Film/Video and Photographic Arts at Minneapolis College of Art and Design

At just over $26,000 in first-year earnings, MCAD's film program delivers slightly below Minnesota's state median and sits at the 40th percentile among Minnesota film programs—meaning six out of ten comparable programs in the state produce higher-earning graduates. The debt load of $27,000 is actually lower than many arts programs (5th percentile nationally means 95% of film programs saddle students with more debt), but the 1:1 debt-to-earnings ratio still means graduates face nearly a year's salary in loans right out of the gate.

The challenge here is less about debt—which is relatively manageable—and more about earning trajectory in a notoriously difficult field. University of Minnesota film grads earn about $3,800 more annually, a difference that compounds significantly over time. With a small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked), these numbers could swing considerably, but the pattern aligns with what we typically see: specialized arts colleges produce passionate graduates who often face extended periods of low earnings as they establish themselves creatively.

For parents, the key question isn't whether film is viable—it's whether the premium tuition at a private arts college provides enough network and skill advantages to justify earning at the state median rather than pursuing more affordable public options. The modest debt is a bright spot, but entering the industry at below-peer earnings makes this a higher-risk investment than comparable Minnesota programs.