Film/Video and Photographic Arts at University of Colorado Boulder

CU Boulder's Film/Video program starts at just $22,601 after graduation—about $2,500 below the national median and matching the Colorado state median. But here's what matters: four years later, graduates nearly double their earnings to $39,168, a 73% jump that suggests strong skill development and industry connections. With only four film programs in Colorado, this one ranks in the 60th percentile statewide, though it falls to the 25th percentile nationally. The modest $20,000 debt burden is $5,000 below the national median for film programs, keeping the financial risk manageable.

The trajectory here is more promising than the starting point. While year-one earnings will likely require supplementary income or parental support in Boulder's expensive market, the rapid growth to near $40,000 by year four indicates graduates are building viable careers. That said, even at the four-year mark, these earnings lag behind many other majors—CU Boulder's engineering or business graduates, for instance, would start well above where film grads end up after four years.

For families who can weather those lean first years and understand that film careers often require persistence and side work early on, the relatively low debt combined with strong earnings growth makes this less risky than most film programs. Just be clear-eyed that this is a passion-first choice requiring financial runway, not a safe bet for immediate self-sufficiency.