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2018 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.

Film/Photography
511 results

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  1. University of Southern California

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 3,458
    1 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Senior: I LOVE this school. The professors are amazing and are always willing to meet with their students to give them additional help. There are tons of club activities and extracurricular activities to join. There is something here for everyone. Additionally, the staff is so nice and helpful! The health center is amazing and the food options in the area are great! It isn't in the nicest area, but the school does a great job of keeping their students safe.
    Read 3,458 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
    • 4,888
    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 4,888 Reviews

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

  3. California Institute of the Arts

    • 4 Year
    • Valencia, CA
    • 244
    3 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 244 Reviews

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

  5. University of California - Los Angeles

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 4,645
    4 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: The University of California, Los Angeles is a premier university that offers not only quality academic instruction, but also a plethora of opportunities to apply in real life whatever is picked up in lessons; this includes internship and undergraduate research prospects. UCLA boasts one of the largest and the most diverse student bodies in USA, and structures its funds in a very planned and careful manner to ensure that the student has the best experience while on campus. With Hollywood just down a few miles and the Santa Monica beach around, one can expect pleasant surprises almost every time! Overall, I feel proud to be a part of this great dream which is making significant contributions in making this world a better place. I hope I can be of service to the society of people in UCLA. All said, Go Bruins!
    Read 4,645 Reviews

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

  6. University of North Carolina School of the Arts

    • 4 Year
    • Winston-Salem, NC
    • 235
    5 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 235 Reviews

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

  7. Wesleyan University

    • 4 Year
    • Middletown, CT
    • 673
    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 673 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
    • 1,534
    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 1,534 Reviews

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

  10. Rhode Island School of Design

    • 4 Year
    • Providence, RI
    • 305
    8 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: As a Freshman at RISD, my perspective of RISD as a whole is limited. However, from what I've experienced, it's been overwhelmingly positive. The professors here are all skilled in a different areas, which makes Foundation year a very broad and interdisciplinary year. Indeed, students who want to focus on only one area of study find it tedious, but I found it very eye-opening. After all, I got the chance to work with mediums from paint to wood, which I've never touched. One truly exemplary part of RISD is the dining: they're very open to all types of eaters, and are open to change. If the food doesn't cover a wide enough spectrum, then there are methods of contacting the MET in order to change that. The MET staff are very kind and friendly, always open to conversation.
    Read 305 Reviews

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

  11. Emerson College

    • 4 Year
    • Boston, MA
    • 1,022
    9 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Alum: My four years at Emerson gave me great friends, helped shape my worldview, and greatly contributed to my career trajectory. The amount of opportunity there, both in and out of classes, is endless. The Emerson connections aren't a myth and the name is recognized outside the film/TV industry as well. I was a marketing communications major and I can't count how many times people in the marketing/advertising industry called out, recognized, and asked me about my school during internship interviews and networking events. After participating in an internship for credit at a Boston agency during my senior year, I received a job offer right before graduation, and I've been very happy there since!
    Read 1,022 Reviews

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

  13. DigiPen Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Redmond, WA
    • 220
    10 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: Have yet to begin first semester, however have visited and toured campus multiple times. Beautiful area, campus is pristine. Diversity is excellent compared to my rural home state, however is likely average for Washington. No school sports. Current students inform me that the party scene is completely dead as all students are too busy with coursework. Seems like a great college for people who want to learn and get work done, but keep the steep tuition in mind.
    Read 220 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 53% Acceptance Rate
    • $33,076 Net Price
    • 1090-1340 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

    • 4 Year
    • Ann Arbor, MI
    • 3,932
    11 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 3,932 Reviews

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

  15. University of California - Berkeley

    • 4 Year
    • Berkeley, CA
    • 3,787
    12 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 3,787 Reviews

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

  17. Chapman University

    • 4 Year
    • Orange, CA
    • 2,013
    13 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Junior: I love Chapman! I've had an excellent experience so far and am thrilled that I chose this university. I love the small class sizes and the relationships that you are able to form with your professors. I also love the atmosphere of the school, and the fact that you can see people you know all the time. It's also great that you can always find a place to fit in. There's something for everyone if you seek it out. Additionally, I have been blessed with fantastic work and internship opportunities from this school, which are extremely valuable. However, athletics are not a huge priority for the school, which is slightly a bummer. I am an athlete at Chapman and I would definitely love to see more student support of athletics. What's great is that the student athletes and athletic directors have been very proactive about this. They are working hard to draw more support for all teams and make athletics more inclusive. Overall, Chapman is an excellent university and I am proud to be a student!
    Read 2,013 Reviews

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

  18. School of Visual Arts

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 457
    14 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: The School of Visual Arts, the best art school in the world. As an International student from Israel, I can say that the school’s stuff was more than fantastic and welcoming. I had some struggles to adapt to study in a new language, but with the help of the Writing Resource Center and the free tutoring classes, My English got so much better. As a photographer, I feel that my skills gained so improved with the help of my awesome studio class teacher and the exciting critics in my workshop class. As an artist, I’ve never felt more connected to my art in this great school at the best location in the world.
    Read 457 Reviews

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

  19. Laguna College of Art & Design

    • 4 Year
    • Laguna Beach, CA
    • 192
    15 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 192 Reviews

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

  20. Emory University

    • 4 Year
    • Atlanta, GA
    • 1,419
    16 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 1,419 Reviews

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

  21. Carleton College

    • 4 Year
    • Northfield, MN
    • 473
    17 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Sophomore: Carleton is a great liberal arts school with professors that care about the students as well as students that care about the students. It is a nice school if you want to go on a school outside of the city, but if you are a city person, then Carleton would not be the best place to be. Finally, the academics is very good!
    Read 473 Reviews

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

  23. Minneapolis College of Art & Design

    • 4 Year
    • Minneapolis, MN
    • 213
    18 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 213 Reviews

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

  24. College for Creative Studies

    • 4 Year
    • Detroit, MI
    • 513
    19 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 513 Reviews

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

  25. University of Miami

    • 4 Year
    • Coral Gables, FL
    • 2,648
    20 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 2,648 Reviews

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

  26. Art Center College of Design

    • 4 Year
    • Pasadena, CA
    • 280
    21 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Niche User: I took summer classes at Art Center College of Design for Animation. I learned a lot and was able to have fun working on my craft at the same time. Our instructor was great and I'd love to go back and take more classes. I am going to be enrolled at the school full time soon as a freshmen. It was a difficult choice for me because they don't have on campus housing. This seems to be a big deal in middle class present day American culture to have that "college experience" where you live in away from home for the first time. Luckily, my parents live in the LA area and I wouldn't mind the commute. I'd imagine it's more difficult on a tight budget for those whose homes are so far away they'd have to pay rent in the area in freshmen year.
    Read 280 Reviews

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

  27. Boston College

    • 4 Year
    • Chestnut Hill, MA
    • 1,370
    22 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Sophomore: I love my experience at Boston College. The faculty here are the best teachers I have ever encountered in my lifelong academic journey. I have never had a bad professor at Boston College. The student body is great here as so many students find it easy to get along and meet each other with the multitude of groups and campus organizations/clubs that are eager to include students. Plus, the food is great!
    Read 1,370 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 31% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,167 Net Price
    • 1260-1460 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  30. Vassar College

    • 4 Year
    • Poughkeepsie, NY
    • 606
    23 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 606 Reviews

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

  31. Pratt Institute

    • 4 Year
    • Brooklyn, NY
    • 749
    24 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Niche User: I went for a campus tour, and the experience was great! The reception was very nice, got us on a tour very fast. Two tour guides (students studying at Pratt) took us on a 2-hour tour, answering our questions while giving great information about the institution. The campus is beautiful, definitely a calm getaway from the busyness of New York city, with inspiring sculptures around a very green area. The studios looked very professional, and the security system is very fast and trustworthy.
    Read 749 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 58% Acceptance Rate
    • $44,244 Net Price
    • 1040-1290 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  32. Southern Methodist University

    • 4 Year
    • Dallas, TX
    • 1,392
    25 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Junior: SMU has provided a unique establishment of community in order for all students to feel welcome! However, the diversity presented within the school is quite low. There are sparse percentages of Latinos, Hispanics, African Americans, and Asians. Even though this is the case, the gradual enrollment of multiple international students does decrease the evident ethnic gap among students. Additonally, many of the teachers and remainder of the faculty are friendly and supportive for all students to succeed. With constant reminders regarding the A-LEC center and its workshops, students are free to ask questions from a variety of multiple disciplines to tutors who are readily available! Without a doubt, the student life at SMU is the best!
    Read 1,392 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 49% Acceptance Rate
    • $37,499 Net Price
    • 1220-1410 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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