Film/Video and Photographic Arts at Illinois Media School
a smaller institution with 36 students in Chicago, IL.
Program Analysis
Illinois Media School's Film/Video and Photographic Arts graduates start at $12,032/yr, trailing the $21,229 national average by 43%. The program's value hinges on affordability.
AI risk is moderate — 44% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Film/Video and Photographic Arts graduates.
The $15,833 debt load exceeds a year of the $12,032 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.
At #18 out of 23 programs, Illinois Media School's financial outcomes for Film/Video and Photographic Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
With 8 registered apprenticeships mapped to Film/Video and Photographic Arts, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Film/Video and Photographic Arts 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% |
About Film/Video and Photographic Arts Careers
Your career could start on a bustling film set, positioning C-stands and running audio cables, or in a quiet studio, meticulously adjusting lights for the perfect product shot. As you advance, you might become a producer, juggling budgets, schedules, and creative personalities to bring a vision to life. Or you could be a film editor, spending your days in a dark room with Adobe Premiere, weaving raw footage and sound into a compelling story.
Read the full Film/Video and Photographic Arts career guide →
Compare & Explore
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Overview
Film/Video and Photographic Arts at Other Schools
Other Majors at Illinois Media School
Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree
Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.