Film/Video and Photographic Arts at University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
21 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
21
Optimistic
21
Base Case
14
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,187/yr (32% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (43,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #75 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 $537K $533K $492K
Earnings Multiple 2.0x 2.0x 1.8x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 28%
DegreeOutlook Score 21 21 14

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$272,948
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$127,708
53% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
6.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,923
58% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Southern California Film/Video and Photographic Arts graduates command $34,187/yr out of the gate, well above the $25,920 national median. That 32% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

An earnings multiple of 2.0x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 44% task exposure — and the 9% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $19,500 debt-to-$34,187 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #75 out of 140 programs, University of Southern California's financial outcomes for Film/Video and Photographic Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $34,187 to $53,923 over five years (58% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About University of Southern California

Only 10% of applicants gain admission to University of Southern California, reflecting elite selectivity, serving a student body of 20,817 in Los Angeles, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $127,708 over four years — 53% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Southern California →

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 University of Southern California

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 University of Southern California's Film/Video and Photographic Arts program score?
This program scores 21/100 — 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.
How affordable is Film/Video and Photographic Arts at University of Southern California after financial aid?
Sticker price is $272,948, but the average net cost is $127,708 — a 53% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →