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Film & Photography at Occidental College

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Film/Video and Photographic Arts
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
23
Optimistic
22
Base Case
16
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,526/yr (18% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (43,700 openings/yr)
ROI 1.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #63 of 140 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs Top 50%

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 $434K $440K $420K
Earnings Multiple 1.7x 1.7x 1.7x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 28%
DegreeOutlook Score 23 22 16

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$253,784
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$157,316
38% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
8.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $30,526 at Occidental College come in 18% above the national median of $25,920 for Film & Photography programs.

At 1.7x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Film & Photography career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $20,500 against $30,526/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #63 ranking among 140 Film & Photography programs places Occidental College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

About Occidental College

Occidental College accepts 40% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, a smaller institution with 1,844 students in Los Angeles, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $157,316 over four years — 38% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Occidental 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

Compare this program → View all 140 schools offering Film & Photography →

Film & Photography at Other Schools

Tufts University ($56,418) Kennesaw State University ($51,772) Utah Valley University ($41,833) Rutgers University-New Brunswick ($38,508) Rutgers University-Newark ($38,508) Fordham University ($36,704) Chapman University ($35,795) University of Miami ($35,485)

Other Majors at Occidental College

Economics ($64,885) Computer Science ($63,845) Natural Resources Conservation and Research ($49,529) Political Science and Government ($45,175) Sociology ($42,653) International Relations and National Security Studies ($35,231) Psychology, General ($31,002) Biology, General ($28,691)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Film & Photography trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 does a 22/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Film & Photography at Occidental College?
At 22/100, 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 Occidental 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →