Film & Photography at San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Film/Video and Photographic Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings
$18,654/yr (-28% vs median)
AI Risk
High (44% exposed)
Job Market
Large (43,700 openings/yr)
ROI
18.9x earnings multiple (7.3x out-of-state)
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 | $570K | $562K | $514K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 19.2x | 18.9x | 17.3x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 7.4x | 7.3x | 6.7x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 41% | 37% | 28% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 30 | 29 | 27 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,696
Out-of-state: $77,216 (7.3x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,375
11.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,379
159% growth from Year 1
About San Francisco State University
San Francisco State University has a 96% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, one of the larger campuses at 20,033 students in San Francisco, CA. 41% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.
See all programs and financial aid at San Francisco 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
Compare & Explore
Film & Photography at Other Schools
Other Majors at San Francisco 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 does a 29/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Film & Photography at San Francisco State University?
At 29/100, 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 San Francisco State University?
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.
Is San Francisco State University one of the best schools for Film & Photography?
Among 140 Film & Photography programs, San Francisco State University's #22 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Is San Francisco State University a good choice for Film & Photography despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If San Francisco State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →