Film/Video and Photographic Arts at University of Oregon

The University of Oregon's film program starts graduates at just $20,000—about $5,000 below what other Oregon film programs produce and in the 14th percentile nationally. Among the eight Oregon schools offering this degree, UO ranks near the bottom at the 25th percentile. Even George Fox University and Portland State place their graduates roughly $7,000-$10,000 higher right out of the gate.

The saving grace here is substantial earnings growth: by year four, graduates reach $31,000, a 55% jump that brings them closer to their peers. But that still requires living on roughly $20,000 annually while carrying $24,500 in debt. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.22 means first-year debt exceeds first-year income, creating immediate financial pressure precisely when graduates need runway to build portfolios and networks. Film careers often require unpaid internships and project-based work in expensive cities—difficult to manage with this debt load and starting salary.

For families considering this program, understand you're accepting below-market starting earnings in exchange for future growth potential. If your student has financial cushion or minimal debt, that tradeoff might work. But at full debt load, those first few years will be genuinely difficult. Other Oregon programs place graduates in stronger immediate positions—worth exploring if financial independence after graduation matters to your family.