Film/Video and Photographic Arts at California Institute of the Arts
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How California Institute of the Arts graduates compare to all programs nationally
California Institute of the Arts graduates earn $21k, placing them in the 20th percentile of all film/video and photographic arts masters programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Film/Video and Photographic Arts masters's programs at peer institutions in California (20 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Institute of the Arts | $20,842 | $37,819 | — | — |
| National University | $48,964 | — | — | — |
| Academy of Art University | $41,911 | $49,593 | — | — |
| University of California-Los Angeles | $39,954 | $54,999 | — | — |
| Chapman University | $28,832 | $57,412 | — | — |
| Loyola Marymount University | $27,650 | $47,596 | — | — |
| National Median | $31,087 | — | — | — |
Other Film/Video and Photographic Arts Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| National University San Diego | $13,320 | $48,964 | — |
| Academy of Art University San Francisco | $28,024 | $41,911 | — |
| University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles | $13,747 | $39,954 | — |
| Chapman University Orange | $62,784 | $28,832 | — |
| Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles | $58,974 | $27,650 | — |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At California Institute of the Arts, approximately 22% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.