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2019 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in AmericaAbout this List

The Best Colleges for Film and Photography ranking is based on key statistics and student reviews using data from the U.S. Department of Education. The ranking compares the top film schools and photography programs in the U.S. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

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Film/Photography
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  1. University of Southern California

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 3,488
    1 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: Coming to USC was one of the greatest decisions of my life! I'm a first-gen, low income minority coming from Texas who had never visited California before, so you can guess just how big of a difference California was from Texas. I thought I was going to feel overwhelmed and flunk out, but I didn't! In fact, I'm thriving here. The university is very beautiful, the brick and gothic sorta architecture is very pretty and really relaxing. There are so many opportunities and a lot of different majors, so I'm sure you will find what you are looking for. There are a lot of different activities to join, so you will definitely find your group of friends as long you get involved!
    Read 3,488 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,932 Net Price
    • 1280-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. New York University

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 4,933
    2 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Junior: I love NYU! I'm a film and television major at NYU Tisch, and I am having the time of my life. All of my professors have been so inspiring and they actually take an interest in you and what your strengths and weaknesses are. Tisch has given me so much valuable experience on student sets and in class that I am sure I could not have received anywhere else. There are so many classes to choose from in every aspect of filmmaking, which gives students so many skills that can be marketable when looking for a job after graduation. The internship coordinator is amazing as well, as many of my friends and I have found our internships through him. NYU is amazing!
    Read 4,933 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 32% Acceptance Rate
    • $35,147 Net Price
    • 1250-1480 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. University of Pennsylvania

    • 4 Year
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 1,155
    3 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Sophomore: The University of Pennsylvania has been my top choice school, and I am very satisfied with my experience so far. I am most impressed by the stylistically varied yet unified campus architecture, the quality of professors and extracurricular activities, and the times I spent at Locust Walk.
    Few reviews of Penn can be written without mentioning Locust Walk. It serves as the central walkway for several dorms, dining options, and significant locations. At the same time, it is a hub for students of all majors and interests and a vibrant representation of Penn's life and culture. The Walk continues to be a wonderful addition to my college experience.
    At the same time, I appreciate Penn's dedication to development. Every year, new constructions, programs, and extracurricular opportunities arise, and I enjoy being part of such a community. I would recommend Penn to anyone who loves challenges, immersive experiences, and diverse social connections.
    Read 1,155 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,944 Net Price
    • 1380-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  4. Sponsored

    Clark University

    • 4 Year
    • Worcester, MA
    • 710

    Freshman: It is a small liberal art college. you can go anywhere on campus within 10 minutes, and it helps a lot when you wake up late.
    Again, it is a small community, you would see familiar faces anywhere you I have never expected. People notice you easily, compared to big universities, and vice versa; It is easier to make diverse friends without being constrained in a certain "group."
    Clark is one of rare colleges that give substantial amount of scholarships to out of state students and even international students. Almost 70% of the total undergraduate students are out of sate and 15% are international.
    Professors are generally kind and generous.
    For the campus cafeteria, well, ice cream here is the best!
    The only thing I do not like is housing facilities, but other dorms in campus are much new than mine..so this might not matter.
    Read 710 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 57% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,350 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. California Institute of the Arts

    • 4 Year
    • Valencia, CA
    • 249
    4 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: The best part of being a student at California Institute of the Arts is that you are free to express anything you want, including going to class naked. You have the right for almost anything, the school is full of creativity. There are rarely any wrong answers. Mainly of the people are open minded, free to be who you truly are. Very accepting people all around. The professors are kind, you could speak to them about anything and will be helpful. It doesn't feel anything like High School, to me attending Calarts has given me a lot of freedom to do what I wish with my personal life and my practice. You may take any class you are interested in even if it is not your major. The only thing wrong about this school is that, it is not a diverse school. Thursday nights, which is gallery night is typically party time.
    Read 249 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 24% Acceptance Rate
    • $50,472 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. University of California - Los Angeles

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 4,709
    5 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Junior: UCLA is definitely a place for all-rounded students to thrive and succeed. The campus offers beautiful scenery and classic lecture halls that enthralled me every time I walk to and between lectures. The school is safe and welcoming, and there are plenty of activities to be part of on-campus. In terms of classes, students do have to give it all since the professors do have high standards here. However, this is college, and learning and studying won't hurt you. Professors generally are really engaged in lectures, and if most likely students are going to succeed if they give their best. Dorms and the food are excellent and well maintained compared to others colleges I visited. I won't be surprise if more people decided to come here! GO BRUINS!
    Read 4,709 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 18% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,236 Net Price
    • 1160-1470 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. Wesleyan University

    • 4 Year
    • Middletown, CT
    • 680
    6 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Alum: Wesleyan's professors make the school. These instructors are passionate, knowledgeable and more than happy to interact outside of class or school hours. Take advantage of the opportunity to work with these experts!
    Read 680 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 18% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,490 Net Price
    • 1300-1480 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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  9. Loyola Marymount University

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 1,548
    7 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: This university campus is beautiful! I've stopped by here on and off throughout the years, and now I have had a chance to come here and I have many friends who came here. Notably, many of my buddies that play basketball. This school is private and tuition is high, yes, but the quality is great. The facilities are clean, modern, and pleasing to the eye. The students here are pretty cool too. If you're looking for a private school, and want more of a quiet suburban feel, then LMU might be your place.
    Read 1,548 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 54% Acceptance Rate
    • $40,946 Net Price
    • 1120-1330 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  10. Columbia College Hollywood

    • 4 Year
    • Tarzana, CA
    • 57
    8 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Sophomore: So far, my experience at Columbia College Hollywood has been fantastic, all classes I've taken have been teaching me new things that I can use in a career. The school is very approachable, and since it's so small, the internal community is easy to get into. I do not know yet if my education here will help me get a job in the film industry, but so far, that seems like the logical conclusion to make. The most concerning thing about this school is the massive numbers of negative reviews. So many alumni have posted scathing reviews on Yelp! and other review sites. This makes me very nervous, and I hope that those few reviews are simply the vocal minority. In 2014, Columbia College Hollywood was listed as the #2 Worst School in America, and that is absolutely terrifying. That was four years ago, but it seems like something that I had to find out on my own. My admissions counselor never mentioned it, and that huge oversight seems extremely shady.
    Read 57 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 54% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,452 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  11. Rhode Island School of Design

    • 4 Year
    • Providence, RI
    • 308
    9 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Alum: Excellent environment to grow artistically. Programs are rigorous and quite demanding on your time and skill levels. School is more for students who are brainy and critical thinkers so if you are just trying to build technical skills, this school is not for you. You'll run into best of the best many times over so it challenges you to be better! Campus life is so much fun and quite unique.
    Read 308 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 34% Acceptance Rate
    • $39,389 Net Price
    • 1080-1340 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. University of North Carolina School of the Arts

    • 4 Year
    • Winston-Salem, NC
    • 238
    10 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Junior: Knowledgeable faculty and plenty of resources. While it’s hard work, you won’t find another place quite like it!
    Read 238 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 54% Acceptance Rate
    • $13,452 Net Price
    • 1030-1240 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. Laguna College of Art & Design

    • 4 Year
    • Laguna Beach, CA
    • 193
    11 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: Beautiful mountains and an extremely gorgeous ocean view makes LCAD one of the most natural and refreshing college. Consisting of a very vigorous academic system only improves the students ability. The school provides so many utilities just for the students such as cintiqs, drawing tablets, computer rooms, a huge library full of comfortable chairs, multiple rooms for the students use, and transit for to transfer between campuses. This school provides only the best, experienced teachers who love teaching their students. Providing many free events for their students to help aid them along their education and career. Even taking it as far as to plan job events at the campus that has Disney, Blizzard, and other companies to attend and hire students.
    Read 193 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 39% Acceptance Rate
    • $34,863 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  16. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

    • 4 Year
    • Ann Arbor, MI
    • 3,962
    12 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Alum: The University of Michigan's motto is "Leaders and Best" and that's exactly what this school provides and produces. It provides the best professors, courses and college experiences and produces innovative leaders. My experience at this institution allowed for academic and personal growth, which has embedded quite a zealous spirit within me, especially in regard to the achievement of my future aspirations. I can't thank this school enough. To conclude, I recommend the University of Michigan to anyone willing to work hard, expand their mind and anyone who wishes to fulfil their dreams!
    Read 3,962 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 29% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,107 Net Price
    • 1310-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. Vassar College

    • 4 Year
    • Poughkeepsie, NY
    • 591
    13 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Alum: I loved being a student at Vassar! The professors are incredible - always there to help you outside of class if you need it. The campus is beautiful, as well.
    Read 591 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 27% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,933 Net Price
    • 1330-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. University of California - Berkeley

