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Film & Photography at American University

Washington, DC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Film/Video and Photographic Arts
23 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
23
Optimistic
23
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,767/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (43,700 openings/yr)
ROI 3.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #54 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 & Photography graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $688K $668K $597K
Earnings Multiple 3.0x 3.0x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 28%
DegreeOutlook Score 23 23 18

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$226,172
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$167,780
26% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,000
9.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$69,028
158% growth from Year 1

About American University

American University's 47% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, serving 7,593 students in Washington, DC.

See all programs and financial aid at American University →

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

Compare this program → View all 140 schools offering Film & Photography →

Film & Photography at Other Schools

Tufts University ($56,418) Kennesaw State University ($51,772) Utah Valley University ($41,833) Rutgers University-New Brunswick ($38,508) Rutgers University-Newark ($38,508) Fordham University ($36,704) Chapman University ($35,795) University of Miami ($35,485)

Other Majors at American University

Finance and Financial Management Services ($83,505) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($58,299) Economics ($58,151) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($55,625) Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication ($50,026) Political Science and Government ($48,034) International Relations and National Security Studies ($47,551) Natural Resources Conservation and Research ($46,780)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Film & Photography trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →

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 23/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Film & Photography at American University?
At 23/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Film & Photography programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Film & Photography at American University?
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 →