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Film & Photography at California Institute of the Arts

Valencia, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Film/Video and Photographic Arts
20 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
21
Optimistic
20
Base Case
15
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,247/yr (9% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (43,700 openings/yr)
ROI 1.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #83 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 & Photography graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $424K $431K $412K
Earnings Multiple 1.9x 1.9x 1.8x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 28%
DegreeOutlook Score 21 20 15

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$226,896
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$188,732
17% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
11.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$41,552
47% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

California Institute of the Arts's Film & Photography graduates start at $28,247/yr — above the $25,920 national average, though not by a wide margin.

At 1.9x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Film & Photography career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $27,000 against $28,247/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #83 ranking among 140 Film & Photography programs places California Institute of the Arts in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About California Institute of the Arts

Admission to California Institute of the Arts is competitive, with 26% of applicants accepted, with a smaller student body of 881 in Valencia, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at California Institute of the Arts →

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 California Institute of the Arts

Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($22,673) Music ($18,896)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Film & Photography trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 20/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Film & Photography at California Institute of the Arts?
At 20/100, 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 California Institute of the Arts?
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 →