Film/Video and Photographic Arts at University of North Carolina School of the Arts

Winston Salem, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
26
Optimistic
26
Base Case
22
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,053/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (43,700 openings/yr)
ROI 13.2x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #40 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 $501K $500K $466K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.2x 13.2x 12.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.6x 4.6x 4.3x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 28%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 26 22

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$37,908
Out-of-state: $108,844 (4.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$49,488
-31% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,139
13.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,562
81% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $24,053/yr, roughly in line with the $25,920 national median for Film/Video and Photographic Arts. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 13.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% 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 a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #40 ranking among 140 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs places University of North Carolina School of the Arts in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $24,053-to-$43,562 earnings arc over five years reflects a 81% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of North Carolina School of the Arts

University of North Carolina School of the Arts accepts 33% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, a smaller institution with 902 students in Winston Salem, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at University of North Carolina School of the Arts →

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/Video and Photographic Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of North Carolina School of the Arts

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Film/Video and Photographic Arts at University of North Carolina School of the Arts?
At 26/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Film/Video and Photographic Arts degree from University of North Carolina School of the Arts?
At $26,139 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Film/Video and Photographic Arts at University of North Carolina School of the Arts?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →