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Film/Video and Photographic Arts at University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
22 /100
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)
Ranked #61 of 140 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs Top 50%

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 $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)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$61,152
-0% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,500
10.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,629
163% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $19,258/yr fall 26% below the $25,920 national median for Film/Video and Photographic Arts. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

A 9.4x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 10% 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 $17,500 against $19,258/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #61 ranking among 140 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs places University of California-Davis in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $19,258-to-$50,629 earnings arc over five years reflects a 163% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

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
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 University of California-Davis

Computer Engineering ($96,418) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($84,343) Engineering, General ($82,956) Mechanical Engineering ($75,231) Civil Engineering ($75,165) Materials Engineering ($74,110) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($71,633) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($68,419)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

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

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/Video and Photographic Arts at University of California-Davis?
At 22/100, 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 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/Video and Photographic Arts 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 →