Compare 30 Photography. programs in the South. Average earnings: $33,481.
The highest-earning Photography program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $29K earnings gap across 30 programs in the South, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
American University's Photography program leads with graduates earning $58,692—significantly above the regional average of $33,481. Florida State University follows at $48,058, while Southern Methodist University rounds out the top three at $44,754. Regional programs compete effectively with private institutions while offering different value propositions.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. American University graduates borrow $22,750 and face an 8.6% payment burden, landing in the 'Good' category. For families considering parent loans, Florida State leads with a 20.2% family burden, proving that the best choice depends on who's paying.
Highest program earnings: $58,692
Strong outcomes ($44,754) with 61% acceptance
8.6% payment burden | Good - payment 8-12% of discretionary
20.2% family burden | Challenging - payment 18-25% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | American UniversityPrivate | $58,692 | 47 | $22,750 | Good | $39,169 | High |
| #2 | Florida State UniversityPublic | $48,058 | 30 | $18,000 | Good | $17,000 | Challenging |
| #3 | $44,754 | 17 | $19,500 | Manageable | $40,025 | High | |
| #4 | University Of MiamiPrivate | $41,672 | 49 | $17,500 | Manageable | $37,267 | High |
| #5 | University Of GeorgiaPublic | $39,912 | 15 | $18,500 | Manageable | $20,855 | High |
| #6 | Emory UniversityPrivate | $39,369 | 14 | $18,250 | Manageable | $30,480 | High |
| #7 | University Of HoustonPublic | $38,907 | 10 | $18,194 | Manageable | $18,072 | High |
| #8 | $38,301 | 69 | $21,500 | Challenging | $23,585 | High | |
| #9 | Texas State UniversityPublic | $38,157 | 23 | $21,000 | Challenging | $22,500 | High |
| #10 | George Mason UniversityPublic | $38,051 | 45 | $19,500 | Manageable | $25,142 | High |
| #11 | $37,583 | 71 | $23,870 | Challenging | $44,645 | High | |
| #12 | Georgia State UniversityPublic | $36,668 | 217 | $20,903 | Challenging | $14,837 | High |
| #13 | $36,525 | 19 | $20,654 | Challenging | $31,890 | High | |
| #14 | $36,365 | 266 | $25,148 | High | $99,784 | High | |
| #15 | Stevenson UniversityPrivate | $36,094 | 28 | $26,000 | High | $52,117 | High |
| #16 | $34,278 | 19 | $26,500 | High | $63,100 | High | |
| #17 | $33,768 | 87 | $21,500 | High | $31,393 | High | |
| #18 | $33,144 | 129 | $18,190 | Challenging | $16,036 | High | |
| #19 | John Brown UniversityPrivate | $31,284 | 18 | $21,250 | High | $18,650 | High |
| #20 | $30,090 | 85 | $19,500 | High | $22,737 | High | |
| #21 | $29,861 | 39 | $20,346 | High | $16,180 | High | |
| #22 | $28,202 | 68 | $20,000 | High | $14,229 | High | |
| #23 | $25,967 | 12 | $22,902 | High | $13,655 | High | |
| #24 | Oral Roberts UniversityPrivate | $25,696 | 10 | $27,000 | High | $28,450 | High |
| #25 | Belmont UniversityPrivate | $25,194 | 50 | $20,500 | High | $72,092 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
