Film/Video and Photographic Arts at Illinois Media School

A first-year salary of $12,032 means graduates are earning barely above minimum wage part-time work—roughly $6 an hour for a full-time schedule. While this program ranks in the 60th percentile among Illinois film programs, that's misleading context: only three schools in the state offer this credential, and this one sits at the state median. Nationally, it ranks in just the 12th percentile, with earnings 38% below the national median of $19,360 for similar programs. The $15,833 in debt—though relatively modest in absolute terms—translates to a 1.32 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe more than they'll earn in their first year.

The 60% Pell grant rate suggests this program serves economically vulnerable students who can least afford an investment that doesn't pay off. Even if earnings grow substantially over time, starting from $12,032 makes loan repayment extraordinarily difficult in those crucial early years. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means individual outcomes vary widely, but that cuts both ways—a program this expensive relative to immediate returns represents a significant gamble.

For families considering this certificate, the math is stark: your child would likely earn similar wages working retail or food service, without taking on nearly $16,000 in debt. If film production is the goal, exploring lower-cost community college options or entry-level industry positions that provide on-the-job training would preserve financial flexibility without the debt burden.