by our College Data Analytics Team
[Photography](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/film-video-and-photographic-arts/photography/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 5 schools to find the best return on investment for photography students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the photography degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Pickens Technical College, our #1 best value for photography in the Rocky Mountains Region. Set in the city of Aurora, Pickens Technical College is a small public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,140, with out-of-state students paying around $9,250. Photography graduates carry a median of $10,250 in student loans. Early-career photography graduates make about $35,622. That is a strong return on a $10,250 median debt.
Weber State University came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value photography schools. Set in the city of Ogden, Weber State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,557, while out-of-state students pay about $17,545. Typical student debt for photography graduates is $19,176. Soon after graduation, photography degree recipients from Weber State University generally make around $53,920. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value photography schools. Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Provo. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete the photography program here. Photography graduates of Brigham Young University Provo earn a median of $25,506 early in their careers. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in photography will find it at Dixie State College Of Utah, which ranked #4. Dixie State College Of Utah is a large public school located in the city of Saint George. In-state tuition and fees average $6,306, while out-of-state students pay about $18,246. Typical student debt for photography graduates is $18,666. Photography graduates of Dixie State College Of Utah earn a median of $42,266 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,666 median debt.
Rocky Mountain College Of Art And Design is a great value for students pursuing a degree in photography, landing the #5 spot this year. Rocky Mountain College Of Art And Design is a mid-sized private for-profit school located in the suburb of Lakewood. Students from in state pay about $20,190 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $41,444 to complete the photography program here. Photography graduates of Rocky Mountain College Of Art And Design earn a median of $30,115 early in their careers. Set against $41,444 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.