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

The estimated starting salary for Film & Media Studies graduates in Augusta, GA is $41,500 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 83. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Augusta are 17% lower than the national average due to cost of living differences.

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

A Film & Media Studies degree in Augusta has an estimated ROI payback period of 6.2 years, with a projected lifetime return of $89,404 after subtracting education costs. With 11 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $9,540/year, Augusta offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 4.7% 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 Augusta?

The average annual public university tuition in Augusta is $9,540, while private universities average $30,837/year. Including room and board ($9,609/year), total 4-year costs range from $76,596 at a public school to $161,784 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Augusta is $12,269/year.

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

Film & Media Studies graduates in Augusta can pursue careers as Film Director, Editor, Producer, Cinematographer. Key skills valued by local employers include Cinematography, Editing, Screenwriting, Directing. The Augusta 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 Augusta?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Film & Media Studies graduates in Augusta would pay $870/month on an estimated $76,596 in loans, with $27,772 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,499/month but save $14,447 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $41,500, monthly payments would represent 25% of gross monthly income.

Film & Media Studies Degree in Augusta, GA — Salary & ROI 2026

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

Starting Salary

$42K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$50K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

6.2 yrs

in Augusta

Cost of Living

index (100 = avg)

Film & Media Studies in Augusta, GA Overview

Augusta, Georgia (pop. 202,081) has 11 colleges offering Film & Media Studies programs. The local cost of living index of 83 keeps student expenses low, with average rent near campus at $848/month. Film & Media Studies enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Cinematography and Editing. The adjusted starting salary in Augusta is approximately $41,500.

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

Salaries adjusted for Augusta's cost of living index of 83 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$41,500($-8,500 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$49,800($-10,200 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$64,740($-13,260 vs national)

Note: National average Film & Media Studies salary: $50,000 starting, $60,000 mid-career, $78,000 senior level.Augusta adjustment factor: 0.83x based on the local cost of living index.

Film & Media Studies ROI Calculator for Augusta

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

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $9,540 | Private avg: $30,837

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Augusta avg aid: $12,269/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

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

Total Education Cost

$76,596

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$12,450

vs HS diploma in Augusta

ROI Payback Period

6.2 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Augusta

$89,404

Lifetime earnings premium ($166,000) minus total education cost ($76,596)

Student Loan Payoff for Film & Media Studies in Augusta

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$76,596

Monthly Payment$870

Total Interest$27,772

% of Monthly Income25%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$76,596

Monthly Payment$1,499

Total Interest$13,325

Interest Savings$14,447

Colleges in Augusta for Film & Media Studies

Augusta University

public

$9,540/yr

$38,160 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Augusta Technical College

$3,152/yr

Top Employers for Film & Media Studies in Augusta

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

NetflixDisneyWarner BrosNBCUniversalParamount

Key Augusta 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 Georgia Cities

Atlanta, GA

$51K starting · COL 101

23 colleges

Columbus, GA

$42K starting · COL 84.5

8 colleges

Macon, GA

$51K starting · COL 101

13 colleges

Savannah, GA

$48K starting · COL 95

12 colleges

Athens, GA

$52K starting · COL 103

11 colleges

Sandy Springs, GA

$56K starting · COL 112.5

5 colleges

Roswell, GA

$54K starting · COL 108.2

4 colleges

Johns Creek, GA

$56K starting · COL 112.8

4 colleges

Other Arts & Design Majors in Augusta

UX Design

$42K starting · 3.2 yr ROI

Architecture

$48K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Animation & Game Design

$42K starting · 4.8 yr ROI

Industrial Design

$42K starting · 4.8 yr ROI

Graphic Design

$40K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Interior Design

$42K starting · 5.8 yr ROI

Fashion Design

$42K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

Fine Arts

$42K starting · 9 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Film & Media Studies degree outcomes in Augusta, GA: 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 Georgia.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Augusta 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 Augusta Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Georgia 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 (Georgia)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Georgia programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "georgia 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 Augusta — 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 Augusta.

Film & Media Studies Overview Colleges in Augusta All Majors