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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
503 results

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  1. University of Southern California

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 3,547
    #1 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: USC is an amazing school in terms of academics. There's definitely a higher standard and you have to work for your grades but you come out having learned a lot. Because it is a private school with lots of appeal in the heart of Los Angeles, it does attract a fair share of ignorant, privileged people. However, you can definitely find genuine people, just keep looking and being you! USC has so many perks and resources and I highly recommend getting involved whether it be sports or clubs! The professors are very experienced and amazing.
    Read 3,547 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,892 Net Price
    • 1300-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. New York University

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 5,003
    #2 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: Excited for the future. This school is great! This is a brief summary:

     New York University (NYU) is a private research university originally founded in New York City but now with campuses and locations throughout the world. Founded in 1831, NYU's historical campus is in Greenwich Village, New York City.[12][13] As a global university, students can graduate from its degree-granting campuses in NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU Shanghai, as well as study at its 12 academic centers in Accra, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Florence, London, Los Angeles, Madrid, Paris, Prague, Sydney, Tel Aviv, and Washington, D.C.[14][15][16]
    Read 5,003 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 28% Acceptance Rate
    • $36,256 Net Price
    • 1290-1490 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. University of Pennsylvania

    • 4 Year
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 1,176
    #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 1,176 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,539 Net Price
    • 1420-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  4. Sponsored

    Raritan Valley Community College

    • 2 Year
    • Branchburg, NJ
    • 570

    Sophomore: I really like RVCC because it allowed me to have an easier transition to college. Many of the professors are kind and caring, and they really value my education. I feel really comfortable to be there! I am apart of the Honors College, which has been a wonderful experience. We go on trips as a group, and it helped me to get to know people and make friends! I appreciate that it is close knit and everyone is caring towards others. RVCC encourages its students to get involved, and join clubs, which as a two year institute, is a bit hard to do. So they offer a college hour two days a week where for an hour and twenty minutes, no classes are offered and it dedicated to clubs and events happening on campus. I got involved with the Dance Club which has been so much fun! I am in charge of emails to other groups and I get in interact with people in free dance classes hosted by other students and guest teachers.
    Read 570 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 99% Acceptance Rate
    • $6,378 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. California Institute of the Arts

    • 4 Year
    • Valencia, CA
    • 253
    #4 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Niche User: My strong attraction to CalArts came when I first visited the campus. Every aspect of the environment captivated me, especially the accepting and encouraging energy that every member of the community, staff and student alike, radiates. The focus on diversity and the versatility of their programs is very inspiring.
    Read 253 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 24% Acceptance Rate
    • $51,199 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. University of California - Los Angeles

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 4,832
    #5 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Junior: Overall, I've had a great experience here at UCLA. The academics are incredible with very supportive professors and the campus food is top tier. My general consensus is that while most people are campus keep to themselves and are very shy, once that barrier is broken the potential to make lifelong friends is staggering. The campus is a little hilly though, so a good pair of walking shoes is an absolute necessity for happy feet. Your calves will be sculpted in no time! All in all, I am absolutely enjoying my experience here and I want to prolong it as long as possible. No regrets in deciding to get my degree here. Go Bruins!
    Read 4,832 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 16% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,760 Net Price
    • 1220-1450 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. Wesleyan University

    • 4 Year
    • Middletown, CT
    • 692
    #6 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Junior: I LOVE this school! Couldn't be happier with my choice to come here. The students are incredible - everyone is interested in such a wide range of subjects and activities and they're all so passionate about what they're doing! I have friends who are chem majors who also star in plays, film majors who are also varsity athletes, bio majors who are in mock trial, etc. Everyone feels free to be themselves and do what they love and it's such an awesome environment to be a part of.
    Read 692 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 16% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,251 Net Price
    • 1300-1480 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  8. Find College Scholarships 

  9. Loyola Marymount University

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 1,569
    #7 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: Overall my time at LMU has been great! I have had great professors who care about me and know who I am. The school is fairly expensive but provides a good amount of financial aide and opportunities for scholarships. The campus is beautiful, near the beach and LA. The food on campus is from SodeXo a bit expensive and not best quality but usually palatable. The athletics and party scene are ok they both are starting to resurge but people frequent UCLA or USC for parties. Despite this LMU is a great university to attend, you will receive a quality education here.
    Read 1,569 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 52% Acceptance Rate
    • $42,459 Net Price
    • 1180-1360 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  10. Columbia College Hollywood

    • 4 Year
    • Tarzana, CA
    • 59
    #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 59 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 50% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,345 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  11. Rhode Island School of Design

    • 4 Year
    • Providence, RI
    • 312
    #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 312 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 32% Acceptance Rate
    • $39,777 Net Price
    • 1130-1370 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. University of North Carolina School of the Arts

    • 4 Year
    • Winston-Salem, NC
    • 244
    #10 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: I LOVE UNCSA! Getting to work with some of the best teachers in the country and forming great relationships is part of what makes UNCSA so great. They truly care about your development and well being, and will do anything to help you accomplish your goals. Not to mention the equally talented students that are incredible to collaborate with. The academics are lower than the standards of most colleges, but then again it is an art school so you're there for a specific art.
    While some people think going here lessens the typical college experience, I would actually disagree. We get free tickets to performances, movies, concerts, which all add culture and exposure. I have learned so much about other arts, which enrich my own performances and will help benefit my future career.
    Read 244 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 33% Acceptance Rate
    • $13,624 Net Price
    • 1080-1290 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. Laguna College of Art & Design

    • 4 Year
    • Laguna Beach, CA
    • 194
    #11 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Sophomore: Fantastic teachers, gorgeous campus, and easy transport for carless students like me! Bus line runs right down the canyon, and the free school shuttle stops at all campus locations and the Artisan Apartments.
    Read 194 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 81% Acceptance Rate
    • $36,887 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  16. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

    • 4 Year
    • Ann Arbor, MI
    • 4,029
    #12 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: From amazing academics to contagious school spirit, I have loved my first year at Michigan. The universe exceeded all of my expectations. Everyone student is motivated to do their best. This is not only in a classroom setting, but it is in every aspect of their lives. I am pushed by all my peers to try my hardest. Although a large school, the administration truly cares about every student, and there are countless numbers of resources available to help with anything one may need. The social aspect of school is amazing. There are so many different types of people, clubs, and parties, so everyone can find something they like. GO BLUE!
    Read 4,029 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 27% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,408 Net Price
    • 1330-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. Vassar College

    • 4 Year
    • Poughkeepsie, NY
    • 599
    #13 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Junior: Amazing institution that positions itself as a school of multi-disciplinary education, boasts a thoughtful and inclusive student body and is driven by crucial conversations our society faces. However, more importantly, this school provides opportunities that open our minds to see the aspects on which we could improve as college students, and urges us to envision and be prepared for our respective careers after graduation.
    Read 599 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 24% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,763 Net Price
    • 1330-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. University of California - Berkeley

    • 4 Year
    • Berkeley, CA
    • 3,894
    #14 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Junior: UC Berkeley provides outstanding environment for students to achieve and conquer their academic and career goals. Many people think of Cal as a cut-throat school but on the contrary, the amount of peer support I encountered within this school is amazing. Students in Cal uplift each other because studying here is hard but the products of that studying open doors to many career opportunities. At times it may feel overwhelming to find own place in such a big school, but Cal has plenty college resources for every kind of person. Go Bears!
    Read 3,894 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,178 Net Price
    • 1260-1480 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  20. Emory University

    • 4 Year
    • Atlanta, GA
    • 1,450
    #15 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Sophomore: I'm currently a sophomore at Oxford College. Overall, the university is amazing. However, if you are looking for the stereotypical, television college experience then Emory University is not your place. You would do better at your local state institution. However, if you are looking to surround yourself with some of the world's greatest intellectuals, and some who are lacking, then Emory is your place. Beautiful Campus, amazing professors and staff, and amazing students. Part scene here is below average. Honestly, just like anywhere, you get whatever you put in. If your seek then you shall find.
    Read 1,450 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 22% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,867 Net Price
    • 1350-1520 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  21. School of Visual Arts

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 466
    #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 466 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $46,129 Net Price
    • 1020-1230 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  22. Carleton College

    • 4 Year
    • Northfield, MN
    • 479
    #17 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Sophomore: Carleton has wonderful faculty and their selling point would definitely be the academics. Carleton is also very generous with giving financial aid to students, which has helped me tremendously. Although it is secluded in a small town, I find this to be very good for my safety (honestly, you'll probably be too busy being on campus to even want to go to the cities). I think the dorms are above average for a lot of colleges in America. I've visited many, and Carleton's "worst dorm" (which I lived in) was very nice. Overall, great school! Can't wait to finish my degree.
    Read 479 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 21% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,148 Net Price
    • 1360-1530 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. Emerson College

    • 4 Year
    • Boston, MA
    • 1,046
    #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 1,046 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 46% Acceptance Rate
    • $42,070 Net Price
    • 1200-1360 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. University of Miami

    • 4 Year
    • Coral Gables, FL
    • 2,713
    #19 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Sophomore: University of Miami is one of the most beautiful schools structurally as well as exceptionally academic. From its quaint fountain lake to its modern building architecture, UM's landscape is a playground. Ducks, lizards and all types of animals freely live in harmony with the amused students, creating an adventurous atmosphere. Professors are compassionate to individual student concerns, and are always there to aid in understanding the material or to listen with a genuine manner. The students are always grateful, seen walking around campus with a natural bliss created by the mixture of warm weather and visually pleasing stimuli. There are events everyday, either frat promotions, club activities, or donation collections. Donate a dollar and throw a pie in a participant's face! There is always something extracurricular to do on campus such as free concerts; Zedd performed this last year! Although UM is a lot of fun, the library is a special place for commitment to studying.
    Read 2,713 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 36% Acceptance Rate
    • $42,204 Net Price
    • 1230-1420 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  27. Chapman University

    • 4 Year
    • Orange, CA
    • 2,055
    #20 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: My short time at Chapman has provided me with a plethora of opportunities and incited a drive within me that I truly believe could not have happened elsewhere. I'll add that any school is what you make of it, and that every person has a different "fit" school.

