Cheapest Film/Video and Photographic Arts Colleges in Tennessee

Middle Tennessee State University delivers the state's most affordable Film/Video and Photographic Arts program at just $12,599 net price, while Vanderbilt commands $19,040 despite its 6.67% acceptance rate. This $6,441 gap reflects Tennessee's mix of accessible public education and elite private institutions. The state's music industry backbone in Nashville creates natural opportunities for visual storytellers, with major record labels and production companies requiring constant video content. Graduation rates span from 35.5% at specialized art schools to 92.7% at research universities, showing how institutional type affects student outcomes in creative fields.

Programs

$12,599 – $32,096

Net Price Range

$25,194

Avg. Program Earnings

63.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

12 Film/Video and Photographic Arts Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, Tennessee	$12,599	$9,506	54.0%	72.5%
2	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, Tennessee	$18,109	$13,484	73.5%	68.4%
3	Carson-Newman University Jefferson City, Tennessee	$18,661	$34,700	46.4%	79.8%
4	Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee	$19,040	$63,946	92.7%	6.7%
5	Freed-Hardeman University Henderson, Tennessee	$20,082	$25,000	68.4%	91.2%
6	King University Bristol, Tennessee	$23,508	$34,800	46.4%	60.8%
7	Nossi College of Art and Design Nashville, Tennessee	$23,591	$20,350	35.5%	56.7%
8	Southern Adventist University Collegedale, Tennessee	$24,334	$25,590	51.4%	65.8%
9	Rhodes College Memphis, Tennessee	$25,060	$54,892	81.6%	53.9%
10	Lipscomb University Nashville, Tennessee	$25,610	$38,824	68.7%	71.1%
11	Union University Jackson, Tennessee	$26,815	$38,450	70.9%	52.6%
12	Belmont University Nashville, Tennessee	$32,096	$41,320	71.7%	96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Middle Tennessee State University's film program so affordable compared to other options?

As a public university, MTSU benefits from state funding that keeps the net price at $12,599 for film students. The in-state tuition of $9,506 makes it even more accessible for Tennessee residents, while maintaining a 54% graduation rate that matches the state average for creative programs.

How do graduation rates vary between public and private film programs in Tennessee?

Private universities like Vanderbilt achieve 92.7% graduation rates while specialized art institutions like Nossi College see 35.5% completion. Public universities fall in the middle, with UT Knoxville at 73.5% and MTSU at 54%, reflecting different student populations and program structures.

Is Vanderbilt's film program worth the higher net cost of $19,040?

Vanderbilt's 92.7% graduation rate and 6.67% acceptance rate indicate a highly selective program with strong completion outcomes. However, students must weigh this against the $6,441 premium over MTSU and consider whether the networking advantages justify the additional investment.

Where do Tennessee film graduates typically find employment after earning $25,194 initially?

Nashville's music industry provides entry points for video production, while the state's growing film tax incentive program attracts productions. The $25,194 starting salary reflects typical creative industry entry wages, with growth potential as professionals build portfolios and client relationships.

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.