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Film/Video and Photographic Arts at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
17 /100
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
Ranked #102 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 $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
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,708
-22% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,525
10.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,839
63% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $21,322 per year, Film/Video and Photographic Arts graduates from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale earn below the $25,920 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

A 8.6x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

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 $18,525 against $21,322/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #102 ranking among 140 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs places Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $21,322-to-$34,839 earnings arc over five years reflects a 63% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

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
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 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Fire Protection ($104,017) Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians ($73,283) Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians ($72,495) Computer Science ($70,053) Mechanical Engineering ($69,454) Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($69,021) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($68,670) Civil Engineering ($65,269)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Film/Video and Photographic Arts 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 17/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Film/Video and Photographic Arts at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
At 17/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Film/Video and Photographic Arts 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/Video and Photographic Arts 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 →