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Film/Video and Photographic Arts at Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $23,126/yr (-11% vs median)

AI Risk High (44% exposed)

Job Market Large (43,700 openings/yr)

ROI 13.4x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #50 of 140 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs Top 50%

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	$491K	$491K	$459K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.4x	13.4x	12.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.6x	4.6x	4.3x
Probability of Field Employment	41%	37%	28%
DegreeOutlook Score	25	24	21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$36,768

Out-of-state: $107,084 (4.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$58,860

-60% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,118

11.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$41,604

80% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Central Washington University's Film/Video and Photographic Arts program produces graduates earning $23,126/yr — within striking distance of the $25,920 national average for this field.

With a 13.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% 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 $22,118 against $23,126/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #50 ranking among 140 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs places Central Washington University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $23,126-to-$41,604 earnings arc over five years reflects a 80% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Central Washington University

A 90% acceptance rate means Central Washington University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 8,081 students in Ellensburg, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Central Washington University →

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

Film/Video and Photographic Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at Central Washington University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 24/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Film/Video and Photographic Arts at Central Washington University?

At 24/100, 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 Central Washington University?

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.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →