Film/Video and Photographic Arts at California College of ASU

An associate's degree in film and photography from California College of ASU starts slow but shows remarkable momentum—earnings jump 52% from year one to year four, reaching $30,393. While the initial $19,982 salary lags behind the national median for this field, by year four graduates are pulling ahead of what most programs deliver nationally. Within California's competitive film market, this program lands at the 60th percentile despite a first-year salary that matches the state median exactly, suggesting graduates gain traction as they build portfolios and connections in LA's entertainment industry.

The debt picture looks manageable at $18,167, slightly below both state and national medians. Nearly half the students here receive Pell grants, and for them, this career-focused associate's might offer faster workforce entry than a four-year degree. The concerning part: even after strong growth, year-four earnings of $30,393 barely edge above the Academy of Art University's first-year figure. You're betting on continued growth beyond year four to justify the investment.

For families comfortable with their student working their way up in creative fields, this program delivers tangible earnings improvement without crushing debt. Just know you're signing up for lean early years—that first-year salary is barely above minimum wage in LA—with the hope that industry experience converts into better opportunities. If your student needs immediate earning power, this isn't it.