Film/Video and Photographic Arts at DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
16 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
17
Optimistic
16
Base Case
12
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,164/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (43,700 openings/yr)
ROI 3.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #110 of 140 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs

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 $532K $528K $488K
Earnings Multiple 3.0x 3.0x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 28%
DegreeOutlook Score 17 16 12

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$177,840
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$116,564
34% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,000
11.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,205
88% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $26,164/yr, Film/Video and Photographic Arts graduates from DePaul University land near the $25,920 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The financial case is thin at 3.0x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Film/Video and Photographic Arts's typical career paths, with 44% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 8% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $24,000 represents roughly 11 months of the $26,164 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #110 of 140 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs, DePaul University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $49,205 show a 88% jump from the $26,164 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About DePaul University

With 74% of applicants admitted, DePaul University prioritizes broad access, serving 14,283 students in Chicago, IL. The average net cost of $116,564 over four years represents a 34% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at DePaul 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 DePaul 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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Film/Video and Photographic Arts at DePaul University?
A score of 16/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Film/Video and Photographic Arts. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Film/Video and Photographic Arts careers?
With 44% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $488,009 in decade earnings vs $532,098 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →