Film & Photography at Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Film/Video and Photographic Arts
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
45
Optimistic
45
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,689/yr (22% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (43,700 openings/yr)
ROI 25.1x earnings multiple (7.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 140 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs Top 1%

Program Analysis

Florida State’s College of Motion Picture Arts is a nationally recognized program, often lauded for its hands-on, conservatory-style training within a public university setting. This unique approach, combined with a dedicated alumni network, helps graduates navigate the competitive entertainment industry. The strong outcomes reflect successful entry into demanding roles like producing, directing, and editing, fields where early career success can lead to significant advancement. The program's practical focus and reputation for producing job-ready talent mean many graduates effectively leverage these connections for opportunities. While the creative industries face evolving challenges, including automation, the emphasis here on adaptable skills is crucial. To truly maximize your potential, aggressively pursue internships and build a diverse portfolio that showcases your unique creative voice and technical mastery.

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 $575K $567K $518K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 25.4x 25.1x 22.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.7x 7.5x 6.9x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 28%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 45 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$22,624
Out-of-state: $75,144 (7.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$43,988
-94% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,538
7.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,465
84% growth from Year 1

About Florida State University

Florida State University admits 25% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, serving a student body of 31,812 in Tallahassee, FL.

See all programs and financial aid at Florida 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

Compare Film & Photography

Other Majors at Florida State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Florida State University's Film & Photography program score?
This program scores 45/100 — on the lower end for Film & Photography. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Film & Photography to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Film & Photography 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 Florida State University rank so high for Film & Photography?
The #2 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 →