Film/Video and Photographic Arts at Calvin University

Grand Rapids, MI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
14 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
15
Optimistic
14
Base Case
12
Pessimistic
Earnings $15,906/yr (-39% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (43,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #121 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 $366K $379K $372K
Earnings Multiple 2.4x 2.4x 2.4x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 28%
DegreeOutlook Score 15 14 12

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$154,680
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$99,132
36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,750
14.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Calvin University's Film/Video and Photographic Arts graduates start at $15,906/yr, trailing the $25,920 national average by 39%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The financial case is thin at 2.4x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Film/Video and Photographic Arts's typical career paths, with 44% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a -2% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $19,750 against $15,906/yr in first-year earnings means roughly 1.2 years of salary goes to loan repayment. That's a heavy but not crushing debt load.

Ranked #121 of 140 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs, Calvin University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About Calvin University

A 71% acceptance rate means Calvin University is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 2,921 students in Grand Rapids, MI. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $99,132 — 36% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Calvin 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

Film/Video and Photographic Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at Calvin University

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Film/Video and Photographic Arts at Calvin University?
A score of 14/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Film/Video and Photographic Arts. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Film/Video and Photographic Arts at Calvin University worth the student debt?
Median debt of $19,750 against $15,906/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/Video and Photographic Arts careers?
With 44% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $372,039 in decade earnings vs $365,724 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Film/Video and Photographic Arts from Calvin University?
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 →