Film/Video and Photographic Arts at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

UW-Milwaukee's film program stands out for something unusual in creative fields: substantial income growth after graduation. While $23,840 in the first year falls below the national median for film programs, earnings jump 43% to reach $34,082 by year four—placing graduates well above typical outcomes nationwide. Within Wisconsin, this program actually ranks at the 60th percentile despite being tied for the state median, suggesting consistent performance relative to other in-state options.

The debt picture is particularly favorable. At $27,000, graduates carry less than the national median and face a manageable 1.13 debt-to-earnings ratio at the outset. That ratio improves significantly as earnings climb, reaching roughly 0.79 by year four. This matters because film and media careers often require paying dues through internships and entry-level positions before better opportunities materialize—the trajectory here suggests graduates are successfully making that transition.

For parents worried about their child graduating with a fine arts degree into financial struggle, this data tells a more optimistic story than most film programs offer. The combination of below-average debt and above-average long-term earnings creates a workable path forward, especially compared to programs where graduates remain stuck near $25,000 indefinitely. The first year will likely require financial support or side work, but the upward trend is real and documented.