Film/Video and Photographic Arts at Temple University

Temple's film program stands out in Pennsylvania, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide while keeping debt manageable. Graduates start at $24,345—actually slightly below the national median—but the story improves dramatically from there. Earnings jump 45% by year four to $35,213, meaningfully outpacing what most film graduates earn and putting Temple above higher-ranked programs like Pitt after this growth period.

The debt picture is reasonable for a creative field known for financial struggles. At $25,000, it matches both national and state medians, creating a 1:1 ratio with first-year earnings that should be manageable even during the lean early-career years common in media industries. Given that 30% of Temple students receive Pell grants, this accessibility matters—many students here wouldn't have elite alternatives anyway.

The real question is whether your child can weather those first few years when earnings are tight. Film careers often require unpaid internships, freelance hustle, and living in expensive cities. But if they can push through that initial period, Temple graduates see meaningful income growth that outperforms most competitors. For Pennsylvania families, this represents solid value: below-average debt, above-average state-level outcomes, and a trajectory that rewards persistence.