Film & Photography at University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Film/Video and Photographic Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings
$28,608/yr (10% vs median)
AI Risk
High (44% exposed)
Job Market
Large (43,700 openings/yr)
ROI
9.0x earnings multiple (3.0x 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 | $547K | $541K | $498K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 9.1x | 9.0x | 8.3x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.0x | 3.0x | 2.7x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 41% | 37% | 28% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 30 | 29 | 24 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,860
Out-of-state: $182,968 (3.0x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
6.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,687
84% growth from Year 1
About University of California-Santa Barbara
University of California-Santa Barbara admits 28% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, one of the larger campuses at 23,205 students in Santa Barbara, CA.
See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Santa Barbara →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
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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 29/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Film & Photography at University of California-Santa Barbara?
At 29/100, 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-Santa Barbara?
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-Santa Barbara one of the best schools for Film & Photography?
Among 140 Film & Photography programs, University of California-Santa Barbara's #21 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →