Film/Video and Photographic Arts at University of North Carolina School of the Arts

UNC School of the Arts graduates start below the poverty line at $24,000, but their earnings jump 56% by year four—reaching nearly $38,000 and outpacing the median North Carolina film graduate by $14,000. Among the state's six film programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, ahead of larger universities like UNC Wilmington despite its specialized focus and selective 33% admission rate.

The $27,000 debt load sits just above the national median but remains manageable at 1.12 times first-year earnings—better than most arts programs where debt typically exceeds two years of income. The trajectory matters here: while that initial $24,000 feels uncomfortably low, graduates who stick with the field see meaningful income growth that outpaces inflation. This isn't unusual for creative fields where building a portfolio and industry connections takes time.

For families weighing this investment, understand you're buying into a longer runway before financial stability. The degree provides strong technical training from a respected arts conservatory, but your child will likely need financial support or additional income sources during those first few years. If they're serious about a film career and can weather the early lean period, the growth pattern suggests the specialized training pays off more than general film programs in North Carolina.