Compare 5 Photography. programs in Washington. Average earnings: $32,533.
The highest-earning Photography program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $13K earnings gap across 5 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Central Washington University's Photography program leads with graduates earning $38,708. The state average sits at $32,533, yet this regional public outperforms University of Washington-Seattle Campus ($33,993) despite UW's selective 43% admission rate—proving program excellence transcends school prestige.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Central Washington University graduates borrow $19,500 and face just a 17% payment burden, landing in the 'Manageable' category. Seattle University students carry nearly double the debt ($19,883) with a concerning 23% burden despite similar earnings.
Highest program earnings: $38,708
Strong outcomes with 90% acceptance
16.6% payment burden | Manageable
38.1% family burden | High burden
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $38,708 | 38 | $19,500 | Manageable | $22,000 | High | |
| #2 | Seattle UniversityPrivate | $34,643 | 26 | $19,883 | Challenging | $37,520 | High |
| #3 | $33,993 | 33 | $14,615 | Manageable | $24,883 | High | |
| #4 | $30,128 | 18 | $19,500 | High | $17,148 | High | |
| #5 | Whitman CollegePrivate | $25,194 | 14 | $18,437 | High | $36,384 | 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 →
