Film/Video and Photographic Arts at Academy of Art University

Academy of Art University graduates earn less than the national average initially ($23,354 vs. $25,173), and that gap is even more pronounced against California's state median of $24,840—placing this program at just the 40th percentile statewide. More troubling is the debt load: at $36,500, it's nearly double California's typical debt for film programs ($21,687) and significantly higher than the national median of $25,000. This puts graduates in a difficult position, earning $13,000 less than Chapman graduates while carrying more debt.

The 47% earnings growth by year four does offer some relief, bringing median earnings to $34,418. However, this still lags behind what top California programs deliver in year one. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.56, graduates face nearly 18 months of gross income just to cover their loans—a heavy burden in an expensive city like San Francisco where that $34,000 goes much less far than it would elsewhere.

For a family considering this investment, the numbers are straightforward: you'll pay more and earn less than at most peer institutions in California. Unless your child has specific connections or opportunities unique to Academy of Art, the combination of above-average debt and below-average earnings makes this a challenging financial proposition, particularly given San Francisco's high cost of living.