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Cheapest Film/Video and Photographic Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Swarthmore College stands out with a net cost of just $18,686 for film and photography students, despite charging $62,412 in sticker price. This creates an unusual gap where elite private colleges can cost less than mid-tier options after financial aid. Pennsylvania's 20 film programs span from $18,686 to $32,496 in net costs, with public universities like Temple ($29,219) and Pitt ($30,074) landing near the expensive end. Point Park University graduates earn $23,745 annually, while Messiah University graduates start at $16,663. The state's media market includes major employers like Comcast headquarters in Philadelphia and growing production studios throughout Pittsburgh, creating opportunities for visual storytelling graduates. York College accepts 95.61% of applicants at $19,685 net cost, making it accessible for students building portfolios. Private colleges dominate the affordable options, with 13 of the 15 cheapest programs coming from nonprofit institutions rather than state schools.
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 In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
2 $19,258 $47,675 59.6% 75.2%
3 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
4 $21,900 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%
5 $21,972 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
6 $22,222 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
7 $24,791 $38,160 59.6% 82.1%
8 $25,210 $68,300 89.4% 14.2%
9 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
10 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
11 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
12 $29,219 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
13 $29,266 $31,370 63.8% 44.3%
14 $30,074 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
15 $30,086 $64,230 82.7% 56.3%
16 $30,314 $60,240 80.2% 65.5%
17 $30,465 $44,800 71.0% 77.2%
18 $31,229 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
19 $31,671 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
20 $32,496 $62,574 88.1% 33.6%
21 $35,487 $51,340 79.8% 88.7%
22 $38,428 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
23 $39,061 $68,380 86.0% 36.2%
24 $40,690 $62,560 85.6% 30.8%
25 $43,369 $50,279 63.4% 53.2%
26 $44,154 $54,290 69.2% 80.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do graduates from Pennsylvania film programs actually earn?

Earnings data shows significant variation among Pennsylvania film graduates. Point Park University graduates earn $23,745 annually, while Temple University graduates make $25,735. Messiah University reports the lowest starting earnings at $16,663 for film program graduates. These figures reflect entry-level positions in a field where career progression often depends on portfolio development and industry connections.

What makes Swarthmore College so affordable for film students despite its high sticker price?

Swarthmore College offers the lowest net cost at $18,686, even though tuition reaches $62,412. The college meets 100% of demonstrated financial need through grants rather than loans. With only a 6.93% acceptance rate and 94.10% graduation rate, Swarthmore provides substantial aid to the small number of students it admits to its selective film program.

Is film school debt manageable at Pennsylvania colleges?

Student debt varies significantly across programs. Point Park University graduates carry an average of $27,000 in debt, while Temple University students graduate with $21,500. University of Pittsburgh students have slightly higher debt at $22,906. These amounts are generally below the national average for private college graduates, making Pennsylvania programs relatively manageable financially.

Where can film students find the most accessible admission requirements?

York College of Pennsylvania accepts 95.61% of applicants with a net cost of $19,685, making it highly accessible. La Roche University admits 97.36% of students at $21,972 net cost. Point Park University, known for its performing arts programs, accepts 82.05% of applicants. These schools offer multiple pathways into film education compared to highly selective options like Swarthmore.

Does Pennsylvania offer good job prospects for film and photography graduates?

Pennsylvania hosts significant media companies including Comcast's headquarters in Philadelphia and growing film production in Pittsburgh. The state's healthcare sector creates demand for medical photography and video production. Temple University and University of Pittsburgh graduates earn $25,735 and $25,194 respectively, reflecting the state's varied media market. Regional opportunities span from corporate video to documentary filmmaking in urban centers.

More Film/Video and Photographic Arts Rankings

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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.