    For me, that fit was here. As a science major, I have been engaged in small classes with professors truly invested in my learning, as opposed to solely their research like in larger universities. I've been able to conduct research from the beginning. I've had guidance and mentorship that is truly unparalleled. But the best part has been how the size of the school allows students to truly form bonds. As just a freshman, I found myself walking to class stopping to say hi to so many people. I'm not a social butterfly, I'll note, but the environment is just conducive to this! Can't recommend enough if you're looking for an environment to grow and thrive, but without being the number you might be at a larger school.
    Read 2,055 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 57% Acceptance Rate
    • $40,053 Net Price
    • 1190-1360 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  28. American University

    • 4 Year
    • Washington, DC
    • 2,277
    #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 2,277 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 29% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,732 Net Price
    • 1180-1350 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  29. College for Creative Studies

    • 4 Year
    • Detroit, MI
    • 527
    #22 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Senior: I am currently a senior at Canton High School in Michigan and I attended a walk-through at CCS, and absolutely fell in love with the school. This confirmed my decision to attend fall of 2019 as I was so nerves before my walk-through. The class rooms, living spaces, and college environment gave me a sense of peace of excitement! This scholarship will help me entire this stage of my life with less financial worries.
    Read 527 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 49% Acceptance Rate
    • $36,870 Net Price
    • 970-1200 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  32. Art Center College of Design

    • 4 Year
    • Pasadena, CA
    • 298
    #23 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Sophomore: It's a great school with a lot of opportunities. Being in a very fast-pace, competitive environment pushes students to give the best of their efforts to grow and become successful in their studies. Having instructors that are also full-time designers is a great advantage because you learn what the professional world is like in that field. You also build many great connections. It is definitely not a school for slackers, and you'll learn that almost immediately. Art Center is designed to weed out the weak and keep only the best students. There are many rigorous courses offered and one way or another you will find your perfect match for what it is that you want to do when you graduate. Although very expensive and stressful, if you make the most of your time at Art Center, it will definitely pay off.
    Read 298 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 70% Acceptance Rate
    • $45,622 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  33. Nossi College of Art

    • 4 Year
    • Madison, TN
    • 54
    #24 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Senior: The reason why I am giving full starts to Nossi College of Art tit's because I love all the programs Nossi has, I love how each class will be, I love how everybody cares for each one another which it's one of the 5 bucket lists, social.
    My experience was speechless while taking a toured, all the award from different categories and much more art just made my mind blow from all the amazing things that I can accomplish in this college of art.
    Read 54 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 48% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,373 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  34. Minneapolis College of Art & Design

    • 4 Year
    • Minneapolis, MN
    • 222
    #25 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: I've had an excellent experience at MCAD so far. All the professors are artists that are still practicing their craft and are friendly and approachable. MCAD's an art school, the most athletics it has are the clubs and the party scene is more off-campus- we're close enough that you could catch a ride to the University of Minnesota if you really wanted to party. The housing is apartment style, meaning you have a bathroom and kitchen you have to clean yourself. There is no meal plan due to the kitchen you have in housing, but they do have a great cafeteria that opens around 8 and closes at 5. Everyone just wants you to succeed and are happy to help you in that endeavor.
    Read 222 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 59% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,182 Net Price
    • 950-1250 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  35. Sponsored

    New Jersey Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Newark, NJ
    • 1,073

    Freshman: For a university that has a lot of diversity of students from all types of ethnic background you name. All the lectures and lab courses has a lot to offer where you're giving real world problems, giving that professional experience in your actual classroom. There are many on campus clubs/organizations that anyone can get involved with creating a experience for to students to become future leaders in the workforce. NJIT is ranked #1 on tuition/salary ratio in the whole country, meaning you your college education really worth it. Our University offers career services and a large network for many employment opportunities. NJIT really has a lot to offer to, possibilities are limitless!
    Read 1,073 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 61% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,972 Net Price
    • 1190-1370 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  36. Sponsored

    Loyola Marymount University

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 1,569

    Freshman: Overall my time at LMU has been great! I have had great professors who care about me and know who I am. The school is fairly expensive but provides a good amount of financial aide and opportunities for scholarships. The campus is beautiful, near the beach and LA. The food on campus is from SodeXo a bit expensive and not best quality but usually palatable. The athletics and party scene are ok they both are starting to resurge but people frequent UCLA or USC for parties. Despite this LMU is a great university to attend, you will receive a quality education here.
    Read 1,569 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 52% Acceptance Rate
    • $42,459 Net Price
    • 1180-1360 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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