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? We have ranked 691 schools 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, Course Advisor 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:
Brigham Young University Provo earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. The median Film Video And Photographic Arts program debt is $12,000. 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%. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Metropolitan Community College Area earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,375, with out-of-state students paying around $4,950. Students borrow a median of $12,799 to complete their Film Video And Photographic Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,773. That is a strong return on a $12,799 median debt. Read more about Metropolitan Community College Area
A rank of #3 makes Century College one of the best values in the United States. Set in White Bear Lake, MN, Century College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,214 in tuition and fees. The median Film Video And Photographic Arts program debt is $21,332. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,424 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Century College
Minneapolis Community And Technical College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts ranking in the United States. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Minneapolis Community And Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,161. Typical Film Video And Photographic Arts student debt is $12,792. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,086. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Minneapolis Community And Technical College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Scottsdale Community College earned it the #5 place in the United States. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Scottsdale Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Typical Film Video And Photographic Arts student debt is $13,084. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,905. Set against $13,084 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Scottsdale Community College
Kd College Conservatory Of Film And Dramatic Arts landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Kd College Conservatory Of Film And Dramatic Arts is a private for-profit school based in Dallas, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $20,521. Students borrow a median of $17,316 to complete their Film Video And Photographic Arts program here. Kd College Conservatory Of Film And Dramatic Arts alumni report median earnings of $30,187 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Kd College Conservatory Of Film And Dramatic Arts report
John Tyler Community College placed #8 among the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools in the United States. Based in Chester, VA, John Tyler Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,082, with out-of-state students paying around $11,520. Students borrow a median of $11,262 to complete their Film Video And Photographic Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,223. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full John Tyler Community College profile
Winona State University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Winona State University is a public school based in Winona, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Winona State University Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $24,551 in debt. Winona State University alumni report median earnings of $58,532 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,551 median debt. Winona State University admits about 76% of applicants. More on Winona State University
Valencia College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Orlando, FL, Valencia College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,664, compared with $9,576 for out-of-state students. Typical Film Video And Photographic Arts student debt is $13,549. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,594 ten years after entry. Set against $13,549 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Valencia College profile
Arizona State University Skysong placed #11 among the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools in the United States. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Typical Film Video And Photographic Arts student debt is $20,534. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Set against $20,534 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 67%. More on Arizona State University Skysong
Institute Of American Indian And Alaska Native Culture came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Santa Fe, NM, Institute Of American Indian And Alaska Native Culture is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,920. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $24,505. Institute Of American Indian And Alaska Native Culture has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read more about Institute Of American Indian And Alaska Native Culture
National University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,284 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $30,426 in student loans. National University alumni report median earnings of $67,548 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,426 median debt. See the full National University profile
Miami Ad School At Portfolio Center landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Atlanta, GA, Miami Ad School At Portfolio Center is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,400. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $106,192. More on Miami Ad School At Portfolio Center
Youngstown State University placed #16 among the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools in the United States. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Youngstown State University Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $26,373 in debt. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. Set against $26,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. See the full Youngstown State University profile
Cuny Graduate School And University Center came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public school based in New York, NY. Students from in state pay about $7,235 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. Graduates carry a median of $17,921 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,991 ten years after entry. Set against $17,921 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Graduate School And University Center admits about 68% of applicants. More on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Atlantic College landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Guaynabo, PR, Atlantic College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,280. Graduates carry a median of $5,286 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $25,272 ten years after entry. Set against $5,286 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Atlantic College
Wilmington University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools. Based in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,630. The median Film Video And Photographic Arts program debt is $26,054. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,844. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Wilmington University
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,616 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. The median Film Video And Photographic Arts program debt is $25,306. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater alumni report median earnings of $55,356 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater report
Texas Tech University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Texas Tech University Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $24,271 in debt. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. Set against $24,271 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Texas Tech University
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools. Set in Harrisburg, PA, Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,975 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,472. The median Film Video And Photographic Arts program debt is $20,867. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,007. That is a strong return on a $20,867 median debt. Read the full report on Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg
Grand Canyon University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Based in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,508. Grand Canyon University Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $28,625 in debt. Grand Canyon University alumni report median earnings of $42,186 a decade after entry. Set against $28,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Grand Canyon University
Northern Virginia Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Annandale, VA, Northern Virginia Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,891, compared with $12,410 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,413 to complete their Film Video And Photographic Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,557. That is a strong return on a $14,413 median debt. More on Northern Virginia Community College
Des Moines Area Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Des Moines Area Community College is a public school based in Ankeny, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,790, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. Typical Film Video And Photographic Arts student debt is $14,956. Des Moines Area Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,018 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,956 median debt. Read the full report on Des Moines Area Community College
University Of Akron Main Campus placed #26 among the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools in the United States. Based in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Students borrow a median of $25,347 to complete their Film Video And Photographic Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,600. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Akron Main Campus
Ferris State University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Ferris State University is a public school based in Big Rapids, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,778. Graduates carry a median of $23,562 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,735. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ferris State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read the full report on Ferris State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Film Video And Photographic Arts Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #28 among the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools in the United States. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Minnesota State University Mankato Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $25,260 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,260 median debt. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
