2026 Best Value Film Video And Photographic Arts Schools
Looking for the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 691 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree reviewed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Film Video And Photographic Arts Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Columbia College Chicago earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Chicago, IL, Columbia College Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,088. The median Film Video And Photographic Arts program debt is $26,000. Columbia College Chicago alumni report median earnings of $42,195 a decade after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Columbia College Chicago has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Columbia College Chicago profile
You'll get strong value at Brigham Young University Provo, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Film Video And Photographic Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
You'll get strong value at Mount St Marys College, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Mount St Marys College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,564. Mount St Marys College Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Mount St Marys College alumni report median earnings of $72,379 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Mount St Marys College report
Out of the 691 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, National University landed the #4 spot. National University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $13,284 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $30,426 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,548. That is a strong return on a $30,426 median debt. Read the full report on National University
Cuny Graduate School And University Center came in at #5 on this year's best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts ranking in the United States. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,921 to complete their Film Video And Photographic Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,991. That is a strong return on a $17,921 median debt. Cuny Graduate School And University Center admits about 68% of applicants. More on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. The median Film Video And Photographic Arts program debt is $24,271. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $24,271 median debt. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. Read more about Texas Tech University
Atlantic College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Guaynabo, PR, Atlantic College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,280. Graduates carry a median of $5,286 in student loans. Atlantic College alumni report median earnings of $25,272 a decade after entry. Set against $5,286 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Atlantic College profile
University Of Central Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,523, while out-of-state students pay about $18,023. The median Film Video And Photographic Arts program debt is $22,983. University Of Central Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $45,938 a decade after entry. Set against $22,983 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Central Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full University Of Central Arkansas report
Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Madison, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,468. Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,273 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. Get the full Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham report
Loyola Marymount University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools. Based in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,867 in tuition and fees. The median Film Video And Photographic Arts program debt is $23,250. Loyola Marymount University alumni report median earnings of $78,349 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Loyola Marymount University admits about 45% of applicants. Get the full Loyola Marymount University report
Regent University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Located in Virginia Beach, VA, Regent University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,650. Regent University Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $29,451 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,498 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Regent University has an acceptance rate of 38%. Get the full Regent University report
University Of California Berkeley landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. University Of California Berkeley Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $15,693 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,446. That is a strong return on a $15,693 median debt. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
Central Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This public school is set in Mount Pleasant, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. Students borrow a median of $27,857 to complete their Film Video And Photographic Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,874 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Central Michigan University profile
Sonoma State University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Rohnert Park, CA, Sonoma State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,624 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,224. Sonoma State University Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $18,031 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,986. Set against $18,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. See the full Sonoma State University profile
Lipscomb University placed #15 among the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools in the United States. Based in Nashville, TN, Lipscomb University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,572. Typical Film Video And Photographic Arts student debt is $23,529. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,541. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Lipscomb University report
Florida State University placed #16 among the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Tallahassee, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. The median Film Video And Photographic Arts program debt is $20,476. Florida State University alumni report median earnings of $61,675 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 24%. More on Florida State University
Cuny Brooklyn College placed #17 among the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools in the United States. Cuny Brooklyn College is a public school based in Brooklyn, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,452, while out-of-state students pay about $15,402. The median Film Video And Photographic Arts program debt is $13,622. Median earnings reach $60,752 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,622 median debt. Cuny Brooklyn College has an acceptance rate of 58%. Get the full Cuny Brooklyn College report
Sacred Heart University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools. Sacred Heart University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fairfield, CT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,404. Graduates carry a median of $25,831 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,059. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Sacred Heart University admits about 65% of applicants. See the full Sacred Heart University profile
Academy Of Art University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This private for-profit school is set in San Francisco, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,736. Academy Of Art University Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $34,571 in debt. Academy Of Art University alumni report median earnings of $39,008 a decade after entry. Set against $34,571 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Academy Of Art University profile
University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Based in Winston Salem, NC, University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,477 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,211. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,357. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 30% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts
University Of California Los Angeles landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,511. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles
Wichita State University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,684, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. Students borrow a median of $24,262 to complete their Film Video And Photographic Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,532. That is a strong return on a $24,262 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Wichita State University
San Diego State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools. San Diego State University is a public school based in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. San Diego State University Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $16,417 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,909. Set against $16,417 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 36%. More on San Diego State University
University Of California Santa Barbara ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools. University Of California Santa Barbara is a public school based in Santa Barbara, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. University Of California Santa Barbara alumni report median earnings of $74,915 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. University Of California Santa Barbara admits about 33% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of California Santa Barbara
Ohio University Main Campus ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools. Based in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Graduates carry a median of $24,546 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,581. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Ohio University Main Campus
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Film Video And Photographic Arts Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
San Francisco State University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,846, while out-of-state students pay about $20,446. Typical Film Video And Photographic Arts student debt is $17,850. Median earnings reach $68,077 ten years out. Set against $17,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. More on San Francisco State University
