Compare 161 Photography. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $41,387. Top programs: $70,963+.
Photography programs produce graduates earning between $15,552 and $70,963—a $55K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 161 ranked programs nationally, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation. The average of $41,387 sits far below what the best programs deliver, confirming that where you study photography matters more than the name on the diploma.
Topping the list, UC Berkeley's Photography program delivers $70,963 in median earnings—nearly 72% above the $41,387 national average. Chapman University follows at $66,494 despite a 65% acceptance rate, and Rutgers New Brunswick lands third at $63,679. The presence of an accessible private university and a large public school in the top three makes the case clearly: earnings track program quality, not selectivity.
For students financing independently, UC Berkeley leads on affordability: graduates borrow just $13,000 and carry a 3.7% payment burden, firmly in the 'Excellent' tier. For families factoring in parent loans, Brigham Young University stands apart—combined family debt of $20,768 produces a 9.8% family burden, rated 'Good,' while BYU graduates still earn $53,695. [Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →](https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs)
Highest program earnings: $70,963
Strong outcomes ($66,494) with 65% acceptance rate
3.7% payment burden | Excellent — payment under 8% of discretionary
9.8% family burden | Good — payment 8-12% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $70,963 | 82 | $13,000 | Excellent | $28,508 | Manageable | |
| #2 | Chapman UniversityPrivate | $66,494 | 211 | $20,500 | Excellent | $44,954 | Challenging |
| #3 | $63,679 | 32 | $21,500 | Excellent | $25,294 | Manageable | |
| #4 | Seattle UniversityPrivate | $62,385 | 18 | $19,883 | Excellent | $37,520 | Challenging |
| #5 | Loyola Marymount UniversityPrivate | $61,500 | 71 | $19,500 | Excellent | $58,361 | High |
| #6 | Tufts UniversityPrivate | $59,960 | 30 | $16,250 | Excellent | $38,325 | Challenging |
| #7 | New York UniversityPrivate | $58,720 | 407 | $20,500 | Excellent | $64,795 | High |
| #8 | $58,623 | 178 | $18,000 | Excellent | $31,803 | Challenging | |
| #9 | $57,999 | 69 | $13,000 | Excellent | $25,733 | Manageable | |
| #10 | $57,059 | 86 | $19,500 | Excellent | $30,250 | Challenging | |
| #11 | Marymount Manhattan CollegePrivate | $55,285 | 18 | $25,750 | Good | $84,946 | High |
| #12 | Fordham UniversityPrivate | $54,738 | 52 | $24,300 | Good | $37,095 | High |
| #13 | Syracuse UniversityPrivate | $54,115 | 51 | $26,000 | Good | $39,841 | High |
| #14 | $54,106 | 30 | $26,000 | Good | $58,410 | High | |
| #15 | Brigham Young UniversityPrivate | $53,695 | 54 | $11,069 | Excellent | $9,699 | Good |
| #16 | $52,970 | 113 | $26,778 | Manageable | $35,625 | High | |
| #17 | $52,699 | 206 | $17,500 | Excellent | $18,275 | Manageable | |
| #18 | American UniversityPrivate | $52,661 | 53 | $22,750 | Good | $39,169 | High |
| #19 | Pace UniversityPrivate | $52,368 | 69 | $23,250 | Good | $46,275 | High |
| #20 | $52,105 | 36 | $19,500 | Good | $29,448 | Challenging | |
| #21 | Quinnipiac UniversityPrivate | $52,094 | 43 | $26,000 | Manageable | $64,334 | High |
| #22 | University Of MiamiPrivate | $52,032 | 60 | $17,500 | Good | $37,267 | High |
| #23 | $51,423 | 175 | $15,000 | Excellent | $22,665 | Challenging | |
| #24 | $51,363 | 20 | $14,350 | Excellent | $15,568 | Manageable | |
| #25 | $51,278 | 54 | $27,000 | Manageable | $57,691 | 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 May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
