Film & Photography at CUNY City College

New York, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Film/Video and Photographic Arts
34 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
34
Optimistic
34
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,918/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (43,700 openings/yr)
ROI 17.6x earnings multiple (8.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #8 of 140 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs Top 10%

Program Analysis

Your decision to consider City College for Film/Video and Photographic Arts places you in one of the nation's premier programs for this field, a testament to its unique advantages. Much of your financial outlook here isn't just about the major, but its direct connection to New York City's unparalleled media ecosystem. While creative fields are often competitive, this program's graduates often find themselves well-positioned due to immediate access to countless production houses, advertising agencies, independent film studios, and photography businesses across the five boroughs. This robust local labor market provides a steady stream of internships and entry-level roles, helping you gain experience quickly. Given the high AI risk in certain creative roles, developing a diverse skillset and a strong, adaptable portfolio is critical. You'll need to proactively build your professional network from day one, leveraging every opportunity to connect with industry professionals, as your connections will be as valuable as your craft in securing those crucial early career opportunities.

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 $520K $517K $480K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.7x 17.6x 16.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.5x 8.5x 7.8x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 28%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 34 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,360
Out-of-state: $61,160 (8.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$13,944
53% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,856
78% growth from Year 1

About CUNY City College

CUNY City College's 58% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 11,934 in New York, NY. With 60% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum. After financial aid, the average student pays $13,944 over four years — 53% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at CUNY City College →

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

Compare Film & Photography

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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

What does a 34/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Film & Photography at CUNY City College?
At 34/100, 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 CUNY City College?
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.
What do students actually pay for Film & Photography at CUNY City College?
The 53% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $29,360. At a net cost of $13,944, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →