Film/Video and Photographic Arts at University of California-Los Angeles

UCLA's film program graduates start at nearly $30,000—putting them ahead of 82% of film programs nationally—but they still lag behind USC and Chapman grads by roughly $5,000 annually. The real story emerges four years out, when earnings jump 51% to nearly $45,000, suggesting graduates gain traction in LA's entertainment industry as they build experience and connections. At $19,000 in debt, students borrow $6,000 less than the national median for film programs, making the financial entry point relatively manageable.

The catch: these numbers come from a sample size under 30 graduates, so they may not represent typical outcomes. Within California, this program ranks at the 60th percentile—solid but not elite. You're essentially betting on UCLA's brand recognition and LA location to compensate for a slower start compared to private film schools, while keeping debt lower than most alternatives.

For families comfortable with delayed payoff and uncertain early-career earnings, UCLA offers a known brand at a reasonable price. But if your student needs immediate earning power after graduation, this isn't the path—even the four-year mark doesn't put them ahead of Chapman or USC grads' starting salaries.