Analysis
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.
Where University of California-Los Angeles Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all film/video and photographic arts bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of California-Los Angeles graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-Los Angeles | $29,696 | $44,860 | +51% |
| Chapman University | $35,795 | $51,451 | +44% |
| University of Southern California | $34,187 | $48,046 | +41% |
| University of California-Santa Barbara | $28,608 | $47,214 | +65% |
| University of California-Davis | $19,258 | $44,697 | +132% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Film/Video and Photographic Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (42 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles | $13,747 | $29,696 | $44,860 | $19,000 | 0.64 |
 Chapman UniversityOrange | $62,784 | $35,795 | $51,451 | $19,123 | 0.53 |
 University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles | $68,237 | $34,187 | $48,046 | $21,687 | 0.63 |
 Woodbury UniversityBurbank | $44,886 | $32,477 | $39,600 | $27,000 | 0.83 |
 Occidental CollegeLos Angeles | $63,446 | $30,526 | — | $20,804 | 0.68 |
 University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley | $14,850 | $29,011 | $39,506 | $15,693 | 0.54 |
| National Median | — | $25,173 | — | $25,000 | 0.99 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with film/video and photographic arts graduates
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Producers and Directors
Media Programming Directors
Talent Directors
Media Technical Directors/Managers
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
Film and Video Editors
Photographers
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 University of California-Los Angeles, approximately 27% 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 26 graduates with reported earnings and 25 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.