Film/Video and Photographic Arts at University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

OU's Film/Video program significantly outperforms the national field, with first-year earnings 28% above the typical film graduate nationwide. That places it in the 95th percentile nationally—a rare achievement for arts programs. The $24,000 median debt is manageable relative to those earnings, creating a debt-to-income ratio that actually works. Among Oklahoma's five film programs, this ranks solidly in the middle, but it's worth noting that even the state median here ($28,911) beats most national programs.

The earnings trajectory is encouraging, growing 14% to $36,525 by year four. That's not blockbuster money, but it's steady upward movement in a field where many graduates struggle to gain traction. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift with future cohorts, but the pattern suggests students are finding work that pays better than typical entry-level film positions.

For parents weighing this investment: if your child is serious about film and needs a solid four-year program, OU delivers better financial outcomes than 95% of comparable programs nationally. The debt load won't be crushing, and graduates appear to be landing jobs that allow them to service that debt while building careers. Just recognize you're betting on a small sample—talk to current students and alumni about actual job placements before committing.