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Film/Video and Photographic Arts at American University

Washington, DC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
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/Video and Photographic Arts 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

Program Analysis

American University's Film/Video and Photographic Arts program produces graduates earning $26,767/yr — within striking distance of the $25,920 national average for this field.

At 3.0x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 13% 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 $22,000 against $26,767/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #54 ranking among 140 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs places American University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $26,767-to-$69,028 earnings arc over five years reflects a 158% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

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/Video and Photographic Arts →

Film/Video and Photographic Arts 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/Video and Photographic Arts trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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/Video and Photographic Arts at American University?
At 23/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Film/Video and Photographic Arts 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 →