Miami Dade College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Miami, FL, Miami Dade College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,838, while out-of-state students pay about $9,661. Miami Dade College Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $6,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,654 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Miami Dade College profile
Saint Cloud State University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,245. The median Film Video And Photographic Arts program debt is $25,076. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Cloud State University has an acceptance rate of 95%. Get the full Saint Cloud State University report
University Of Sacred Heart placed #31 among the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Santurce, PR. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410. The median Film Video And Photographic Arts program debt is $14,493. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $31,754. Set against $14,493 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Sacred Heart profile
Lindenwood University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Charles, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,600. The median Film Video And Photographic Arts program debt is $28,663. Lindenwood University alumni report median earnings of $53,278 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,663 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%. More on Lindenwood University
Community College Of Aurora landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Aurora, CO, Community College Of Aurora is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,470, with out-of-state students paying around $17,070. The median Film Video And Photographic Arts program debt is $20,750. Community College Of Aurora alumni report median earnings of $44,592 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,750 median debt. Read the full report on Community College Of Aurora
Regent University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Virginia Beach, VA, Regent University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,650. Typical Film Video And Photographic Arts student debt is $29,451. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,498 ten years after entry. Set against $29,451 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Regent University admits about 38% of applicants. Read more about Regent University
Columbia College Chicago placed #35 among the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools in the United States. Columbia College Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,088. The median Film Video And Photographic Arts program debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,195. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Columbia College Chicago admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Columbia College Chicago profile
Florida State University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Florida State University is a public school based in Tallahassee, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,517, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. The median Film Video And Photographic Arts program debt is $20,476. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,675. That is a strong return on a $20,476 median debt. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. More on Florida State University
Sam Houston State University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools. Sam Houston State University is a public school based in Huntsville, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. The median Film Video And Photographic Arts program debt is $24,850. Sam Houston State University alumni report median earnings of $54,211 a decade after entry. Set against $24,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Sam Houston State University admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full Sam Houston State University report
Central Michigan University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Central Michigan University is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, MI. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,857 to complete their Film Video And Photographic Arts program here. Central Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $55,874 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Central Michigan University profile
Harding University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based in Searcy, AR, Harding University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,962. Harding University Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $26,715 in debt. Harding University alumni report median earnings of $52,876 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Harding University admits about 70% of applicants. See the full Harding University profile
Eastern Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Ypsilanti, MI, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,990. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,793. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Michigan University admits about 80% of applicants. See the full Eastern Michigan University profile
Missouri State University Springfield landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Graduates carry a median of $24,408 in student loans. Missouri State University Springfield alumni report median earnings of $49,827 a decade after entry. Set against $24,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri State University Springfield has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Missouri State University Springfield
University Of Central Arkansas landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Students borrow a median of $22,983 to complete their Film Video And Photographic Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,938. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full University Of Central Arkansas report
Western Michigan University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,987 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,562. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Western Michigan University report
Grand Valley State University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools. Based in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,502, compared with $21,894 for out-of-state students. Typical Film Video And Photographic Arts student debt is $25,899. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,118 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Grand Valley State University
County College Of Morris offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. This public school is set in Randolph, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,210, while out-of-state students pay about $14,310. Graduates carry a median of $9,420 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,243 ten years out. Set against $9,420 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on County College Of Morris
California State University Long Beach came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Located in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,374 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Students borrow a median of $15,671 to complete their Film Video And Photographic Arts program here. California State University Long Beach alumni report median earnings of $64,403 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,671 median debt. The acceptance rate is 46%. More on California State University Long Beach
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Typical Film Video And Photographic Arts student debt is $17,034. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,424 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 50%. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
Northern Arizona University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools. Located in Flagstaff, AZ, Northern Arizona University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,619, compared with $20,044 for out-of-state students. The median Film Video And Photographic Arts program debt is $19,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,384. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. Northern Arizona University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Northern Arizona University
Southern New Hampshire University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Manchester, NH. Students from in state pay about $17,200 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,110 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,318 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 100%. Get the full Southern New Hampshire University report
Sonoma State University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Rohnert Park, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,624 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,224. Typical Film Video And Photographic Arts student debt is $18,031. Median earnings reach $65,986 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. More on Sonoma State University
Mount St Marys College landed the #52 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,564. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Mount St Marys College alumni report median earnings of $72,379 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mount St Marys College admits about 73% of applicants. Read more about Mount St Marys College
Minnesota State University Moorhead placed #53 among the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools in the United States. Set in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,428 in tuition and fees. Minnesota State University Moorhead Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $23,377 in debt. Minnesota State University Moorhead alumni report median earnings of $50,527 a decade after entry. Set against $23,377 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Moorhead has an acceptance rate of 59%. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile
Best Value Film Video And Photographic Arts Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each 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 Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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).
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