4 answers
Chevy
Student
Sand Springs, Oklahoma
1
Question
Asked
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Is photography school super expensive ?
I am a middle grade student trying to figure out what I'm going to do in my life and if I need to start saving now ?
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4 answers
Don Holland
Member Service Representative/Food Runner
244
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Don’s Answer
Hello Chevy,
Depending on what type of photography school you go to the price will depend. Usually it will depend on factors like whether it is in-state or out-of-state, what type of degree you want, which university you go to and what certifications you want to get. Usually the price of the degree/school can be anywhere from $10,000 to over $35,000 per year. There are cheaper options if you want to get an online certification or look at other methods. Hope this helps!
Depending on what type of photography school you go to the price will depend. Usually it will depend on factors like whether it is in-state or out-of-state, what type of degree you want, which university you go to and what certifications you want to get. Usually the price of the degree/school can be anywhere from $10,000 to over $35,000 per year. There are cheaper options if you want to get an online certification or look at other methods. Hope this helps!
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi, Chevy !
Do you want to go for a 2 year Associates Degree or a 4 year Bachelors Degree ? There are no Photography Schools around or near Sand Springs, but there are some colleges and institutions that offer photography programs, ranging from minors and certificates to bachelor's degree. To figure out an estimate cost of attending, you'd have to know which path you want to take.
You have plenty of time to save up and your parents can open a special savings account now for your tuition after high school. They can speak with their bank to get the information for that. Since you are in Middle School, you have some time to start saving towards your future education which would be 5 to 7 years from now, depending your current age in middle school.
You will want to start pricing institutions to learn Photography closer to the time you enroll so you'd know how much it will cost. Prices change, so knowing this year's cost would not be helpful years from now. The University of Central Oklahoma is the only college in your state that offers a Bachelors in Photographic Arts if that's what you're aiming for. If you go to a University or community college, you can apply for Federal Student Financial Aid, scholarships and grants to help with the cost.
Start thinking about if you want to study in state or out of state. Out of state would be more expensive for the first year. There are two highly ranked colleges that offer a Bachelors Degree in photography, the Rhode Island School of Design, and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I think it'd be good to take a college route for this, but you have lots of time to explore and decide exactly how you want to do your photography path.
Something that you can consider doing now is to start a beginners portfolio and go on lots of photography shoots. Take a variety of photos and you can even delve into digital photography by taking a course online. When you are about to graduate High School, start a professional portfolio of your best work.
Schools and colleges and universities in general are considered expensive, one of those things in life that do cost a lot, but there's a way to compare paths and based on exactly which path you want, that will determine how much it will cost. There is also Federal Student Financial Aid for colleges if you decide to go the academic route for Photography.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Do you want to go for a 2 year Associates Degree or a 4 year Bachelors Degree ? There are no Photography Schools around or near Sand Springs, but there are some colleges and institutions that offer photography programs, ranging from minors and certificates to bachelor's degree. To figure out an estimate cost of attending, you'd have to know which path you want to take.
You have plenty of time to save up and your parents can open a special savings account now for your tuition after high school. They can speak with their bank to get the information for that. Since you are in Middle School, you have some time to start saving towards your future education which would be 5 to 7 years from now, depending your current age in middle school.
You will want to start pricing institutions to learn Photography closer to the time you enroll so you'd know how much it will cost. Prices change, so knowing this year's cost would not be helpful years from now. The University of Central Oklahoma is the only college in your state that offers a Bachelors in Photographic Arts if that's what you're aiming for. If you go to a University or community college, you can apply for Federal Student Financial Aid, scholarships and grants to help with the cost.
Start thinking about if you want to study in state or out of state. Out of state would be more expensive for the first year. There are two highly ranked colleges that offer a Bachelors Degree in photography, the Rhode Island School of Design, and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I think it'd be good to take a college route for this, but you have lots of time to explore and decide exactly how you want to do your photography path.
Something that you can consider doing now is to start a beginners portfolio and go on lots of photography shoots. Take a variety of photos and you can even delve into digital photography by taking a course online. When you are about to graduate High School, start a professional portfolio of your best work.
Schools and colleges and universities in general are considered expensive, one of those things in life that do cost a lot, but there's a way to compare paths and based on exactly which path you want, that will determine how much it will cost. There is also Federal Student Financial Aid for colleges if you decide to go the academic route for Photography.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Kevin Epps
Customer Support Advocate
1
Answer
Yonkers, New York
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Finding a mentor can really help. Mentors are great because they share a lot of knowledge and experience quickly, often faster than what you might learn in photo schools.
Lindsey R Miller
Senior Product Marketing Manager (Tech)
3
Answers
Redmond, Washington
Updated
Lindsey R’s Answer
It looks like you’ve already gotten some solid advice — especially about thinking through in-state vs. out-of-state schools, two-year vs. four-year programs, and how much those might cost. But I want to offer a different perspective.
If you’re drawn to photography, don’t wait until college to start. YouTube is great for learning how to use your camera. And if what excites you is the *art* of it — storytelling, composition, style, emotion — take classes that feed your creativity. There are plenty of photography courses outside of college.
Try interning or assisting a professional photographer — or even a few different ones. There are probably camera shops near Tulsa that can connect you with photographers who rent equipment through them. Each one will teach you something new: how they use their camera, how they work with clients, how they manage time, price their work, and build relationships. You’ll learn more about the *real business* of photography from those experiences than any textbook could teach you.
Build a network of photographers you respect. Intern with them, assist them, ask questions, and soak it all in. You’ll be amazed how much you can learn without paying for a degree.
Some careers need college. Some don’t. Photography can go either way depending on what you want from it. But whether you go to school or not, the key is this: invest in your learning. Show up fully for every class, project, or opportunity. Keep learning, make connections, build your network — that’s what opens doors later on.
If you’re drawn to photography, don’t wait until college to start. YouTube is great for learning how to use your camera. And if what excites you is the *art* of it — storytelling, composition, style, emotion — take classes that feed your creativity. There are plenty of photography courses outside of college.
Try interning or assisting a professional photographer — or even a few different ones. There are probably camera shops near Tulsa that can connect you with photographers who rent equipment through them. Each one will teach you something new: how they use their camera, how they work with clients, how they manage time, price their work, and build relationships. You’ll learn more about the *real business* of photography from those experiences than any textbook could teach you.
Build a network of photographers you respect. Intern with them, assist them, ask questions, and soak it all in. You’ll be amazed how much you can learn without paying for a degree.
Some careers need college. Some don’t. Photography can go either way depending on what you want from it. But whether you go to school or not, the key is this: invest in your learning. Show up fully for every class, project, or opportunity. Keep learning, make connections, build your network — that’s what opens doors later on.