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Film/Video and Photographic Arts at San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $18,654/yr (-28% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (43,700 openings/yr)
ROI 18.9x earnings multiple (7.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #22 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 $570K $562K $514K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.2x 18.9x 17.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.4x 7.3x 6.7x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 28%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 29 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,696
Out-of-state: $77,216 (7.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,528
-74% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,375
11.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,379
159% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $18,654/yr fall 28% below the $25,920 national median for Film/Video and Photographic Arts. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 18.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% 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 $17,375 against $18,654/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

San Francisco State University ranks #22 among 140 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $18,654-to-$48,379 earnings arc over five years reflects a 159% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University has a 96% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, one of the larger campuses at 20,033 students in San Francisco, CA. 41% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at San Francisco State 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

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 San Francisco State University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($117,532) Mechanical Engineering ($72,647) Civil Engineering ($68,256) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($67,345) Finance and Financial Management Services ($62,778) Accounting and Related Services ($60,607) International Business ($58,560) Microbiological Sciences and Immunology ($56,071)

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 29/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Film/Video and Photographic Arts at San Francisco State University?
At 29/100, 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 San Francisco State 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.
Is San Francisco State University one of the best schools for Film/Video and Photographic Arts?
Among 140 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs, San Francisco State University's #22 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Is San Francisco State University a good choice for Film/Video and Photographic Arts despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If San Francisco State University'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 →