Film/Video and Photographic Arts at California College of ASU

California College of ASU graduates start at $20,483—well below both the California median of $24,840 and the national benchmark. Among 42 California programs, this ranks at just the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of comparable state programs produce better initial outcomes. The debt load of $28,334 exceeds both state and national medians, creating a challenging first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.38. For context, USC and UCLA grads in this field earn 40-65% more right out of the gate despite similar LA market access.

The 64% earnings jump to $33,684 by year four offers some relief, but this growth largely reflects the reality that many film industry roles require years of networking and portfolio building before paying adequately. Even at that four-year mark, graduates still trail the top California programs by meaningful margins. With nearly half of students receiving Pell grants, many are taking on this debt without family safety nets.

The bottom line: unless your child has exceptional talent, strong industry connections, or minimal need for loans, this program asks them to absorb above-average debt for below-average starting prospects in one of America's most expensive cities. The location matters less than the outcomes suggest it should.