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Visual & Performing Arts · Film & Photography Rank #136 of 140

Film & Photographyat University of Hartford

Graduates earn $17,521/yr in their first year — about 32.0% below the national Film & Photography average. Base-case 10-year earnings $435K; scenarios range from $416K to $429K depending on AI disruption.

West Hartford, CT Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
10 AT RISK
10
Optimistic
8
Pessimistic
Earnings
$17,521
1-year post-graduation
ROI
0.5x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$435K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
47% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at University of Hartford

The data for Film/Video and Photographic Arts at the University of Hartford highlights a challenging path. Your lower-than-average earning potential here isn't just about the competitive nature of creative fields; it's significantly influenced by the local labor market. Connecticut simply lacks the robust film and media industry infrastructure of major hubs like New York or Los Angeles, meaning fewer entry-level opportunities and often lower wages for those that exist. Many graduates find themselves in commercial photography, local marketing agencies, or freelance gigs, where income can be inconsistent. To truly thrive, you'll need to cultivate an exceptional, diverse portfolio and actively pursue internships and networking *beyond* the regional market, likely requiring relocation immediately after graduation to a city with a more vibrant industry. Consider how you'll develop highly specialized, AI-resistant skills, perhaps blending your creative talents with strong business acumen or technical expertise to stand out.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$416K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score8/100
Earnings Multiple2.2x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$435K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score10/100
Earnings Multiple2.3x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$429K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score10/100
Earnings Multiple2.2x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Hartford's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Film & Photography graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Producers and directors
+4.9% 10-yr growth · 12,800 openings/yr
$83,480/yr
Moderate
2
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
+1.7% 10-yr growth · 9,000 openings/yr
$80,190/yr
Moderate
3
Communications teachers, postsecondary
+2.1% 10-yr growth · 2,700 openings/yr
$77,800/yr
Moderate
4
Film and video editors
+4.0% 10-yr growth · 3,600 openings/yr
$70,980/yr
High
5
Camera operators, television, video, and film
+1.2% 10-yr growth · 2,900 openings/yr
$68,810/yr
Moderate
6
Photographers
+1.8% 10-yr growth · 12,700 openings/yr
$42,520/yr
Moderate
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Film & Photography

How University of Hartford stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Tufts University
MA · Private nonprofit
36
DW Score
$56K
1-yr earn
1.1x
ROI
Top score
Kennesaw State University
GA · Public
50
DW Score
$52K
1-yr earn
21.4x
ROI
Utah Valley University
UT · Public
44
DW Score
$42K
1-yr earn
15.7x
ROI
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
NJ · Public
33
DW Score
$39K
1-yr earn
4.6x
ROI
Rutgers University-Newark
NJ · Public
34
DW Score
$39K
1-yr earn
4.8x
ROI
Also at University of Hartford

Other top programs at University of Hartford

Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Hartford, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Film & Photography offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Film & Photography trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Film & Photography at University of Hartford

How does University of Hartford's Film & Photography program score?

This program scores 10/100 — on the lower end for Film & Photography. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

Do University of Hartford Film & Photography graduates earn enough to justify the loans?

The debt-to-income ratio of 1.5x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.

How vulnerable is Film & Photography to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Film & Photography careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 44% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why are Film & Photography earnings lower at University of Hartford?

Lower starting pay at University of Hartford may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.