2026 Best Value Film Video And Photographic Arts Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 691 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor analyzed schools to build 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat Columbia College Chicago this year in the United States. Columbia College Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,088. Columbia College Chicago Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,195. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Columbia College Chicago
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brigham Young University Provo earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located 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. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
You'll get strong value at Mount St Marys College, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Los Angeles, CA, Mount St Marys College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,564. Typical Film Video And Photographic Arts student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $72,379 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%. More on Mount St Marys College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at National University earned it the #4 place in the United States. National University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $13,284. The median Film Video And Photographic Arts program debt is $30,426. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,548 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full National University report
A rank of #5 makes Atlantic College one of the best values in the United States. Atlantic College is a private not-for-profit school based in Guaynabo, PR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Get the full Atlantic College report
University Of Central Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,523, compared with $18,023 for out-of-state students. Typical Film Video And Photographic Arts student debt is $22,983. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,938 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Central Arkansas
Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Madison, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,468. Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,273. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. Get the full Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham report
Loyola Marymount University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,867. Loyola Marymount University Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Loyola Marymount University alumni report median earnings of $78,349 a decade after entry. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Loyola Marymount University
Regent University placed #9 among the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools in the United States. Located in Virginia Beach, VA, Regent University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,650. Regent University Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $29,451 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,498 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,451 median debt. Regent University has an acceptance rate of 38%. Get the full Regent University report
Central Michigan University placed #10 among the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools in the United States. Set in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Students borrow a median of $27,857 to complete their Film Video And Photographic Arts program here. Median earnings reach $55,874 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Central Michigan University report
Sonoma State University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Rohnert Park, CA, Sonoma State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,624, compared with $21,224 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,031 to complete their Film Video And Photographic Arts program here. Sonoma State University alumni report median earnings of $65,986 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read the full report on Sonoma State University
Lipscomb University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Nashville, TN, Lipscomb University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,572. Students borrow a median of $23,529 to complete their Film Video And Photographic Arts program here. Lipscomb University alumni report median earnings of $55,541 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Lipscomb University
Florida State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools. Based in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,517, compared with $21,683 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,476 to complete their Film Video And Photographic Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,675 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. See the full Florida State University profile
Cuny Brooklyn College landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Brooklyn, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,452, while out-of-state students pay about $15,402. Students borrow a median of $13,622 to complete their Film Video And Photographic Arts program here. Cuny Brooklyn College alumni report median earnings of $60,752 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,622 median debt. Cuny Brooklyn College admits about 58% of applicants. Get the full Cuny Brooklyn College report
Sacred Heart University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools. Set in Fairfield, CT, Sacred Heart University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,404. Sacred Heart University Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $25,831 in debt. Sacred Heart University alumni report median earnings of $75,059 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,831 median debt. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Sacred Heart University
Academy Of Art University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools. Academy Of Art University is a private for-profit school based in San Francisco, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $30,736. The median Film Video And Photographic Arts program debt is $34,571. Median earnings reach $39,008 ten years out. 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 ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools. This public school is set in Winston Salem, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $9,477, with out-of-state students paying around $27,211. The median Film Video And Photographic Arts program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,357 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts has an acceptance rate of 30%. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts
Wichita State University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,684, with out-of-state students paying around $19,869. Students borrow a median of $24,262 to complete their Film Video And Photographic Arts program here. Median earnings reach $51,532 ten years out. Set against $24,262 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wichita State University has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on Wichita State University
San Diego State University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Students borrow a median of $16,417 to complete their Film Video And Photographic Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. San Diego State University admits about 36% of applicants. Read more about San Diego State University
University Of California Los Angeles landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete their Film Video And Photographic Arts program here. Median earnings reach $82,511 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of California Los Angeles profile
Ohio University Main Campus came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Athens, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Typical Film Video And Photographic Arts student debt is $24,546. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,581 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,546 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. More on Ohio University Main Campus
American University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools. Located in Washington, DC, American University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $58,771 in tuition and fees. Typical Film Video And Photographic Arts student debt is $23,250. American University alumni report median earnings of $77,370 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. More on American University
San Francisco State University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,846, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. San Francisco State University Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $17,850 in debt. San Francisco State University alumni report median earnings of $68,077 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,850 median debt. San Francisco State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on San Francisco State University
University Of California Santa Barbara landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,915. 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
University Of Kansas came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lawrence, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,102, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. The median Film Video And Photographic Arts program debt is $24,750. Median earnings reach $61,945 ten years out. Set against $24,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. More on University Of Kansas
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Film Video And Photographic Arts Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Montana State University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bozeman, MT, Montana State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,460, while out-of-state students pay about $33,287. Graduates carry a median of $24,495 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,263 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,495 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Montana State University
