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Film/Video and Photographic Arts at The University of Montana

Missoula, MT · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $24,679/yr (-5% vs median)

AI Risk High (44% exposed)

Job Market Large (43,700 openings/yr)

ROI 14.0x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #48 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	$454K	$458K	$433K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.9x	14.0x	13.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.6x	3.6x	3.4x
Probability of Field Employment	41%	37%	28%
DegreeOutlook Score	24	24	20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$32,608

Out-of-state: $126,488 (3.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$68,472

-110% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,011

12.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$36,392

47% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

The University of Montana's Film/Video and Photographic Arts program produces graduates earning $24,679/yr — within striking distance of the $25,920 national average for this field.

With a 14.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 4% 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 1.0x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #48 ranking among 140 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs places The University of Montana in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 47% earnings increase from $24,679 to $36,392 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About The University of Montana

A 96% acceptance rate means The University of Montana is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 7,079 in Missoula, MT.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Montana →

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 The University of Montana

Consider the Trade Route?

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 24/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Film/Video and Photographic Arts at The University of Montana?

At 24/100, 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 The University of Montana?

At $25,011 in median debt, graduates carry 12 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 The University of Montana?

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.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →