Film & Photography at Vassar College

Poughkeepsie, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Film/Video and Photographic Arts
19 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
19
Optimistic
19
Base Case
13
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,028/yr (8% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (43,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #94 of 140 Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs

Program Analysis

Your Vassar Film/Video and Photographic Arts degree provides a strong foundation in critical theory and creative practice, characteristic of an elite liberal arts education. This isn't a vocational program designed for immediate, high-paying technical roles; rather, it cultivates a broad skillset that graduates leverage across diverse fields. You'll often find Vassar alumni connecting to roles in New York City's extensive media landscape – from independent film and television production to gallery work, advertising, or even higher education. The program's proximity to NYC offers crucial internship and networking opportunities, where the Vassar name and alumni network can significantly open doors. Given the high AI risk in many creative fields, focus on developing adaptable, visionary skills and a strong, diverse portfolio that showcases your unique creative voice.

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 $643K $628K $565K
Earnings Multiple 2.4x 2.3x 2.1x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 28%
DegreeOutlook Score 19 19 13

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$271,220
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$152,728
44% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,993
7.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$64,947
132% growth from Year 1

About Vassar College

Vassar College admits 18% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, a compact campus enrolling 2,430 students in Poughkeepsie, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $152,728 over four years — 44% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Vassar College →

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

Other Majors at Vassar College

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 19/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Film & Photography at Vassar College?
At 19/100, 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 Vassar College?
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 →