Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $26,502 track close to the $25,920 national median for Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 7.9x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.
Some AI exposure exists in Film/Video and Photographic Arts's typical career paths, with 44% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 6% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $27,000 against $26,502/yr in first-year earnings means roughly 1.0 years of salary goes to loan repayment. That's a heavy but not crushing debt load.
At #66 of 140 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs, Western Michigan University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Five-year earnings of $42,211 show a 59% jump from the $26,502 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.