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Professional photographer education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become a professional photographer. Professional photographers usually study photography, business, or graphic design. 54% of professional photographers hold a bachelor's degree, and 22% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 1,849 real professional photographer resumes to see exactly what professional photographer education sections show.
The most common colleges for professional photographers are the University of Phoenix and the University of Phoenix.
There are also many online professional photographer courses to help get the education required to be a professional photographer.
What education do you need to become a professional photographer?
What degree do you need to be a professional photographer?
- Bachelor's, 54%
- Associate, 22%
- High School Diploma, 10%
- Master's, 7%
- Other Degrees, 7%
What should I major in to become a professional photographer?
- Photography, 23%
- Business, 14%
- Graphic Design, 9%
- Fine Arts, 8%
- Other Majors, 46%
Most common colleges for professional photographers
| Professional photographer common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| University of Phoenix | 14.66% |
| University of Central Florida | 6.90% |
| School of Visual Arts | 6.03% |
| DeVry University | 5.17% |
| Full Sail University | 5.17% |
Best majors for professional photographers
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Photography | 22.7% |
| 2 | Business | 14.0% |
| 3 | Graphic Design | 9.4% |
| 4 | Fine Arts | 7.7% |
| 5 | Communication | 6.1% |
Best colleges for professional photographers
The best colleges for professional photographers are Northwestern University, Harvard University, and University of Pennsylvania.
A professional photographer with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for professional photographers. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become professional photographers.
1. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
In-state tuition
$54,568
Enrollment
8,451
2. Harvard University
Cambridge, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$50,420
Enrollment
7,582
3. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$56,225
Enrollment
19,548
4. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$55,584
Enrollment
10,764
5. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$51,354
Enrollment
7,083
6. Boston University
Boston, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$53,948
Enrollment
17,238
7. New York University
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$51,828
Enrollment
26,339
8. Duke University
Durham, NC • Private
In-state tuition
$55,695
Enrollment
6,596
9. Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$55,465
Enrollment
6,483
10. University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX • Private
In-state tuition
$10,610
Enrollment
40,329
20 best online courses for professional photographers
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1. Real Estate Photography Masterclass
A Guide to Equipment, Technique and Workflow for Real Estate Photography...
2. iPhone Photography Take Professional Photos On Your iPhone
Your Online Guide to Taking Stunning i Phone Photography Like a Professional Digital Photographer...
3. Photography Masterclass: A Complete Guide to Photography
The Best Online Professional Photography Class: How to Take Amazing Photos for Beginners & Advanced Photographers...
4. Mastering Architecture and Real Estate Photography
Start a business photographing real estate photography jobs for architects, builders, and real estate agents...
5. Photography Composition & Portrait Photography Masterclass
Creative Photography Masterclass - Learn How To Compose Images & Observe Light - Studio / Portrait / Street Photography...
6. Drone Photography Shoot Professional Photos With Any Drone
Your Complete Online Guide to Shooting Incredible Drone Photography Like a Professional...
7. iPhone Photography & Mobile Photography: Take Better Photos
Take Amazing & Professional Photos on Your i Phone or Mobile Phone w/our Mobile Photography + i Phone Photography Course...
8. Portrait Photography: Share with Joy!
Master lighting, camera, editing, and posing in my proven photography system. Shoot with confidence...
9. Portrait Photography for Beginners
You'll learn how to take better portraits with any camera in this complete portrait photography course...
10. Wedding Photography: Complete Guide to Wedding Photography
Learn exactly how to become a wedding photographer, start a photo business of your own, and shoot better wedding photos...
11. Photography Style: Improve Your Photography Portfolio Today
A Practical Photography Guide: Stand Out From the Crowd w/your Unique Photography Style, Portfolio, Website, Instagram...
12. Bob Davis' Professional Photography Lighting Techniques
Digital photography expert Bob Davis shares his professional lighting techniques and the various types of light he uses...
13. Portrait Photography Masterclass: Headshot Photography Class
Your complete guide to pro headshots with simple gear. You'll discover how to use your gear, edit like a pro, and more...
