Film & Photography at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Film/Video and Photographic Arts
24 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
25
Optimistic
24
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,565/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (43,700 openings/yr)
ROI 7.8x earnings multiple (2.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #47 of 140 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

While the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor carries significant prestige, the earnings trajectory for Film/Video and Photographic Arts graduates often reflects the unique dynamics of creative industries. Many graduates enter highly competitive fields like independent filmmaking, production assistant roles, or freelance photography, where initial compensation can be modest, especially outside major production hubs. Your early career earnings will likely prioritize passion and portfolio building, with significant growth potential as you build your reputation and network. UMich's strong academic foundation, however, prepares many for diverse roles in corporate media, marketing, and education, leveraging that broad skill set. To thrive, focus intensely on building a robust professional portfolio and actively seeking internships throughout your degree; hands-on experience and networking are paramount in this project-based industry.

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 $540K $535K $494K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.8x 7.8x 7.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.3x 2.3x 2.1x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 28%
DegreeOutlook Score 25 24 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)
$68,912
Out-of-state: $232,288 (2.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,328
14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,024
8.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,997
96% growth from Year 1

About University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Admission to University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is competitive, with 18% of applicants accepted, with 33,488 students enrolled in Ann Arbor, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor →

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

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

How does University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's Film & Photography program score?
This program scores 24/100 — on the lower end for Film & Photography. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →