Film/Video and Photographic Arts at Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State's film program delivers earnings that outpace most programs nationally but fall slightly below the Tennessee median of $29,195. At $28,202 in first-year earnings, graduates earn about 12% more than the national median for film degrees while carrying notably less debt—$19,270 versus the $25,000 national typical. The debt load ranks favorably even within Tennessee, coming in just below the state median.

The 40th percentile ranking among Tennessee programs warrants attention: it means six in ten film programs in the state produce higher first-year earnings, with top performer Belmont just $2,000 ahead. However, Tennessee's film market appears stronger overall than the national landscape, so being middle-of-the-pack in Tennessee still translates to above-average outcomes nationally. The 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable for a creative field known for modest starting salaries and portfolio-building early years.

For families weighing film school options, MTSU offers a practical entry point—lower debt than most alternatives with earnings that justify the investment better than three-quarters of film programs nationwide. The $28,000 starting salary won't support luxury living, but the relatively light debt burden of under $20,000 provides flexibility for graduates navigating the unpredictable early stages of media careers. If your child is committed to film and prefers staying in Tennessee, this represents solid preparation without the debt trap common to many arts programs.