Film & Photography at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Carbondale, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Film/Video and Photographic Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
18
Optimistic
17
Base Case
15
Pessimistic
Earnings
$21,322/yr (-18% vs median)
AI Risk
High (44% exposed)
Job Market
Large (43,700 openings/yr)
ROI
8.6x 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 | $452K | $456K | $432K |
| Earnings Multiple | 8.5x | 8.6x | 8.2x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 41% | 37% | 28% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 18 | 17 | 15 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$52,976
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,525
10.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,839
63% growth from Year 1
About Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
With 90% of applicants admitted, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale prioritizes broad access, serving 8,116 students in Carbondale, IL.
See all programs and financial aid at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale →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 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
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 17/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Film & Photography at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
At 17/100, 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 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
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 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale a good choice for Film & Photography despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Southern Illinois University-Carbondale'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 →