Film/Video and Photographic Arts at Chapman University

Orange, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
27
Optimistic
26
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,795/yr (38% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (43,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #33 of 140 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs Top 25%

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 $610K $599K $543K
Earnings Multiple 2.4x 2.4x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 28%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 26 19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$251,136
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$190,108
24% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,500
6.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$65,834
84% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $35,795 put Chapman University's Film/Video and Photographic Arts program 38% above the national median of $25,920 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

An earnings multiple of 2.4x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 44% task exposure — and the 11% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $18,500 debt-to-$35,795 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #33 out of 140 programs, Chapman University's Film/Video and Photographic Arts program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth from $35,795 to $65,834 over five years (84% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Chapman University

A 56% admission rate makes Chapman University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, enrolling 7,629 students in Orange, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at Chapman 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 Chapman University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Chapman University's Film/Video and Photographic Arts program score?
This program scores 26/100 — on the lower end for Film/Video and Photographic Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Film/Video and Photographic Arts to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Film/Video and Photographic Arts careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 44% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does Chapman University rank so high for Film/Video and Photographic Arts?
The #33 ranking out of 140 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →