Film/Video and Photographic Arts at Lesley University

Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
22
Optimistic
22
Base Case
15
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,846/yr (23% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (43,700 openings/yr)
ROI 3.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #65 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 $489K $489K $458K
Earnings Multiple 3.7x 3.7x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 28%
DegreeOutlook Score 22 22 15

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$131,120
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$127,220
3% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,974
10.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,851
41% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $31,846 per year, Film/Video and Photographic Arts graduates from Lesley University earn slightly above the $25,920 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 3.7x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 44% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,974 debt-to-$31,846 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #65 out of 140 programs, Lesley University's Film/Video and Photographic Arts offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $31,846 to $44,851 shows 41% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Lesley University

With 94% of applicants admitted, Lesley University prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 1,252 in Cambridge, MA.

See all programs and financial aid at Lesley 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

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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Lesley University's Film/Video and Photographic Arts program score?
This program scores 22/100 — on the lower end for Film/Video and Photographic Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Film/Video and Photographic Arts to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Film/Video and Photographic Arts careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 44% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →