Film/Video and Photographic Arts at Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH · Private nonprofit · Associate Degree

Southern New Hampshire University has a 96% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 156,755 in Manchester, NH.

Program Analysis

Southern New Hampshire University Film/Video and Photographic Arts graduates command $27,990/yr out of the gate, well above the $21,229 national median. That 32% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.

At 8.9x the cost of tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

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

The $16,260 debt-to-$27,990 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #14 out of 23 programs, Southern New Hampshire University's financial outcomes for Film/Video and Photographic Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

With 8 registered apprenticeships mapped to Film/Video and Photographic Arts, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

34 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
30
Low End
34
Score
37
High End
Earnings $27,990/yr (32% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (56% shielded)
Job Market Large (43,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$293K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
8.9x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$32,900
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,260
7.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Film/Video and Photographic Arts 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 →

About Film/Video and Photographic Arts Careers

Your career could start on a bustling film set, positioning C-stands and running audio cables, or in a quiet studio, meticulously adjusting lights for the perfect product shot. As you advance, you might become a producer, juggling budgets, schedules, and creative personalities to bring a vision to life. Or you could be a film editor, spending your days in a dark room with Adobe Premiere, weaving raw footage and sound into a compelling story.

Read the full Film/Video and Photographic Arts career guide →

Compare & Explore

Film/Video and Photographic Arts Overview

Film/Video and Photographic Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at Southern New Hampshire University

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 34/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Film/Video and Photographic Arts at Southern New Hampshire University?
At 34/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Film/Video and Photographic Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Film/Video and Photographic Arts?
With 44% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $292,838 in decade earnings vs $292,838 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Film/Video and Photographic Arts graduates?
Film/Video and Photographic Arts connects to 8 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →