Film & Photography at Illinois Media School

Chicago, IL · Private for-profit · Certificate · Film/Video and Photographic Arts

a smaller institution with 36 students in Chicago, IL.

Program Analysis

Illinois Media School's Film & Photography graduates start at $12,032/yr, trailing the $21,229 national average by 43%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

AI risk is moderate — 44% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Film & Photography graduates.

The $15,833 debt load exceeds a year of the $12,032 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #18 out of 23 programs, Illinois Media School's financial outcomes for Film & Photography trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

With 8 registered apprenticeships mapped to Film & Photography, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

33 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
28
Low End
33
Score
36
High End
Earnings $12,032/yr (-43% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (56% shielded)
Job Market Large (43,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$126K
1.0% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$15,833
15.8 months of Year 1 earnings

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 Illinois Media School and 22 other schools.

Read the full Film & Photography career guide →

Compare & Explore

Film & Photography Overview

Film & Photography at Other Schools

Other Majors at Illinois Media School

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Film & Photography at Illinois Media School?
This program scores 33/100 — on the lower end for Film & Photography. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Will AI affect Film & Photography careers?
The 44% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — Illinois Media School graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Film & Photography at Illinois Media School worth the student debt?
Median debt of $15,833 against $12,032/yr starting salary means roughly 1.3 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average for a trade program — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
Can you still earn well with Film & Photography from Illinois Media School?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Film & Photography program at Illinois Media School?
If Illinois Media School'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 →