    • 4 Year
    • Berkeley, CA
    • 3,813
    14 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Sophomore: Berkeley is just perfect balance between academics and fun! I have amazing professors in all of my classes and they never stress me out too much. It's rigorous enough to get me going but not up to the point where it is not enjoyable. I have plenty of time to destress and go crazy on frat row. Berkeley also provides very unique experiences with a campus ripe with freedom of self-expression. You meet all sorts of people. Also, Berkeley is the number 1 public university in the world so you are definitely getting your money's worth!
    Read 3,813 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,160 Net Price
    • 1270-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  20. Emory University

    • 4 Year
    • Atlanta, GA
    • 1,427
    15 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Senior: Because of the campus, people, and opportunities, Emory is truly an incredible university! The campus is definitely one of the most beautiful and safest campuses I have seen. New buildings are constantly being built and old buildings are being remolded. The people are truly the heart of the institution. Students and faculty provide a welcoming and intellectually stimulating environment.
    Read 1,427 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 25% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,804 Net Price
    • 1290-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  21. School of Visual Arts

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 459
    16 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Sophomore: School of Visual Arts is an exemplary school to learn animation. Everything is very peachy in this art school. One thing I would look out for is to make sure to find your teachers through what other students have to say. The good teachers are very good, and the bad ones are very bad. Look out for yourself and have fun! I know I am.
    Read 459 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 74% Acceptance Rate
    • $42,742 Net Price
    • 935-1230 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  22. Carleton College

    • 4 Year
    • Northfield, MN
    • 475
    17 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Senior: Absolutely amazing school. World class professors and an uncompetitive academic environment mean you engage with your classmates and focus on real learning. The town is small, so there aren't many bars, but there are always good parties happening on campus that everyone is welcome to attend. Some of the athletics teams are really good, like national competitors. Other teams aren't but students still go to the games to cheer on their friends and socialize with each other. Carleton is a very challenging place, but at the same time everyone is willing to help you.
    Read 475 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 23% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,587 Net Price
    • 1320-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. Emerson College

    • 4 Year
    • Boston, MA
    • 1,028
    18 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Sophomore: Emerson is an institution heavily weighted towards VMA and theatre majors. It flaunts its journalism program, but it's very lacking in that department. Many journalism majors cannot check out cameras or tripods and are instead given iPods and tripods for those iPods. Students in this journalism classes are very unmotivated sometimes, while in journalism organizations on campus are much more energetic about their profession. These organizations, as they already contain more motivated students, should receive more funding to entice more students to join them and produce greater work. There is much more diversity on campus this year, which is a step in the right direction as well.
    Read 1,028 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 48% Acceptance Rate
    • $39,263 Net Price
    • 1120-1330 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. University of Miami

    • 4 Year
    • Coral Gables, FL
    • 2,669
    19 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: Coral Gables is home to the University of Miami, an elite university, known commonly as “The U.” With its perpetual sunshine and swaying palm trees, the University of Miami enjoys the cool ambience of the tropics, while also holding the title of a Top 50 school. Just like the city of Miami, the school is bubbling with a variety of different people with different backgrounds. The athletics teams at this school are great too, with our football team's ever-increasing ranking. We have had several celebrities come to the University of Miami, parading around campus, throwing up the "U" at sports games, and notably even filming a music video here! The University of Miami had everything I was looking for in a campus and choosing to go there it is one of the best decisions I've ever made.
    Read 2,669 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 38% Acceptance Rate
    • $37,424 Net Price
    • 1210-1390 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  27. Chapman University

    • 4 Year
    • Orange, CA
    • 2,029
    20 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Senior: Overall I am very happy with the undergraduate program and my experience at Chapman. I’m working on a BA in digital arts/animation, finishing up my thesis, and I feel very well prepared for my future. Why? Because my professors, department chair and Student Career Center care about me. They motivated me to do my best, helped me get into high quality internships to improve my chances of getting a job in a highly competitive field hopefully before I even graduate, and gave me the self confidence to know that I am going to succeed. That’s why I love Chapman!
    Read 2,029 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 54% Acceptance Rate
    • $40,709 Net Price
    • 1110-1300 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  28. American University

    • 4 Year
    • Washington, DC
    • 2,246
    21 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Alum: Best decision of my life. The student population is not too big and not too small, with hundreds of student organizations or volunteer groups to join. The professors are top notch and genuinely care about your education and future career goals. In addition, the career center is huge and efficient, offering advising on everything from internships and graduate/law school searches to interviewing for jobs at any point in your career. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle!
    Read 2,246 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 26% Acceptance Rate
    • $31,758 Net Price
    • 1150-1340 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  29. College for Creative Studies

