Film/Video and Photographic Arts at University of Nevada-Las Vegas

UNLV's film program starts graduates at concerning wages—just $21,491 in year one, landing in the bottom fifth nationally—but the trajectory tells a different story. Earnings jump 47% to $31,499 by year four, suggesting graduates who stick with media careers in Vegas find their footing. With only two film programs in Nevada, comparative state data is limited, but UNLV sits at the state median with notably lower debt ($18,500 versus the $25,000 national typical). The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.86 means manageable repayment if you can weather those first lean years.

The real question is whether your student can handle subsistence-level earnings while building a portfolio and connections in a competitive field. Las Vegas offers genuine media opportunities—corporate video, hospitality marketing, entertainment production—but the first-year salary barely clears minimum wage territory. Those who persevere see meaningful income growth, yet even the year-four earnings of $31,499 remain modest for a bachelor's degree holder.

For families who can provide financial support during the early career phase, this program offers reasonable debt and clear earning progression in a city with established media infrastructure. But students expecting to be financially independent immediately after graduation should understand they're signing up for several years of financial struggle while their career gains traction.