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Film/Video and Photographic Arts at California State University-Northridge

Northridge, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $27,290/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (43,700 openings/yr)
ROI 16.3x earnings multiple (6.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #25 of 140 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Film/Video and Photographic Arts graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $459K $463K $437K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.2x 16.3x 15.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.1x 6.1x 5.8x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 28%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 28 23

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$28,380
Out-of-state: $75,900 (6.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$30,396
-7% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,250
8.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,272
40% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $27,290 per year, Film/Video and Photographic Arts graduates from California State University-Northridge earn slightly above the $25,920 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 16.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Film/Video and Photographic Arts career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $18,250 against $27,290/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

California State University-Northridge ranks #25 among 140 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 40% earnings increase from $27,290 to $38,272 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About California State University-Northridge

With 93% of applicants admitted, California State University-Northridge prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 32,357 students in Northridge, CA. With 56% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Northridge →

Top Career Paths

Producers and directors $83,480/yr
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary $80,190/yr
Communications teachers, postsecondary $77,800/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 140 schools offering Film/Video and Photographic Arts →

Film/Video and Photographic Arts at Other Schools

Tufts University ($56,418) Kennesaw State University ($51,772) Utah Valley University ($41,833) Rutgers University-New Brunswick ($38,508) Rutgers University-Newark ($38,508) Fordham University ($36,704) Chapman University ($35,795) University of Miami ($35,485)

Other Majors at California State University-Northridge

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($106,780) Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($100,724) Construction Engineering Technologies ($79,352) Public Administration ($76,049) Computer Engineering ($75,692) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($75,207) Mechanical Engineering ($71,359) Accounting and Related Services ($68,904)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Film/Video and Photographic Arts trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Film/Video and Photographic Arts at California State University-Northridge?
At 28/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Film/Video and Photographic Arts at California State University-Northridge?
The 44% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is California State University-Northridge one of the best schools for Film/Video and Photographic Arts?
Among 140 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs, California State University-Northridge's #25 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →