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Film/Video and Photographic Arts at SUNY at Purchase College

Purchase, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
20 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
20
Optimistic
20
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings $18,128/yr (-30% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (43,700 openings/yr)
ROI 13.5x earnings multiple (6.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #86 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 $481K $482K $452K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.4x 13.5x 12.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.4x 6.4x 6.0x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 28%
DegreeOutlook Score 20 20 18

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$35,812
Out-of-state: $75,452 (6.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$76,268
-113% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,695
17.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$37,180
105% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $18,128/yr fall 30% below the $25,920 national median for Film/Video and Photographic Arts. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 13.5x 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 a 1.4x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #86 ranking among 140 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs places SUNY at Purchase College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $18,128-to-$37,180 earnings arc over five years reflects a 105% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About SUNY at Purchase College

SUNY at Purchase College has a 73% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 3,110 students in Purchase, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at SUNY at Purchase College →

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 SUNY at Purchase College

Sociology ($35,124) Economics ($34,297) Biology, General ($33,914) Communication and Media Studies ($31,881) Visual and Performing Arts, Other ($31,175) Psychology, General ($27,838) Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($25,197) History ($23,803)

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 20/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Film/Video and Photographic Arts at SUNY at Purchase College?
At 20/100, 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 SUNY at Purchase College?
At $25,695 in median debt, graduates carry 17 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 SUNY at Purchase College?
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 SUNY at Purchase College a good choice for Film/Video and Photographic Arts despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If SUNY at Purchase College'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 →