Best institutions to study Commercial Photography
A program in the applied visual arts that prepares individuals to use artistic techniques to effectively communicate ideas and information to business and consumer audiences, and recording events and people, via digital, film, still and video photography.
60 U.S. institutions graduated 766 Commercial Photography students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 50.0406, a specialization of Design and Applied Arts (CIP 50.04), and leads most directly to the Photographers occupation (BLS SOC 27-4021).
About Commercial Photography programs
A program in the applied visual arts that prepares individuals to use artistic techniques to effectively communicate ideas and information to business and consumer audiences, and recording events and people, via digital, film, still and video photography. Includes instruction in specialized camera and equipment operation and maintenance, applications to commercial and industrial needs, and photography business operations.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Commercial Photography program, part of the Design and Applied Arts field, prepares individuals to effectively communicate ideas and information through various photography techniques. This program is ideal for those interested in capturing events, people, and products using both digital and film photography methods. Students will learn to operate specialized equipment and understand the business aspects of photography.
In this program, students develop core skills in photography techniques, equipment operation, and business management. Coursework includes understanding customer service, sales and marketing, and the technical aspects of lighting and composition, enabling graduates to create compelling visual narratives.
Credentials awarded
What Commercial Photography graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Associate's degree290 graduates / yr · 38 institutions38%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year206 graduates / yr · 28 institutions27%
- Award of less than 12 weeks93 graduates / yr · 2 institutions12%
- Bachelor's degree86 graduates / yr · 5 institutions11%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years79 graduates / yr · 10 institutions10%
- Master's degree10 graduates / yr · 1 institution1.3%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years2 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.3%
Graduates over time
Commercial Photography completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1,818 |
| 2013 | 1,880 |
| 2014 | 1,820 |
| 2015 | 2,291 |
| 2016 | 2,117 |
| 2017 | 1,764 |
| 2018 | 1,414 |
| 2019 | 1,092 |
| 2020 | 1,100 |
| 2021 | 928 |
| 2022 | 874 |
| 2023 | 794 |
| 2024 | 894 |
| 2025 | 766 |
Top 50 institutions for Commercial Photography, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Columbus State Community College Columbus, OHPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 104 | 28% | — | — |
| 2 | Fashion Institute of Technology New York, NYPublicAssociate'sBachelor's | 101 | 81% | — | $14,361 |
| 3 | Des Moines Area Community College Ankeny, IAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 35 | 39% | — | $25,265 |
| 4 | Austin Community College District Austin, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 35 | 20% | — | $40,289 |
| 5 | North Georgia Technical College Clarkesville, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 31 | 39% | — | — |
| 6 | Tulsa Technology Center Tulsa, OKPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 30 | 81% | — | — |
| 7 | Red Rocks Community College Lakewood, COPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 23 | 32% | — | — |
| 8 | Collin County Community College District McKinney, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 23 | 20% | — | $33,456 |
| 9 | Nossi College of Art and Design Nashville, TNPrivate for-profitBachelor's | 21 | 42% | $24,474 | $24,497 |
| 10 | Jefferson Community and Technical College Louisville, KYPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 20 | 35% | — | — |
| 11 | Tyler Junior College Tyler, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 20 | 27% | — | — |
| 12 | Metropolitan Community College Area Omaha, NEPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 18 | 29% | — | $29,902 |
| 13 | Colegio de Cinematografía Artes y Television Bayamon, PRPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 16 | 47% | $4,177 | — |
| 14 | CUNY LaGuardia Community College Long Island City, NYPublicAssociate's | 15 | 24% | — | $13,554 |
| 15 | Pikes Peak State College Colorado Springs, COPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 14 | 21% | — | — |
| 16 | Appalachian State University Boone, NCPublicBachelor's | 13 | 75% | — | $34,722 |
| 17 | Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Green Bay, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 13 | 51% | — | — |
| 18 | Ridgewater College Willmar, MNPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 12 | 50% | — | — |
| 19 | Odessa College Odessa, TXPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 12 | 37% | — | — |
| 20 | Academia Serrant Inc Ponce, PRPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 12 | 88% | $7,589 | — |
| 21 | Augusta Technical College Augusta, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 11 | 31% | — | — |
| 22 | Sessions College Tempe, AZPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 11 | 40% | $17,833 | $19,275 |
| 23 | Montgomery College Rockville, MDPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 10 | 32% | — | — |
| 24 | Ohio University - Main Campus Athens, OHPublicMaster's | 10 | 65% | — | $24,716 |
| 25 | Mt Hood Community College Gresham, ORPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 10 | 24% | — | — |
| 26 | Spokane Falls Community College Spokane, WAPublicAssociate's | 10 | 32% | — | $21,508 |
| 27 | Madison Area Technical College Madison, WIPublicAssociate's | 10 | 29% | — | $30,710 |
| 28 | Arapahoe Community College Littleton, COPublicAssociate's | 8 | 29% | — | $32,100 |
| 29 | Century College White Bear Lake, MNPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 8 | 31% | — | $43,778 |
| 30 | Mohawk Valley Community College Utica, NYPublicAssociate's | 8 | 38% | — | $21,012 |
| 31 | Minneapolis Community and Technical College Minneapolis, MNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 7 | 20% | — | $40,230 |
