Film & Photography at Clayton State University

Morrow, GA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Film/Video and Photographic Arts
21 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
21
Optimistic
21
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings $15,952/yr (-38% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (43,700 openings/yr)
ROI 18.7x earnings multiple (6.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #78 of 140 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs

Program Analysis

The earnings data reflects the intense competition within Georgia's film and video industry. While the state offers significant production opportunities, many entry-level roles, particularly in smaller local studios or independent projects, don't command high salaries. The program likely provides a strong foundation, but graduates often enter a gig-based economy where consistent, high-paying work requires extensive networking and a very strong portfolio. The high AI risk underscores the need for strategic skill development. Automation is rapidly changing post-production and content creation, meaning routine editing or basic production tasks are becoming commoditized. To thrive, you'll need to cultivate a unique creative vision, develop advanced technical proficiencies, and specialize in areas like complex visual storytelling, niche technical roles, or creative direction less susceptible to AI. Focus on building an entrepreneurial mindset and strong industry connections in the Atlanta market to elevate your career trajectory.

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 $366K $379K $372K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.1x 18.7x 18.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.8x 6.0x 5.9x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 28%
DegreeOutlook Score 21 21 19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$20,272
Out-of-state: $63,160 (6.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$40,580
-100% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,840
14.9 months of Year 1 earnings

About Clayton State University

A 71% acceptance rate means Clayton State University is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 4,390 students in Morrow, GA. Pell Grant recipients make up 52% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Clayton State 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 & Photography at Other Schools

Other Majors at Clayton State 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 & Photography at Clayton State University?
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 Clayton State University worth the student debt?
Median debt of $19,840 against $15,952/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 $372,191 in decade earnings vs $365,939 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Film & Photography from Clayton State 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 →