University Of Hartford came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Located in West Hartford, CT, University Of Hartford is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,075. Typical Film Video And Photographic Arts student debt is $27,000. University Of Hartford alumni report median earnings of $60,823 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Hartford
The University Of Montana ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools. Based in Missoula, MT, The University Of Montana is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,552, while out-of-state students pay about $33,671. The University Of Montana Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $26,400 in debt. The University Of Montana alumni report median earnings of $44,511 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,400 median debt. The University Of Montana has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read more about The University Of Montana
Temple University placed #29 among the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools in the United States. Temple University is a public school based in Philadelphia, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Typical Film Video And Photographic Arts student debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,727 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Temple University
Depaul University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Set in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,405. The median Film Video And Photographic Arts program debt is $24,717. Median earnings reach $68,751 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,717 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Depaul University
University Of Nevada Las Vegas came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Set 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, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. The median Film Video And Photographic Arts program debt is $18,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,037 ten years after entry. Set against $18,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Nevada Las Vegas report
University Of Iowa ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools. Located in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,762. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. Get the full University Of Iowa report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Students borrow a median of $16,481 to complete their Film Video And Photographic Arts program here. Median earnings reach $78,466 ten years out. Set against $16,481 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
University Of Central Florida came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Located in Orlando, FL, University Of Central Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,368, with out-of-state students paying around $22,467. University Of Central Florida Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $21,375 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,308. Set against $21,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 40% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Central Florida
Central Washington University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Ellensburg, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,417, while out-of-state students pay about $27,526. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete their Film Video And Photographic Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,580. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Washington University admits about 91% of applicants. Read more about Central Washington University
New Jersey City University placed #36 among the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools in the United States. New Jersey City University is a public school based in Jersey City, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read the full report on New Jersey City University
Massachusetts College Of Art And Design placed #37 among the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools in the United States. Set in Boston, MA, Massachusetts College Of Art And Design is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,400 in tuition and fees, compared with $43,400 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,965 in student loans. Massachusetts College Of Art And Design alumni report median earnings of $43,582 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,965 median debt. Massachusetts College Of Art And Design admits about 76% of applicants. Read the full report on Massachusetts College Of Art And Design
University Of Utah landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. University Of Utah Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $24,063 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,170 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,063 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Utah
Cuny City College placed #39 among the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools in the United States. Located in New York, NY, Cuny City College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,340, while out-of-state students pay about $15,290. Cuny City College Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $13,389 in debt. Cuny City College alumni report median earnings of $66,039 a decade after entry. Set against $13,389 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%. See the full Cuny City College profile
Lesley University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lesley University admits about 97% of applicants. Get the full Lesley University report
University Of Illinois At Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. This public school is set in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $15,949 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. University Of Illinois At Chicago Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $20,115 in debt. Median earnings reach $68,740 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Chicago admits about 77% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Chicago
University Of South Carolina Columbia placed #42 among the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools in the United States. University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public school based 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,177. Set against $25,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of South Carolina Columbia report
New York University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,796. The median Film Video And Photographic Arts program debt is $22,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,509. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. See the full New York University profile
Full Sail University placed #44 among the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools in the United States. Set in Winter Park, FL, Full Sail University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $26,906. Typical Film Video And Photographic Arts student debt is $27,343. Full Sail University alumni report median earnings of $38,219 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,343 median debt. More on Full Sail University
Ohio State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Ohio State University Main Campus is a public school based in Columbus, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Typical Film Video And Photographic Arts student debt is $22,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,409. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Ohio State University Main Campus report
Syracuse University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Syracuse, NY. Students from in state pay about $65,528 in tuition and fees. Syracuse University Film Video And Photographic Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $79,164 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 46%. Read the full report on Syracuse University
American Film Institute Conservatory landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Los Angeles, CA, American Film Institute Conservatory is a private not-for-profit institution. Get the full American Film Institute Conservatory report
Chapman University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Chapman University is a private not-for-profit school based in Orange, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,984. Students borrow a median of $19,123 to complete their Film Video And Photographic Arts program here. Median earnings reach $70,070 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,123 median debt. Chapman University admits about 65% of applicants. See the full Chapman University profile
Northwestern University placed #49 among the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools in the United States. Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Evanston, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. The median Film Video And Photographic Arts program debt is $16,616. Northwestern University alumni report median earnings of $89,363 a decade after entry. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 8% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Northwestern University
Columbia University In The City Of New York ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Film Video And Photographic Arts schools. Based in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $70,517 in tuition and fees. Typical Film Video And Photographic Arts student debt is $23,258. Median earnings reach $102,491 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,258 median debt. Columbia University In The City Of New York admits about 4% of applicants. Read more about Columbia University In The City Of New York
Related Film Video And Photographic Arts Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Film Video And Photographic Arts Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (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).
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