| 32 | Cuyahoga Community College District Cleveland, OHPublicAssociate's | 7 | 31% | — | $22,517 |
| 33 | Owens Community College Perrysburg, OHPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 7 | 35% | — | — |
| 34 | Springfield Technical Community College Springfield, MAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 32% | — | — |
| 35 | Rochester Community and Technical College Rochester, MNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 29% | — | — |
| 36 | College of Southern Nevada Las Vegas, NVPublicAssociate's | 6 | 19% | — | — |
| 37 | Salt Lake Community College Salt Lake City, UTPublicAssociate's | 6 | 29% | — | $34,227 |
| 38 | Milwaukee Area Technical College Milwaukee, WIPublicAssociate's | 6 | 25% | — | $27,795 |
| 39 | Northwest College Powell, WYPublicAssociate's | 6 | 49% | — | — |
| 40 | Hawkeye Community College Waterloo, IAPublicAssociate's | 5 | 43% | — | — |
| 41 | Iowa Central Community College Fort Dodge, IAPublicAssociate's | 4 | 42% | — | — |
| 42 | Kent State University at Kent Kent, OHPublicBachelor's | 4 | 64% | — | $36,351 |
| 43 | Cecil College North East, MDPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 3 | 37% | — | — |
| 44 | New Mexico State University - Dona Ana Las Cruces, NMPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 3 | 19% | — | — |
| 45 | Bucks County Community College Newtown, PAPublicAssociate's | 3 | 32% | — | — |
| 46 | Indiana University of Pennsylvania Indiana, PAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 3 | 56% | — | $34,981 |
| 47 | Glendale Community College Glendale, AZPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 2 | 16% | — | — |
| 48 | Atlanta Technical College Atlanta, GAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 49% | — | — |
| 49 | Prairie State College Chicago Heights, ILPublicAssociate's | 2 | 21% | — | — |
| 50 | William Rainey Harper College Palatine, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 48% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Design and Applied Arts field (CIP 50.04) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 27 states & territories
Where Commercial Photography graduates come from. Each state links to all Design and Applied Arts programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 27-4021, Photographers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Commercial Photography program can pursue careers as photographers or postsecondary art, drama, and music teachers. The job outlook for photographers shows little or no change, with an annual opening of approximately 12,700 positions and a median wage of $42,520. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for entry into this field.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 50.0406
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Photographersprimary SOC 27-4021 | $44,660 | +1.8% Little or no change | ~12,700 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1121 | $78,620 | +1.7% Little or no change | ~9,000 | Master's degree |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Commercial Photography programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Adjust apertures, shutter speeds, and camera focus according to a combination of factors, such as lighting, field depth, subject motion, film type, and film speed.
- Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors.
- Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.
- Transfer photographs to computers for editing, archiving, and electronic transmission.
- Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment, such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments.
- Manipulate and enhance scanned or digital images to create desired effects, using computers and specialized software.
Tools and technology used
Other Design and Applied Arts specializations
The 9 other 6-digit CIP codes under Design and Applied Arts (CIP 50.04).
- Graphic DesignCIP 50.040910,754 graduates / yr580 institutions
- Design and Visual CommunicationsCIP 50.04016,709 graduates / yr249 institutions
- Interior DesignCIP 50.04085,774 graduates / yr231 institutions
- Fashion/CIP 50.0407
Apparel Design 3,243 graduates / yr119 institutions - IllustrationCIP 50.04103,166 graduates / yr68 institutions
- Commercial and Advertising ArtCIP 50.04023,097 graduates / yr161 institutions
- Game and Interactive Media DesignCIP 50.04112,954 graduates / yr152 institutions
- Design and Applied ArtsCIP 50.04991,720 graduates / yr77 institutions
- Industrial and Product DesignCIP 50.04041,432 graduates / yr64 institutions
Common questions
What degree can I earn in this program?+
You can earn an Associate's degree, a Bachelor's degree, or various short-term awards.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in speaking, active listening, critical thinking, and photography techniques.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can become a photographer or a postsecondary art, drama, and music teacher.
What is the job outlook for photographers?+
The job outlook shows little or no change, with about 12,700 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Commercial Photography?+
Commercial Photography is CIP 50.0406 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Design and Applied Arts (CIP 50.04). NCES defines it as: A program in the applied visual arts that prepares individuals to use artistic techniques to effectively communicate ideas and information to business and consumer audiences, and recording events and people, via digital, film, still and video photography. Includes instruction in specialized camera and equipment operation and maintenance, applications to commercial and industrial needs, and photography business operations.
How many institutions offer Commercial Photography programs?+
60 U.S. institutions reported Commercial Photography graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 27 states & territories, awarding 766 credentials in the year. That is 1.9% of all Design and Applied Arts graduates.
How much do Commercial Photography graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Photographers occupation, which Commercial Photography most directly leads to, pays a median of $44,660 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Design and Applied Arts field report median earnings of $29,902 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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