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Film/Video and Photographic Arts at Art Center College of Design

Pasadena, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $22,988/yr (-11% vs median)

AI Risk High (44% exposed)

Job Market Large (43,700 openings/yr)

ROI 2.2x earnings multiple

Ranked #132 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	$443K	$448K	$426K
Earnings Multiple	2.1x	2.2x	2.1x
Probability of Field Employment	41%	37%	28%
DegreeOutlook Score	12	12	8

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$206,560

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$200,836

3% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$28,750

15.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$33,995

48% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $22,988 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.

At 2.2x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 4% 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 1.3x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #132 ranking among 140 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs places Art Center College of Design in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 48% earnings increase from $22,988 to $33,995 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Art Center College of Design

Art Center College of Design has a 75% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 2,054 in Pasadena, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at Art Center College of Design →

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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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 12/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Film/Video and Photographic Arts at Art Center College of Design?

At 12/100, 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 Art Center College of Design?

At $28,750 in median debt, graduates carry 15 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 Art Center College of Design?

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 →