Film/Video and Photographic Arts at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
24 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
24
Optimistic
24
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,840/yr (-8% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (43,700 openings/yr)
ROI 12.2x earnings multiple (5.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #51 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 $488K $489K $457K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.2x 12.2x 11.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.5x 5.5x 5.2x
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)
$40,080
Out-of-state: $88,080 (5.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,708
-61% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
13.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,542
74% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $23,840/yr, roughly in line with the $25,920 national median for Film/Video and Photographic Arts. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 12.2x 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 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #51 ranking among 140 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs places University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $23,840-to-$41,542 earnings arc over five years reflects a 74% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee accepts 88% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 16,762 in Milwaukee, WI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee →

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 Wisconsin-Milwaukee

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

What does a 24/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Film/Video and Photographic Arts at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee?
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 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee?
At $26,000 in median debt, graduates carry 13 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 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee?
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 →