Film & Photographyat University of the Arts
Graduates earn $17,674/yr in their first year — about 32.0% below the national Film & Photography average. Base-case 10-year earnings $470K; scenarios range from $443K to $468K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of the Arts
The earnings data here reflects the challenging reality of breaking into and sustaining a career in the film, video, and photographic arts. While your program will intensely hone your creative and technical skills, the Philadelphia market, though vibrant, isn't a primary production hub like some larger cities, meaning many graduates often pursue independent projects, freelance work, or roles in smaller local agencies. These paths typically involve a slower climb to higher salaries compared to more structured corporate positions. As an arts-focused institution, the emphasis is heavily on craft, but success in these fields increasingly demands strong entrepreneurial skills and a robust professional network. Proactively seek out internships and build a strong, diverse portfolio with real-world client experience from day one.
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.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of the Arts's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
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.
Peer schools offering Film & Photography
How University of the Arts stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of the Arts
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of the Arts, 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 →Frequently asked about Film & Photography at University of the Arts
How does University of the Arts'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 the Arts 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 the Arts?
Lower starting pay at University of the Arts may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.