Film/Video and Photographic Arts at California Baptist University

California Baptist University graduates earn slightly more than the typical California film graduate ($25,031 versus the state median of $24,840), but there's an important catch: the sample size here is very small—fewer than 30 graduates in the data. That means one exceptional graduate or one struggling year could significantly skew these numbers. Still, the 60th percentile ranking among California programs suggests consistent, if modest, performance relative to peer schools.

The debt picture looks better than typical, with graduates carrying about $27,000 compared to the national median of $25,000—and notably less than California's median debt load of nearly $22,000 for film programs. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.08 means graduates owe roughly what they'll earn in their first year, which aligns with film industry realities where many graduates start with freelance work, internships, or entry-level positions before building their careers.

The real question is whether $25,000 in first-year earnings provides enough financial runway. Film careers often involve building portfolios and networks over several years before seeing significant income growth. If your child has family support to weather lean early years and a clear plan for building industry connections—which matters more in this field than almost any other—this program's relatively lower debt burden could be an advantage. But if they'll need to immediately support themselves or have limited financial backup, consider whether the 41% Pell grant rate suggests adequate financial aid availability for your situation.