Film & Photography at California State University-Northridge
Northridge, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Film/Video and Photographic Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings
$27,290/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk
High (44% exposed)
Job Market
Large (43,700 openings/yr)
ROI
16.3x earnings multiple (6.1x 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 | $459K | $463K | $437K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 16.2x | 16.3x | 15.4x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 6.1x | 6.1x | 5.8x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 41% | 37% | 28% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 29 | 28 | 23 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$28,380
Out-of-state: $75,900 (6.1x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,250
8.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,272
40% growth from Year 1
About California State University-Northridge
With 93% of applicants admitted, California State University-Northridge prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 32,357 students in Northridge, CA. With 56% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.
See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Northridge →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
Other Majors at California State University-Northridge
Consider the Trade Route?
Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Film & Photography at California State University-Northridge?
At 28/100, 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 State University-Northridge?
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.
Is California State University-Northridge one of the best schools for Film & Photography?
Among 140 Film & Photography programs, California State University-Northridge's #25 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →