2019 Best Film Schools and Photography Programs

Film/Photography

512 results

University of Southern California
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
3,504
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 3,504 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
17% Acceptance Rate
$32,932 Net Price
1280-1500 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
New York University
4 Year
New York, NY
4,953
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 4,953 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
32% Acceptance Rate
$35,147 Net Price
1250-1480 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of Pennsylvania
4 Year
Philadelphia, PA
1,161
3 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America
Senior: I truly love the University of Pennsylvania. I had an amazing time here and look forward to getting my graduate degree here next year. The highly professional environment and competitive atmosphere pushes students to reach their highest potential and grow beyond it. Penn also encourages students to have balanced social lives, and provides the students with the necessary resources to have their interests be represented within campus and in student groups. However, I must admit that Penn's hyper-competitive environment does have drawbacks, especially on students' mental health. I think Penn could tackle this by changing their grading scheme, especially for underclassmen.
Read 1,161 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
9% Acceptance Rate
$22,944 Net Price
1380-1570 SAT Range
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F.I.R.S.T. Institute
2 Year
Orlando, FL
8
Freshman: First Institute is a fantastic school. F.I.R.S.T allows me to use my talents and it also helps me grow in my music career.
Read 8 Reviews
NG
Overall Niche Grade
— Acceptance Rate
— Net Price
— SAT Range
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California Institute of the Arts
4 Year
Valencia, CA
250
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 250 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
24% Acceptance Rate
$50,472 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of California - Los Angeles
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
4,735
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 4,735 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
18% Acceptance Rate
$14,236 Net Price
1160-1470 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Wesleyan University
4 Year
Middletown, CT
682
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 682 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
18% Acceptance Rate
$20,490 Net Price
1300-1480 SAT Range
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Loyola Marymount University
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
1,555
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 1,555 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
54% Acceptance Rate
$40,946 Net Price
1120-1330 SAT Range
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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?
Rhode Island School of Design
4 Year
Providence, RI
309
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 309 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
34% Acceptance Rate
$39,389 Net Price
1080-1340 SAT Range
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University of North Carolina School of the Arts
4 Year
Winston-Salem, NC
240
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 240 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
54% Acceptance Rate
$13,452 Net Price
1030-1240 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Laguna College of Art & Design
4 Year
Laguna Beach, CA
192
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 192 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
39% Acceptance Rate
$34,863 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
4 Year
Ann Arbor, MI
3,977
12 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America
Junior: I've had the best college experience here at the University of Michigan. The people, the attractions, the study spots, the food, just everything makes it feel like you're home. It's a very diverse campus with so many friendly faces and there is always something to do. And I think the fact that I am enrolled in the number one dental school in the nation makes it much more motivating for me. The instructors will do whatever they can to help students succeed and if you put your mind to it, you will succeed. There's never a bad place to study and that's the other advantage of going to Umich. The only downside is housing can be difficult to find but that's because everybody wants to be a part of the Michigan difference!
Read 3,977 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
29% Acceptance Rate
$16,107 Net Price
1310-1500 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
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Vassar College
4 Year
Poughkeepsie, NY
595
13 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America
Freshman: Coming to Vassar was the best decision I ever made. From the moment I stepped onto campus, I was welcomed and supported. The professors are AMAZING and are very approachable and easy to talk to, and will do everything they can to help you be successful. The students are very intelligent and hard-working, but never competitive. Students are serious about their academics, but at the same know when to take breaks and make room for having fun.
Read 595 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
27% Acceptance Rate
$21,933 Net Price
1330-1500 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of California - Berkeley
4 Year
Berkeley, CA
3,839
14 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America
Freshman: There are many amazing things about my school such as fun campus life, vigorous academics, numerous opportunities for extracurriculars and social groups, as well as the diversity! However, some things Id like changed are horrible housing that is way too expensive for the prices students pay, tuition for international students, availability and accessibility of financial aid, grants, and scholarships for international students.
Read 3,839 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
17% Acceptance Rate
$17,160 Net Price
1270-1540 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Emory University
4 Year
Atlanta, GA
1,432
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 1,432 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
25% Acceptance Rate
$24,804 Net Price
1290-1500 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
School of Visual Arts
4 Year
New York, NY
460
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 460 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
74% Acceptance Rate
$42,742 Net Price
935-1230 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
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
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Emerson College
4 Year
Boston, MA
1,035
18 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America
Freshman: Everyone at Emerson is very passionate about their field and those who aren't quickly transfer out. Definitely a huge population of film students who fall into stereotypes, but you can find all kinds of people at Emerson. Almost everyone is very liberal and the LGBTQ+ population is huge. The school definitely struggles with racial and socioeconomic diversity. Finals are almost nonexistent here compared to other schools, but the workload is much more based on writing than exams anyway. Professors are mostly very good, but sometimes spacey because they're artists too. The dorms are also great, but a little overcrowded with the construction on the Little Building right now.
Read 1,035 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
48% Acceptance Rate
$39,263 Net Price
1120-1330 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of Miami
4 Year
Coral Gables, FL
2,681
19 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America
Sophomore: I picked UM because I wanted to stay living in Miami and my parents went there. My brother currently goes there now too. We are a full fledge UM family. It's in our blood I guess! The campus is gorgeous. The classrooms are modern. The resources and diversity are endless. Students are friendly and very school spirited. There is much participation and enthusiasm in all regards. What I would like to see change among the student body is the "rich-kid" vibe. Seeing as it is a private school, many students come from affluent backgrounds and it is reflected in their sense of entitlement and the flashy brands they are constantly clad in.
Read 2,681 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
38% Acceptance Rate
$37,424 Net Price
1210-1390 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Chapman University
4 Year
Orange, CA
2,036
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 2,036 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
54% Acceptance Rate
$40,709 Net Price
1110-1300 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
American University
4 Year
Washington, DC
2,255
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 2,255 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
26% Acceptance Rate
$31,758 Net Price
1150-1340 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
College for Creative Studies
4 Year
Detroit, MI
517
22 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America
Freshman: From what i've experienced so far at CCS, all I can say it was nothing that I expected, in every good way possible. If you're looking to pursue a major in the art field, this is the college for you. Being surrounded by others pursing the same major, you feel like you belong in the environment that you're in. Being surrounded by others in your major pushes you to become better and pushes you to want to exceed your peers. The staff and professors are experienced, helpful, and professional, and the school is equally professional.
Read 517 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
47% Acceptance Rate
$35,274 Net Price
— SAT Range
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Art Center College of Design
4 Year
Pasadena, CA
288
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 288 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
69% Acceptance Rate
$43,814 Net Price
— SAT Range
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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?
Minneapolis College of Art & Design
4 Year
Minneapolis, MN
217
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 217 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
65% Acceptance Rate
$27,169 Net Price
940-1190 SAT Range
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Cleveland State University
4 Year
Cleveland, OH
1,664
Freshman: I love the class sizes because you're able to build more personal relationships with your professors and get one on one attention if needed. The professors actually care about their jobs and their students. Cleveland State is located in downtown Cleveland so there are many different attractions including restaurants, stores , museums, bars , parks you name it! Another thing I really love about CSU is the advisory services as a first generation freshman I felt very supported as far as preparation as well as financial help. The party scene is not really great but otherwise all around great school .
Read 1,664 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
87% Acceptance Rate
$15,555 Net Price
890-1160 SAT Range
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Michigan State University
4 Year
East Lansing, MI
5,177
Sophomore: MSU is an amazing place to be, and I am proud to be a student representing this school! Student life really helps each individual to be able to express themselves to the full extent. The classes and professors are very engaging allowing students to pave their own paths, as they learn. But, the support from all staff - professors, TAs, advisors, is absolutely incredible! As a student striving for success in the medical field, I am proud to be a student here.
Read 5,177 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
66% Acceptance Rate
$14,970 Net Price
990-1260 SAT Range
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1 of 21

2019 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in AmericaAbout this List

Best Programs

Students

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Campus

Athletics

University of Southern California

New York University

University of Pennsylvania

F.I.R.S.T. Institute

California Institute of the Arts

University of California - Los Angeles

Wesleyan University

Loyola Marymount University

Columbia College Hollywood

Rhode Island School of Design

University of North Carolina School of the Arts

Laguna College of Art & Design

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Vassar College

University of California - Berkeley

Emory University

School of Visual Arts

Carleton College

Emerson College

University of Miami

Chapman University

American University

College for Creative Studies

Art Center College of Design

Nossi College of Art

Minneapolis College of Art & Design

Cleveland State University

Michigan State University