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Cheapest Film/Video and Photographic Arts Colleges in Michigan

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Michigan's automotive industry creates unexpected opportunities for film and photo professionals, with companies like Ford and GM increasingly hiring visual content creators for marketing and design documentation. The state's 18 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs show striking cost variations, from Ferris State's $12,202 net price to private options exceeding $22,000. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with six schools under $18,000 annually. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor stands out with a 93.20% graduation rate and $28,682 median earnings, though its 17.69% acceptance rate makes it the most selective option. Most programs maintain high acceptance rates above 80%, making Michigan accessible for aspiring visual artists. Graduates earn between $20,748 and $29,487, with Western Michigan University leading at $29,487 despite its moderate $18,701 net cost.
18
Programs
$12,202 – $33,342
Net Price Range
$25,961
Avg. Program Earnings
62.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

18 Film/Video and Photographic Arts Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
2 $13,584 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
3 $14,773 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%
4 $14,832 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
5 $17,084 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
6 $17,096 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
7 $17,485 $13,304 50.8% 70.6%
8 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
9 $18,597 $33,710 65.9% 91.3%
10 $18,701 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
11 $18,902 $38,520 62.5% 90.8%
12 $20,751 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
13 $20,899 $32,580 59.9% 47.3%
14 $21,504 $40,556 56.0% 69.1%
15 $22,384 $29,100 61.6% 81.8%
16 $24,783 $38,670 77.4% 74.2%
17 $28,458 $26,390 53.6% 75.7%
18 $33,342 $51,355 69.6% 49.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Ferris State University the most affordable film program in Michigan?

Ferris State University offers the lowest net price at $12,202 annually, with in-state tuition of just $13,630. The school maintains an 87.88% acceptance rate and achieves a 47.90% graduation rate. Students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities that connect directly to Michigan's growing media industry needs.

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

Public universities show mixed graduation rates, ranging from Eastern Michigan's 45.50% to University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's strong 93.20%. Private schools generally perform better, with Andrews University at 65.90% and Aquinas College at 62.50%. The data suggests that higher-cost private programs often provide more support structures for student success.

Is University of Michigan-Ann Arbor worth the competitive admission for film students?

Despite its 17.69% acceptance rate being the most selective in the state, U-M Ann Arbor delivers strong outcomes with $28,682 median earnings and a 93.20% graduation rate. The $14,832 net price remains reasonable for the career prospects it provides. Students also benefit from the university's connections to Michigan's automotive and tech industries seeking visual content creators.

Where can film students find the best earnings potential in Michigan?

Western Michigan University leads in graduate earnings at $29,487 annually, followed closely by Eastern Michigan at $29,413. Both schools offer moderate net prices under $18,000, making them strong value propositions. Wayne State University in Detroit provides $23,113 earnings with a $14,773 net price, benefiting from the city's growing media scene.

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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.