Film & Photography at California College of ASU

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Associate Degree · Film/Video and Photographic Arts

a smaller institution with 149 students in Los Angeles, CA.

Program Analysis

California College of ASU's Film & Photography program produces graduates earning $19,982/yr — within striking distance of the $21,229 national average for this trade.

At 6.3x the cost of tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI exposure is significant at 44% of job tasks, producing a 40% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.

The $16,833 debt-to-$19,982 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #20 out of 23 programs, California College of ASU's financial outcomes for Film & Photography trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $19,982 to $36,616 over five years (83% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful salary progression.

With 8 registered apprenticeships mapped to Film & Photography, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

29 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
23
Low End
29
Score
31
High End
Earnings $19,982/yr (-6% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (56% shielded)
Job Market Large (43,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$351K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
6.7x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$52,350
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,833
10.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$36,616
83% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Film & Photography graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Producers and directors $83,480 +4.9% 58%
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary $80,190 +1.7% 56%
Communications teachers, postsecondary $77,800 +2.1% 57%
Producers and directors
$83,480
+4.9% growth 58% AI-proof
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
$80,190
+1.7% growth 56% AI-proof
Communications teachers, postsecondary
$77,800
+2.1% growth 57% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Film & Photography Career Guide

Film & Photography opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Film & Photography career guide →

Compare & Explore

Film & Photography Overview

Film & Photography at Other Schools

Other Majors at California College of ASU

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does California College of ASU's Film & Photography program score?
At 29/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Film & Photography programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the AI risk for Film & Photography graduates from California College of ASU?
AI won't eliminate Film & Photography careers, but it may reshape them. At California College of ASU, a score of 29/100 already accounts for the 44% task exposure — the ROI calculation factors in reduced employment probability.
Are there apprenticeship options for Film & Photography?
Beyond California College of ASU's classroom route, 8 registered apprenticeships map to Film & Photography careers — including Camera Operator. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →