Film/Video and Photographic Arts at University of California-Davis

UC Davis's film program shows a troubling disconnect between the institution's reputation and this degree's market performance. While $18,000 in debt is relatively modest, graduates earn just $19,258 one year out—putting this program in the bottom 10% nationally and bottom quarter even among California film programs, where median earnings exceed $24,000. Chapman and USC graduates start at nearly double these earnings.

The substantial earnings jump to $44,697 by year four suggests graduates eventually find their footing, but that first year creates real financial stress. At 93% of first-year earnings, the debt burden is manageable in absolute terms but represents nearly a full year's income when you're making under $20,000. This likely means graduates need family support, second jobs, or creative living situations during those lean early years.

The core question is whether waiting four years to reach solid middle-class earnings justifies starting so far behind. UC Davis offers lower debt than typical film programs, which matters. But the combination of weak initial outcomes and significantly trailing peer UC and private California programs suggests this degree is better suited for students with financial cushion to weather the early career phase or those planning graduate school rather than immediate industry work.