Film/Video and Photographic Arts at DeSales University

DeSales University's film program starts rough but shows promising growth, with graduates' earnings jumping from $22,651 to $35,443 in four years—a 57% increase that outpaces most creative arts programs. While that first-year figure sits below the national median for film grads ($25,173), it actually matches Pennsylvania's median exactly, and the program ranks in the 60th percentile statewide. By year four, these graduates are earning significantly more than typical film majors anywhere, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked) means individual outcomes vary widely.

The $27,000 debt load is roughly average for both Pennsylvania and national film programs, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.19 in that challenging first year. This isn't ideal, but it's manageable compared to many arts programs, especially given the strong earnings trajectory afterward. The real question is whether your child can weather those early years—film and photography careers often require unpaid internships, freelance hustle, and geographic flexibility before income stabilizes.

If your student is committed to this field and values DeSales' smaller program environment, the long-term earnings growth is encouraging. But given the modest starting salary and competitive Pennsylvania market (where Pitt and Temple graduates start higher), they'll need realistic expectations about those first few years post-graduation.