Cheapest Film/Video and Photographic Arts Colleges in Texas

Texas A&M University-Commerce stands out with just $11,268 in net costs, making film education accessible in a state where entertainment production has grown 78% since 2015. The $30,674 gap between the cheapest and most expensive programs reveals stark differences in financial commitment across Texas's 12 film schools. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with four of the top five spots offering net costs under $17,000. Houston's booming media sector, anchored by major production companies and the nation's fourth-largest television market, creates steady demand for film graduates who earn between $23,649 and $29,685 annually.

Programs

$11,268 – $41,942

Net Price Range

$27,465

Avg. Program Earnings

60.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

12 Film/Video and Photographic Arts Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Texas A & M University-Commerce Commerce, Texas	$11,268	$10,026	45.9%	86.5%
2	University of Houston Houston, Texas	$13,853	$9,711	64.9%	66.2%
3	Sam Houston State University Huntsville, Texas	$16,025	$9,228	55.1%	84.6%
4	Texas State University San Marcos, Texas	$16,438	$11,450	56.2%	87.7%
5	Southwestern Assemblies of God University Waxahachie, Texas	$19,655	$18,610	35.5%	85.7%
6	Houston Christian University Houston, Texas	$19,710	$38,100	49.8%	84.5%
7	University of the Incarnate Word San Antonio, Texas	$20,498	$35,660	51.8%	94.2%
8	Saint Edward's University Austin, Texas	$23,636	$51,384	64.2%	85.1%
9	University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Belton, Texas	$28,690	$33,150	53.4%	95.7%
10	Texas Christian University Fort Worth, Texas	$33,531	$57,220	85.6%	56.1%
11	Southern Methodist University Dallas, Texas	$41,778	$64,460	83.3%	52.3%
12	Baylor University Waco, Texas	$41,942	$54,844	80.2%	45.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Texas A&M University-Commerce the most affordable film program?

The school offers the lowest net cost at $11,268 with an in-state tuition of just $10,026. With an 86.45% acceptance rate and 45.90% graduation rate, it provides accessible entry into film education for budget-conscious students.

How do graduation rates vary between affordable and expensive film programs?

The pattern shows clear correlation between cost and completion rates. While Texas A&M-Commerce graduates 45.90% of students, the most expensive programs like Baylor (80.20%) and SMU (83.30%) achieve significantly higher graduation rates.

Is film education worth the debt in Texas's job market?

Film graduates earn $23,649 to $29,685 annually, while debt at schools like Texas State averages $25,239. Houston's status as the nation's fourth-largest TV market and growing production industry provides job opportunities that can justify educational investment.

Does attending a more expensive film school guarantee better earnings?

Not necessarily. Saint Edward's University costs $23,636 but graduates earn just $23,649 annually, while SMU costs $41,778 yet graduates earn $29,685. The $6,036 earnings difference doesn't match the $18,142 cost gap between these programs.

More Film/Video and Photographic Arts Rankings

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

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