American University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Washington, DC, American University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $58,771. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Film Video And Photographic Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $77,370. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. American University admits about 62% of applicants. More on American University
University Of Iowa landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Iowa City, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. University Of Iowa Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,762 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Iowa has an acceptance rate of 84%. See the full University Of Iowa profile
University At Buffalo ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools. This public school is set in Buffalo, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,936, with out-of-state students paying around $31,536. University At Buffalo Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $24,509 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $70,814. That is a strong return on a $24,509 median debt. University At Buffalo has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read the full report on University At Buffalo
University Of Kansas ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools. This public school is set in Lawrence, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. The median Film Video And Photographic Arts program debt is $24,750. Median earnings reach $61,945 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Kansas admits about 94% of applicants. More on University Of Kansas
Montana State University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Based in Bozeman, MT, Montana State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,460, with out-of-state students paying around $33,287. Students borrow a median of $24,495 to complete their Film Video And Photographic Arts program here. Montana State University alumni report median earnings of $53,263 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. More on Montana State University
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools. Located in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,363, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,530 to complete their Film Video And Photographic Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,810 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,530 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read the full report on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
University Of Hartford placed #32 among the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in West Hartford, CT. Students from in state pay about $49,075 in tuition and fees. Typical Film Video And Photographic Arts student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $60,823 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Hartford
The University Of Montana came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Missoula, MT, The University Of Montana is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,552, compared with $33,671 for out-of-state students. The University Of Montana Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $26,400 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,511. Set against $26,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Montana has an acceptance rate of 96%. See the full The University Of Montana profile
Temple University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Temple University Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,727. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. More on Temple University
Depaul University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,405. Typical Film Video And Photographic Arts student debt is $24,717. Depaul University alumni report median earnings of $68,751 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Depaul University admits about 76% of applicants. Get the full Depaul University report
University Of Nevada Las Vegas came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Located in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,748 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. Typical Film Video And Photographic Arts student debt is $18,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,037. That is a strong return on a $18,500 median debt. University Of Nevada Las Vegas admits about 96% of applicants. Get the full University Of Nevada Las Vegas report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. University Of Washington Seattle Campus Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $16,481 in debt. Median earnings reach $78,466 ten years out. Set against $16,481 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
University Of California Santa Cruz ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools. This public school is set in Santa Cruz, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,035, compared with $46,923 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,439 in student loans. University Of California Santa Cruz alumni report median earnings of $68,396 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 66%. Read the full report on University Of California Santa Cruz
University Of Central Florida placed #40 among the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools in the United States. Located in Orlando, FL, University Of Central Florida is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,368 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,467. The median Film Video And Photographic Arts program debt is $21,375. University Of Central Florida alumni report median earnings of $58,308 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Central Florida admits about 40% of applicants. See the full University Of Central Florida profile
Central Washington University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in Ellensburg, WA, Central Washington University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,417, while out-of-state students pay about $27,526. Typical Film Video And Photographic Arts student debt is $23,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,580. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Central Washington University
New Jersey City University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Jersey City, NJ, New Jersey City University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,460. Graduates carry a median of $22,107 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,745 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,107 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read the full report on New Jersey City University
Massachusetts College Of Art And Design offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Based in Boston, MA, Massachusetts College Of Art And Design is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,400, compared with $43,400 for out-of-state students. The median Film Video And Photographic Arts program debt is $25,965. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,582. Set against $25,965 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. More on Massachusetts College Of Art And Design
University Of Utah offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Students borrow a median of $24,063 to complete their Film Video And Photographic Arts program here. University Of Utah alumni report median earnings of $67,170 a decade after entry. Set against $24,063 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants. See the full University Of Utah profile
George Washington University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. George Washington University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,710. George Washington University Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $22,910 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,873. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 47%. Read more about George Washington University
Cuny City College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This public school is set in New York, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,340, compared with $15,290 for out-of-state students. Typical Film Video And Photographic Arts student debt is $13,389. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,039. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny City College admits about 60% of applicants. More on Cuny City College
Lesley University placed #45 among the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $34,256. Lesley University Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $26,974 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,173 ten years after entry. Set against $26,974 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%. See the full Lesley University profile
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Set in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. The median Film Video And Photographic Arts program debt is $19,760. Median earnings reach $83,648 ten years out. Set against $19,760 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 16%. Read the full report on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
University Of Illinois At Chicago came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Based in Chicago, IL, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,115 to complete their Film Video And Photographic Arts program here. Median earnings reach $68,740 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,115 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Illinois At Chicago
University Of South Carolina Columbia came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Columbia, SC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,688, while out-of-state students pay about $36,298. University Of South Carolina Columbia Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $25,750 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,177 ten years after entry. Set against $25,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Carolina Columbia has an acceptance rate of 60%. More on University Of South Carolina Columbia
Best Value Film Video And Photographic Arts Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Film Video And Photographic Arts Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Film Video And Photographic Arts Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Film Video And Photographic Arts Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Film Video And Photographic Arts Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Film Video And Photographic Arts Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Film Video And Photographic Arts Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Film Video And Photographic Arts Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 691 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).