At $33,130/yr net price, Los Angeles Film School graduates earn $31,632/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $33,130 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $132,520 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $31,632/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-2,368/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $33,303/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $33,268/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $32,681/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,961/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,745/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management. | Bachelor | $22,986 | $37,875 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $22,846 | |
| Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $19,113 | $18,625 |
| Graphic Communications. | Associate | $18,498 | |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Associate | $16,703 | $20,000 |
| Music. | Associate | $16,478 | $20,000 |
The Risk Factor
42.2% of students at Los Angeles Film School graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Los Angeles Film School delivers poor financial returns across all programs, with graduates earning far below what they pay for their education. At $33,130 annually, you'll spend roughly $132,000 over four years to earn a median salary of just $31,632 ten years after graduation.
Every major at this school struggles financially. Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management graduates earn $22,986 annually while carrying $37,875 in debt. Film/Video and Photographic Arts majors face the harshest reality, earning only $16,703 per year with $20,000 in debt. Even the highest-earning program pays less than $23,000 annually, making loan repayment extremely difficult.
The school's 42% graduation rate and 50% retention rate signal additional risks to your investment. If you don't complete your degree, you'll carry debt without credentials. The low retention rate suggests many students realize the poor value proposition after their first year.
This school makes financial sense only if you have family funding that eliminates debt concerns or if you're using it as a stepping stone while building industry connections in Los Angeles. The location provides access to entertainment industry networking, but you'll need alternative income sources or family support to make the numbers work.
You should look elsewhere if you need your degree to provide financial stability or career advancement. Community colleges and state schools offer similar programs at lower costs with better earning potential. The entertainment industry values portfolios and connections over expensive credentials, making this school's premium pricing hard to justify given the outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles Film School worth the cost?
Los Angeles Film School graduates earn a median of $31,632 ten years after graduation, which is close to the annual cost of $33,130. With only a 42% graduation rate and typical debt of $25,250, the financial return is risky for most students.
What is the ROI for Los Angeles Film School graduates?
The ROI is poor across most programs, with even the highest-paying Arts and Entertainment Management graduates earning just $22,986 annually. Film and video arts graduates earn only $16,703, making it difficult to justify the debt load.
Which programs at Los Angeles Film School have the best job prospects?
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management offers the highest earnings at $22,986, followed by Design and Applied Arts at $22,846. However, all programs still result in below-average earnings compared to the school's cost.
How much student debt do Los Angeles Film School graduates have?
Typical graduates carry $25,250 in debt, which is manageable compared to some schools but problematic given the low earning potential. Many students never graduate, with less than half completing their programs.