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Film & Photography at Valencia College

Orlando, FL · Public · Associate Degree · Film/Video and Photographic Arts

serving a student body of 35,125 in Orlando, FL.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $16,635 place Valencia College below the $21,229 national median for Film & Photography — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 55.5x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Film & Photography carry above-average AI exposure (44% of tasks). The 40% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

At $13,829 against $16,635/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

At #2 of 23 programs, this Film & Photography program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $16,635-to-$37,275 earnings arc over five years reflects a 124% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

The 8 apprenticeship pathways connected to Film & Photography reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

41 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
32
Low End
41
Score
44
High End
Earnings $16,635/yr (-22% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (56% shielded)
Job Market Large (43,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$292K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
59.0x
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 (In-State)
$4,948
Out-of-state: $18,766
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,829
10.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$37,275
124% 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

See the full career breakdown for Film & Photography — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Valencia College and 22 other schools.

Read the full Film & Photography career guide →

Compare & Explore

Film & Photography Overview

View all 23 schools offering Film & Photography →

Film & Photography at Other Schools

Metropolitan Community College Area ($39,877) Academy of Art University ($30,178) Seattle Film Institute ($28,447) Southern New Hampshire University ($27,990) DSDT ($27,870) Full Sail University ($25,501) Full Sail University ($24,679) Nashville Film Institute ($22,919)

Other Majors at Valencia College

Nursing ($70,422) Dental Assisting ($57,535) Allied Health Professions ($56,945) IT Management ($45,819) Drafting & Design Technology ($45,701) Fire Protection ($45,657) Electrical Engineering Technology ($40,388) Accounting ($37,209)

Explore the Degree Alternative

Compare Film & Photography degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Film & Photography at Valencia College?
At 41/100, 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 Valencia College?
AI won't eliminate Film & Photography careers, but it may reshape them. At Valencia College, a score of 41/100 already accounts for the 44% task exposure — the ROI calculation factors in reduced employment probability.
Can you still earn well with Film & Photography from Valencia College?
Lower starting pay at Valencia College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Film & Photography program at Valencia College?
If Valencia College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 8 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Film & Photography. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →