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Film/Video and Photographic Arts at School of Visual Arts

New York, NY · Private for-profit · Bachelor's Degree
11 /100
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
Ranked #134 of 140 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Film/Video and Photographic Arts 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

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $20,312 place School of Visual Arts below the $25,920 national median for Film/Video and Photographic Arts — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

At 2.3x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Film/Video and Photographic Arts career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.3x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #134 ranking among 140 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs places School of Visual Arts in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $20,312-to-$34,499 earnings arc over five years reflects a 70% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

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
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 140 schools offering Film/Video and Photographic Arts →

Film/Video and Photographic Arts 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 School of Visual Arts

Computer Software and Media Applications ($36,272) Graphic Communications ($22,478) Fine and Studio Arts ($21,344) Design and Applied Arts ($15,985)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Film/Video and Photographic Arts trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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/Video and Photographic Arts at School of Visual Arts?
At 11/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Film/Video and Photographic Arts 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/Video and Photographic Arts 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/Video and Photographic Arts 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 →