The skepticism about the value of art degrees has waxed and waned over the years, but we need creative professionals with the right qualifications and education now more than ever. With so many self-proclaimed photographers and content creators flooding the online market, companies and customers alike are seeking out highly-skilled, well-trained professionals to shoot for them.
If you’ve always felt at home behind a camera, there are some great college degrees across the country for you to explore. During your time as an undergrad, you’ll learn everything there is to know about the right equipment, lighting, staging, photo editing and principles of photography. You will complete your program with a portfolio that can be used to advertise yourself as a freelancer or serve as part of your application to a company.
How Much Does a Degree in Photography Cost?
A bachelor’s degree in photography ranges between $40,000 to $75,000. Depending on the program you choose and whether or not you live on campus, the final amount of tuition and added expenses you’ll owe will vary. Before you apply, it’s a good idea to start exploring your student loans options. You likely already know that federal aid is available, but private lenders are also worth exploring.
A private lender gives you greater flexibility over how much you borrow, cosigners, interest rates and repayment options such as refinancing and consolidation. You can also apply for scholarships prior to enrollment that could decrease how much you ultimately need to borrow. In some cases, even if you move out of state to earn your degree, you can cut down on costs by living off-campus with a roommate, participating in a work-study program or gaining part-time employment.
What Is the Difference Between a BFA and BA in Photography?
As you search for programs, you’ll likely notice that there are two types of undergraduate degrees awarded in art programs. The first is a Bachelor of Fine Arts, and the second is a traditional Bachelor of Arts. A BFA distinguishes a more focused course of study that embodies the core of your discipline. It is the most dedicated form of study awarded to any student of the visual arts, so it can, in some areas, carry more weight as a degree than a typical BA.
However, a BA still includes all the essential knowledge and experiences you’ll need to be considered an emergent professional in the field. When deciding which program is right for you, it’s helpful to consider your career goals as well as compare individual curriculum. Ultimately, you can be just as successful with a BFA or BA. What really matters is your portfolio and the direction you take as an artist. Finding work in the field can be a challenge, so you’ll need to choose a program that truly speaks to you based on its philosophy and approach toward visual expression.
School of Visual Arts – New York, NY
SVA is renowned for its art programs, and it stands as one of the leading photography schools in the United States. By earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography and Video, you will be skilled in both analog and digital methods. Being in NYC, you’ll have access to endless creative opportunities and career options, including roles in marketing, fashion, product merchandising and more. Additional skills in film and video editing will make you capable of producing high-value content for clients that position you as a skilled producer or creative director in any number of industries.
School of the Art Institute – Chicago, IL
A multifaceted approach to education defines SAIC’s undergraduate and graduate programs. You will learn how to work with the visual medium to create purpose and reach goals; you will also have the opportunity to grow in a nonhierarchical community filled with like-minded peers and passionate instructors who want to support your developing identity as an artist.
CalArts – Valencia, California
CalArts offers both BFA and MFA programs in photography and media. In addition to both still and moving images, students learn how to create with a broader meaning than mere aesthetics. The shifting role of photographs in an increasingly digital world make purpose-driven imagery even more valuable; whether you envision a career as an independent artist or director, the foundations from a CalArts degree can help you achieve your goals.
Tisch School of the Arts at New York University – New York, NY
As a part of one of America’s most prestigious and well-known universities, the Tisch School of the Arts is a dream come true for the aspiring photographer. The four-year BFA program situated in the heart of New York City is grounded in a personalized exploration of the liberal arts, giving you a chance to define your own education and chart a course in artistic development that is meaningful to you.
