Film/Video and Photographic Arts at University of the Arts

Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
10 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
10
Optimistic
10
Base Case
8
Pessimistic
Earnings $17,674/yr (-32% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (43,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #139 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 $468K $470K $443K
Earnings Multiple 2.2x 2.2x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 28%
DegreeOutlook Score 10 10 8

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$217,160
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$176,616
19% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
18.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,179
99% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of the Arts's Film/Video and Photographic Arts graduates start at $17,674/yr, trailing the $25,920 national average by 32%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

An earnings multiple of 2.2x 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 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $17,674 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #139 out of 140 programs, University of the Arts's financial outcomes for Film/Video and Photographic Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $17,674 to $35,179 over five years (99% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About University of the Arts

A 78% acceptance rate means University of the Arts is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 1,064 students in Philadelphia, PA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of the Arts →

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

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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

How does University of the Arts's Film/Video and Photographic Arts program score?
This program scores 10/100 — on the lower end for Film/Video and Photographic Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do University of the Arts Film/Video and Photographic Arts graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.5x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
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.
Why are Film/Video and Photographic Arts earnings lower at University of the Arts?
Lower starting pay at University of the Arts may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →