Film/Video and Photographic Arts at Syracuse University

Syracuse's film program starts above average for the field—60th percentile in New York—but the earnings trajectory tells a troubling story. Graduates earn $26,331 in their first year, which beats both the state median ($23,826) and national median ($25,173). However, by year four, earnings drop to $23,382, an 11% decline that leaves graduates earning less than typical first-year film graduates. For context, Rochester Institute of Technology's film graduates earn $28,858 after four years, demonstrating that earnings growth is possible in this field within New York.

The $27,000 debt load sits slightly above national and state medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio just over 1.0—manageable in year one but increasingly problematic as earnings decline. Film careers notoriously involve volatile early-career income as graduates cycle through freelance gigs, unpaid internships, or side jobs while building their portfolios. That said, most programs don't show such a pronounced earnings drop, suggesting Syracuse graduates may face particular challenges translating their training into stable work.

The data here points to a risky proposition: paying private university prices for a degree that leads to income below what many SUNY film programs deliver, with a concerning downward trajectory. If your child is committed to film, they should have a very clear plan for how Syracuse's network and facilities justify the premium over cheaper alternatives—and a backup strategy for the lean years ahead.