14. Street Photography: Capture Stunning Street Photography
Complete Street Photography Course: Capture beautiful street photography with this street photography masterclass...
15. Wedding Photography
Bob Davis, an elite member of the Canon Explorer of Light, shares 25 years of expertise...
16. How to be a Professional Outdoor and Nature Photographer
Learn how to turn your passion for nature and adventure photography into a thriving business...
17. THE Photography Masterclass: Complete Course on Photography
Learn how to create amazing images for beginners & advanced photographers. The only photography course you need...
18. Photography - Become a Better Photographer - Part I
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19. Real Estate Photography: How To Get Started
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20. Master Digital Photography for DSLR Photography Beginners
DSLR Photography course for beginners. Perfect for all photography levels: Beginner - Advanced Photography Lighting...
Top 10 most affordable universities for professional photographers
The most affordable schools for professional photographers are University of Florida, california state university - long beach, and brooklyn college of the city university of new york.
If the best universities for professional photographers are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for professional photographers.
1. University of Florida
Gainesville, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,381
Cost of attendance
21,034
2. California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,798
Cost of attendance
18,306
3. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York
Brooklyn, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,240
Cost of attendance
13,991
4. Fashion Institute of Technology
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$5,740
Cost of attendance
17,864
5. Lehman College of the City University of New York
Bronx, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,210
Cost of attendance
14,359
6. Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$5,620
Cost of attendance
18,136
7. SUNY Farmingdale
Farmingdale, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,306
Cost of attendance
16,091
8. California State University - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,749
Cost of attendance
14,823
9. Baruch College of the City University of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,262
Cost of attendance
14,046
10. California State University - Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,942
Cost of attendance
14,469
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for professional photographers
The hardest universities for professional photographers to get into are Northwestern University, Harvard University, and University of Pennsylvania.
Some great schools for professional photographers are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for professional photographers based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.
1. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,508
2. Harvard University
Cambridge, MA • Private
Admissions rate
5%
SAT average
1,520
3. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,492
4. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
Admissions rate
4%
SAT average
1,497
5. Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
Admissions rate
17%
SAT average
1,507
6. Duke University
Durham, NC • Private
Admissions rate
9%
SAT average
1,516
7. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Admissions rate
13%
SAT average
1,445
8. Northeastern University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions rate
19%
SAT average
1,466
9. Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
6%
SAT average
1,512
10. Washington University in St Louis
Saint Louis, MO • Private
Admissions rate
15%
SAT average
1,506
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for professional photographers
The easiest schools for professional photographers to get into are Mount Saint Mary's University, notre dame de namur university, and notre dame college.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a professional photographer without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for professional photographers.
1. Mount Saint Mary's University
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Admissions rate
84%
SAT average
1,031
2. Notre Dame de Namur University
Belmont, CA • Private
Admissions rate
82%
SAT average
983
3. Notre Dame College
Cleveland, OH • Private
Admissions rate
90%
SAT average
994
4. Cardinal Stritch University
Milwaukee, WI • Private
Admissions rate
71%
SAT average
1,035
5. Wayland Baptist University
Plainview, TX • Private
Admissions rate
98%
SAT average
1,003
6. Curry College
Milton, MA • Private
Admissions rate
93%
SAT average
1,026
7. University of the Incarnate Word
San Antonio, TX • Private
Admissions rate
88%
SAT average
1,044
8. Barry University
Miami, FL • Private
Admissions rate
91%
SAT average
1,006
9. Grand View University
Des Moines, IA • Private
Admissions rate
92%
SAT average
1,060
10. Centenary University
Hackettstown, NJ • Private
Admissions rate
67%
SAT average
987
Average professional photographer salary by education level
| Professional photographer education level | Professional photographer salary |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or Less | $42,934 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $47,195 |
| Some College/ Associate Degree | $44,440 |
Professional photographer education FAQs
Have more questions? See all answers to common arts, entertainment, sports, and media questions.
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Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025