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

The estimated starting salary for Film & Media Studies graduates in Tacoma, WA is $56,500 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 113. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Tacoma are 13% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

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

A Film & Media Studies degree in Tacoma has an estimated ROI payback period of 5.7 years, with a projected lifetime return of $128,624 after subtracting education costs. With 25 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $10,637/year, Tacoma offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 4.9% 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 Tacoma?

The average annual public university tuition in Tacoma is $10,637, while private universities average $52,153/year. Including room and board ($13,707/year), total 4-year costs range from $97,376 at a public school to $263,440 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Tacoma is $8,864/year.

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

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

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Film & Media Studies graduates in Tacoma would pay $1,106/month on an estimated $97,376 in loans, with $35,306 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,905/month but save $18,366 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $56,500, monthly payments would represent 23% of gross monthly income.

Film & Media Studies Degree in Tacoma, WA — Salary & ROI 2026

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

Starting Salary

$57K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$68K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

5.7 yrs

in Tacoma

Cost of Living

113

index (100 = avg)

Film & Media Studies in Tacoma, WA Overview

Tacoma is one of Washington's top college towns, with 25 institutions and a student population of 23,456. Public tuition averages $10,637/year here — well below the national average, making it a cost-effective choice. Film & Media Studies enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Cinematography and Editing. The adjusted starting salary in Tacoma is approximately $56,500.

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

Salaries adjusted for Tacoma's cost of living index of 113 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$56,500(+$6,500 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$67,800(+$7,800 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$88,140(+$10,140 vs national)

Note: National average Film & Media Studies salary: $50,000 starting, $60,000 mid-career, $78,000 senior level.Tacoma adjustment factor: 1.13x based on the local cost of living index.

Film & Media Studies ROI Calculator for Tacoma

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

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $10,637 | Private avg: $52,153

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Tacoma avg aid: $8,864/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

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

Total Education Cost

$97,376

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$16,950

vs HS diploma in Tacoma

ROI Payback Period

5.7 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Tacoma

$128,624

Lifetime earnings premium ($226,000) minus total education cost ($97,376)

Student Loan Payoff for Film & Media Studies in Tacoma

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$97,376

Monthly Payment$1,106

Total Interest$35,306

% of Monthly Income23%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$97,376

Monthly Payment$1,905

Total Interest$16,940

Interest Savings$18,366

Colleges in Tacoma for Film & Media Studies

University of Puget Sound

private

$56,156/yr

$224,624 total

Pacific Lutheran University

private

$48,150/yr

$192,600 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Tacoma Community College

$4,479/yr

Top Employers for Film & Media Studies in Tacoma

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

NetflixDisneyWarner BrosNBCUniversalParamount

Key Tacoma 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 Washington Cities

Seattle, WA

$60K starting · COL 120

16 colleges

Spokane, WA

$61K starting · COL 121

20 colleges

Vancouver, WA

$54K starting · COL 108.5

7 colleges

Bellevue, WA

$89K starting · COL 178.5

6 colleges

Kent, WA

$58K starting · COL 115.8

6 colleges

Everett, WA

$59K starting · COL 118.2

5 colleges

Renton, WA

$61K starting · COL 122.5

5 colleges

Spokane Valley, WA

$62K starting · COL 123.1

4 colleges

Other Arts & Design Majors in Tacoma

UX Design

$57K starting · 3.2 yr ROI

Architecture

$66K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Animation & Game Design

$57K starting · 4.8 yr ROI

Industrial Design

$57K starting · 4.8 yr ROI

Graphic Design

$54K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Interior Design

$57K starting · 5.8 yr ROI

Fashion Design

$57K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

Fine Arts

$57K starting · 9 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

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

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Washington 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 (Washington)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Washington programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "washington 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 Tacoma — 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.

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Film & Media Studies Overview Colleges in Tacoma All Majors