Median Earnings (1yr)
$25,690
54th percentile
Median Debt
$27,000
8% above national median

Analysis

Stevenson University's film program graduates start earning slightly above the national median at $25,690, but more importantly, their earnings jump 41% by year four—reaching $36,094. In Maryland specifically, where this program ranks in the 60th percentile, Stevenson stands out as the clear winner. The only other comparable program in the state (Maryland Institute College of Art) produces median earnings of just $17,500, making Stevenson's outcomes substantially stronger for students who want to stay in the region.

The $27,000 debt load sits right at the state median and just slightly above the national benchmark, creating a manageable 1.05 debt-to-earnings ratio. This is particularly reasonable for a creative field where starting salaries are typically modest. The trajectory here matters: graduates aren't stuck at entry-level wages but see meaningful earning increases as they establish themselves professionally.

For families weighing this investment, Stevenson offers the best film/video outcomes among Maryland's limited options, with steady earnings growth that helps justify the debt. If your child is committed to this field and wants to build a career in the Baltimore-DC corridor, this program delivers competitive preparation without the crushing debt loads seen at some arts-focused institutions.

Where Stevenson University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all film/video and photographic arts bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Stevenson University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Stevenson University$25,690$36,094+40%
American University$26,767$58,692+119%
Chapman University$35,795$51,451+44%
Florida State University$31,689$48,058+52%
Maryland Institute College of Art$17,500$34,278+96%

Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland

Film/Video and Photographic Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (4 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Stevenson UniversityOwings Mills$39,708$25,690$36,094$27,0001.05
Maryland Institute College of ArtBaltimore$55,150$17,500$34,278$27,0001.54
National Median$25,173$25,0000.99

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with film/video and photographic arts graduates

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Producers and Directors

Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Media Programming Directors

Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Talent Directors

Audition and interview performers to select most appropriate talent for parts in stage, television, radio, or motion picture productions.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Media Technical Directors/Managers

Coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film

Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.

$70,570/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Film and Video Editors

Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.

$70,570/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Photographers

Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.

$42,520/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Stevenson University, approximately 29% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 36 graduates with reported earnings and 38 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.