Film & Photography at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
Arcata, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Film/Video and Photographic Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
21
Optimistic
21
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings
$19,107/yr (-26% vs median)
AI Risk
High (44% exposed)
Job Market
Large (43,700 openings/yr)
ROI
12.4x earnings multiple (5.0x out-of-state)
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 | $381K | $392K | $383K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 12.0x | 12.4x | 12.1x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.8x | 5.0x | 4.8x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 41% | 37% | 28% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 21 | 21 | 18 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$31,652
Out-of-state: $79,172 (5.0x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,100
13.9 months of Year 1 earnings
About California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt has a 99% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 5,491 students in Arcata, CA. With 46% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.
See all programs and financial aid at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt →Top Career Paths
Producers and directors
$83,480/yr
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
$80,190/yr
Communications teachers, postsecondary
$77,800/yr
Compare & Explore
Film & Photography 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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Film & Photography at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
A score of 21/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Film & Photography. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Film & Photography at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt worth the student debt?
Median debt of $22,100 against $19,107/yr starting salary means roughly 1.2 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
Will AI replace Film & Photography careers?
With 44% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $382,507 in decade earnings vs $380,741 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Film & Photography from California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →