Film/Video and Photographic Arts at George Mason University

George Mason's film program starts slowly but shows something unusual for creative fields: strong earnings momentum. That first-year salary of $24,000 is typical for recent film grads, but the jump to $38,000 by year four represents 59% growth—meaningful progress in an industry where many graduates plateau early. Within Virginia, this program actually outperforms the state median, landing at the 60th percentile despite being in one of the most expensive metro areas in the country.

The $25,000 debt load is exactly average for film programs nationally, which means the real question is whether those improving earnings justify it. The 1.04 debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable compared to many creative fields, and if the upward trajectory continues, graduates should be able to handle repayment. Mason's 89% admission rate and reasonable Pell grant percentage suggest they're admitting students broadly rather than cherry-picking wealthy ones who might have family safety nets.

For parents, the key insight is timing: expect a lean first year or two after graduation while your child builds a reel and network. The growth curve suggests graduates are finding their footing in the DC market's substantial government, nonprofit, and corporate video sectors. This isn't a guaranteed path to prosperity, but the data shows graduates gaining traction rather than spinning their wheels.