Film & Photography at University of California-Davis
Davis, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Film/Video and Photographic Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
23
Optimistic
22
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings
$19,258/yr (-26% vs median)
AI Risk
High (44% exposed)
Job Market
Large (43,700 openings/yr)
ROI
9.4x earnings multiple (3.1x 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 | $585K | $576K | $525K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 9.6x | 9.4x | 8.6x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.2x | 3.1x | 2.9x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 41% | 37% | 28% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 23 | 22 | 20 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$60,988
Out-of-state: $184,096 (3.1x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,500
10.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,629
163% growth from Year 1
About University of California-Davis
With a 42% acceptance rate, University of California-Davis is moderately selective, with 31,777 students enrolled in Davis, CA.
See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Davis →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 University of California-Davis
Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?
For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 22/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Film & Photography at University of California-Davis?
At 22/100, 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 University of California-Davis?
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 University of California-Davis a good choice for Film & Photography despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of California-Davis'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 →