Analysis
UCF's film program graduates start well below the poverty line at $23,676, but the story improves dramatically. By year four, earnings jump 40% to $33,144—outpacing both Florida State ($31,689) and becoming competitive with the state's top programs. This trajectory matters in creative fields where breaking in takes time, and UCF graduates carry about $4,000 less debt than the national median for film programs.
The tradeoff is real though: that first year means probable financial support from family or a survival job unrelated to your field. Among Florida's 17 film programs, this ranks solidly mid-pack, but the low debt load (0.90 debt-to-earnings ratio) gives graduates breathing room during those lean early years. Compare that to many film programs where debt exceeds first-year earnings by 50% or more.
For families weighing Florida's film options, UCF offers a middle path: not the immediate earning power of Miami's program, but stronger four-year outcomes than most alternatives and manageable debt. The question is whether you can financially sustain that difficult first year—because if you can, the numbers suggest UCF graduates catch up quickly in this notoriously tough industry.
Where University of Central Florida Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all film/video and photographic arts bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Central Florida 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 Central Florida | $23,676 | $33,144 | +40% |
| Florida State University | $31,689 | $48,058 | +52% |
| University of Miami | $35,485 | $41,672 | +17% |
| Full Sail University | $24,078 | $28,764 | +19% |
| Ringling College of Art and Design | $18,551 | $17,575 | -5% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Film/Video and Photographic Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Central FloridaOrlando | $6,368 | $23,676 | $33,144 | $21,375 | 0.90 |
 University of MiamiCoral Gables | $59,926 | $35,485 | $41,672 | $18,500 | 0.52 |
 Florida State UniversityTallahassee | $5,656 | $31,689 | $48,058 | $20,476 | 0.65 |
 The University of TampaTampa | $33,424 | $26,641 | — | $20,500 | 0.77 |
 Full Sail UniversityWinter Park | $26,417 | $24,078 | $28,764 | $27,000 | 1.12 |
 Miami Dade CollegeMiami | $2,838 | $20,611 | — | $6,500 | 0.32 |
| 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 Central Florida, approximately 33% 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 147 graduates with reported earnings and 120 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.