Film/Video and Photographic Arts at Rhode Island School of Design

Providence, RI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
11 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
11
Optimistic
11
Base Case
9
Pessimistic
Earnings $17,701/yr (-32% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (43,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #135 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 $609K $597K $542K
Earnings Multiple 2.5x 2.5x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 28%
DegreeOutlook Score 11 11 9

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$239,040
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$185,012
23% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
18.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,503
191% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $17,701 per year, Film/Video and Photographic Arts graduates from Rhode Island School of Design earn below the $25,920 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

At 2.5x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 11% 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 a 1.5x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #135 ranking among 140 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs places Rhode Island School of Design in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $17,701-to-$51,503 earnings arc over five years reflects a 191% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Rhode Island School of Design

With just 14% of applicants admitted, Rhode Island School of Design ranks among the nation's most selective schools, with a smaller student body of 2,090 in Providence, RI.

See all programs and financial aid at Rhode Island School of Design →

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 Rhode Island School of Design

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 11/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Film/Video and Photographic Arts at Rhode Island School of Design?
At 11/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Film/Video and Photographic Arts degree from Rhode Island School of Design?
At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 18 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Film/Video and Photographic Arts at Rhode Island School of Design?
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 Rhode Island School of Design a good choice for Film/Video and Photographic Arts despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Rhode Island School of Design's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →