What is the starting salary for Film & Media Studies graduates in Arlington?

The estimated starting salary for Film & Media Studies graduates in Arlington, VA is $71,250 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 142.5. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Arlington are 43% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Film & Media Studies degree worth it in Arlington?

A Film & Media Studies degree in Arlington has an estimated ROI payback period of 5.7 years, with a projected lifetime return of $163,028 after subtracting education costs. With 9 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $14,200/year, Arlington offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 2.2% and the major's national unemployment rate of 5% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Film & Media Studies in Arlington?

The average annual public university tuition in Arlington is $14,200, while private universities average $38,000/year. Including room and board ($16,293/year), total 4-year costs range from $121,972 at a public school to $217,172 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Arlington is $10,637/year.

What jobs can Film & Media Studies graduates get in Arlington?

Film & Media Studies graduates in Arlington can pursue careers as Film Director, Editor, Producer, Cinematographer. Key skills valued by local employers include Cinematography, Editing, Screenwriting, Directing. The Arlington job market features Design agencies, Studios, Tech companies among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include Netflix, Disney, Warner Bros.

How long to pay off student loans for Film & Media Studies in Arlington?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Film & Media Studies graduates in Arlington would pay $1,385/month on an estimated $121,972 in loans, with $44,224 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $2,387/month but save $23,005 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $71,250, monthly payments would represent 23% of gross monthly income.

Film & Media Studies Degree in Arlington, VA — Salary & ROI 2026

Film & Media Studies degree analysis for Arlington, VA. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$71K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$86K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

5.7 yrs

in Arlington

Cost of Living

142.5

index (100 = avg)

Film & Media Studies in Arlington, VA Overview

Arlington, Virginia (pop. 238,643) has 9 colleges offering Film & Media Studies programs. The local cost of living index of 142.5 is higher than average, so budget accordingly, with average rent near campus at $2,040/month. Film & Media Studies enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Cinematography and Editing. The adjusted starting salary in Arlington is approximately $71,250.

Film & Media Studies Salary in Arlington (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Arlington's cost of living index of 142.5 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$71,250(+$21,250 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$85,500(+$25,500 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$111,150(+$33,150 vs national)

Note: National average Film & Media Studies salary: $50,000 starting, $60,000 mid-career, $78,000 senior level.Arlington adjustment factor: 1.43x based on the local cost of living index.

Film & Media Studies ROI Calculator for Arlington

Estimate your return on investment for a Film & Media Studies degree using local Arlington tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $14,200 | Private avg: $38,000

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Arlington avg aid: $10,637/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$121,972

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$21,375

vs HS diploma in Arlington

ROI Payback Period

5.7 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Arlington

$163,028

Lifetime earnings premium ($285,000) minus total education cost ($121,972)

Student Loan Payoff for Film & Media Studies in Arlington

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$121,972

Monthly Payment$1,385

Total Interest$44,224

% of Monthly Income23%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$121,972

Monthly Payment$2,387

Total Interest$21,219

Interest Savings$23,005

Colleges in Arlington for Film & Media Studies

Arlington State University

public

$14,920/yr

$59,680 total

University of Arlington

public

$14,115/yr

$56,460 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Arlington Community College

$6,397/yr

Virginia Technical College - Arlington

$5,927/yr

Top Employers for Film & Media Studies in Arlington

Arlington offers opportunities in Design agencies, Studios, Tech companies for Film & Media Studies graduates. National top employers in this field include:

NetflixDisneyWarner BrosNBCUniversalParamount

Key Arlington Hiring Sectors for Arts & Design

Design agencies

Studios

Tech companies

Advertising firms

Media companies

Common Film & Media Studies Job Titles

Film DirectorEditorProducerCinematographer

Film & Media Studies in Nearby Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA

$44K starting · COL 88

13 colleges

Chesapeake, VA

$46K starting · COL 91

12 colleges

Norfolk, VA

$47K starting · COL 93

16 colleges

Richmond, VA

$50K starting · COL 100

11 colleges

Newport News, VA

$46K starting · COL 92.5

7 colleges

Alexandria, VA

$51K starting · COL 102

8 colleges

Hampton, VA

$49K starting · COL 97

7 colleges

Roanoke, VA

$44K starting · COL 88.5

4 colleges

Other Arts & Design Majors in Arlington

UX Design

$71K starting · 3.2 yr ROI

Architecture

$83K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Animation & Game Design

$71K starting · 4.8 yr ROI

Industrial Design

$71K starting · 4.8 yr ROI

Graphic Design

$68K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Interior Design

$71K starting · 5.8 yr ROI

Fashion Design

$71K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

Fine Arts

$71K starting · 9 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Film & Media Studies degree outcomes in Arlington, VA: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Film & Media Studies programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Virginia.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Arlington using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Film & Media Studies graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Film & Media Studies career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Film & Media Studies grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Arlington Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Virginia students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Virginia)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Virginia programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "virginia higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Film & Media Studies Degree in Arlington — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Film & Media Studies ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Arlington.

Film & Media Studies Overview Colleges in Arlington All Majors