Angeles, California	$29,557	92.0%	private-nonprofit
21	Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, Michigan	$29,487	57.8%	public
22	Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, Michigan	$29,413	45.5%	public
23	Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, Arizona	$29,374	56.9%	public
24	Texas State University San Marcos, Texas	$29,322	56.2%	public
25	Emerson College Boston, Massachusetts	$29,081	79.3%	private-nonprofit