    • 4 Year
    • Detroit, MI
    • 515
    22 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Senior: I love this school even though it can kind of be awful. The resources are fantastic, the technology, the wood shop, metal shop, foundry, ceramic studio, glass shop, just so many great things! It is a very challenging institution, particularly during the freshman year. It is a small school, so it is easy to form a bond with a lot of the students, especially since the students tend to be quite like-minded. The school can kind of stink depending on what major the student chooses. It is a great design school, fantastic for product designers, but the majors that are not so design based kind of get the short end of the stick. I have lived in the student housing for 4 years. They are improving it and renovating it, but unfortunately I have had to live in the construction. The campus is safe, the professors are great (usually), and it is a very inspiring place to be.
    Read 515 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 47% Acceptance Rate
    • $35,274 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  32. Art Center College of Design

    • 4 Year
    • Pasadena, CA
    • 286
    23 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Sophomore: There's a lot of value to be gained in any design discipline from the knowledgeable professors that teach at Art Center. You will not sleep to manage the work load with how the school arranges each term curriculum. With that said, you will become stronger from any of the demanding programs offered. You definitely should get your fundamental skills in all design software expected of your major before enrolling to be able to manage effectively.

    This is a design school filled with international students and can feel foreign at times. It is extremely expensive at about $22,000 per term. Supply costs required for classes are far greater than any academic school with associated book costs. One must not overlook the cost to attend this school, as it can break a student with financial hardship. Most of everything is at a premium for price, food, supplies, tuition, etc.
    Read 286 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 69% Acceptance Rate
    • $43,814 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  33. Nossi College of Art

    • 4 Year
    • Madison, TN
    • 52
    24 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: Nossi provides a state of the art learning environment along with instructors who are working professionals in the field they teach. I believe that this is an exceptional advantage for students. We are getting real world insight from professionals who know what it takes to succeed in the industry of Commercial Art. With the help of Career Services and Nossi's All Access Program, we are given every opportunity to succeed.
    Read 52 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 51% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,339 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  34. Minneapolis College of Art & Design

    • 4 Year
    • Minneapolis, MN
    • 215
    25 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: Im in my first year here at MCAD, love the school! Its a bit expensive, just as most art schools, but it trys its best to make up for it. Constantly free trips and fun, food, activities, clubs, movie nights, etc. beautiful range of seasons here as well. Has great dorm pricing considering they come with personal restrooms, kitchens, and living rooms. Lovely people, friendly staff, real great community feel! Couldn't see myself anywhere else but here in the long run.
    Read 215 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 65% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,169 Net Price
    • 940-1190 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  35. Sponsored

    Cleveland Institute of Art

    • 4 Year
    • Cleveland, OH
    • 200

    Sophomore: CIA is awesome! I just finished my sophomore year in Animation and I'm still loving it. The professors are amazing and I feel like I've learned so much at the end of each semester. I can't speak for any other programs, but the Animation program is awesome. I only wish we could cover more subjects. There's not enough time in a year honestly. I wish we were able to take Illustration classes without having to submit a portfolio and get accepted into a second major. Because, for example, we don't get to take classes like Character Design (since it's technically an Illustration class). Overall though, it's a great program with great people. Heads up for freshmen/prospective freshmen, Animation is one of the most competitive majors to get into at this school. It's definitely worth it, but you should know that going in.
    Read 200 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 61% Acceptance Rate
    • $30,647 Net Price
    • 1010-1220 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  36. Sponsored

    Southwestern Assemblies of God University

    • 4 Year
    • Waxahachie, TX
    • 773

    Senior: This is an incredible place to pursue God's calling on your life. The administration wants you to find your purpose more than they want your tuition or your enrollment count.

    If you're looking to party, don't come here. If you're looking to grow, then come and take advantage of relationships with friends, faculty, and administration. The academic rigor here is not exactly what I had hoped it would be, but a university's classes don't need to pummel you into the ground for you to learn beneficial information.

    Overall, this is an awesome place to be challenged in your faith, to sharpen and refine it, and to figure out God's purpose for you. This school holds fast to the Bible as its direction as an institution.

    I can barely recognize the freshman me who came here a few years ago. Southwestern didn't "fix" me, but the people here modeled for what it really looks like to honor God with your life while still being a fun, normal individual.
    Read 773 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 23% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,466 Net Price
    • 800-1030 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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