Film & Photography at School of Visual Arts
New York, NY · Private for-profit · Bachelor's Degree · Film/Video and Photographic Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
11
Optimistic
11
Base Case
8
Pessimistic
Earnings
$20,312/yr (-22% vs median)
AI Risk
High (44% exposed)
Job Market
Large (43,700 openings/yr)
ROI
2.3x earnings multiple
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 | $453K | $457K | $433K |
| Earnings Multiple | 2.3x | 2.3x | 2.2x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 41% | 37% | 28% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 11 | 11 | 8 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$196,560
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
16.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,499
70% growth from Year 1
About School of Visual Arts
School of Visual Arts accepts 91% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a compact campus enrolling 3,432 students in New York, NY.
See all programs and financial aid at School of Visual Arts →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
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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 11/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Film & Photography at School of Visual Arts?
At 11/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Film & Photography programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Film & Photography degree from School of Visual Arts?
At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 16 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Film & Photography at School of Visual Arts?
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 School of Visual Arts a good choice for Film & Photography despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If School of Visual Arts'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 →