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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
514 results

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  1. University of Southern California

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 3,428
    1 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Sophomore: I love attending the University of Southern California! The school has high caliber academics, a competitive yet fun environment for students of all majors, and a gorgeous campus. USC is a bit expensive however, hardworking students can come in with large scholarships to defray this cost. I definitely think that this experience is worth the cost of living and expenses out here and will truly pay off in the end. I have definitely met life long friends and have made unforgettable memories throughout my time here!
    Read 3,428 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
    • 4,860
    2 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Junior: The experience of a being at NYU is a full one, there's is too much to do on campus as well as off campus. I would not trade my city life for anything else. Imagine taking art classes in Washington Sq Park, studying in a library that overlooks the famous bussiness school, having the opportunity to live in Union Sq, Chinatown, Greenwich, and Soho, and then spending a semester abroad. There is a reason NYU is one of the top 5 dream schools. It's really what you make of it and no single person's city adventure will be quite the same! Last but not least finding your community on campus has been one of my most treasured experiences. There are too many clubs and people to meet. Finding incredibly talented people to share your passion projects with, that has been the best part of my networking and college experience at NYU.
    Read 4,860 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
    • 245
    3 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Sophomore: CalArts is a welcoming and empowering environment for aspiring artists. They make sure that the students have the tools that they need to create and collaborate with other artists. They have students coming from all over the world---a great way to connect with people coming from different backgrounds and culture. Furthermore, CalArts provides the students with the knowledge that they need to succeed in their chosen metier. However, they do lack in traditional academic classes so the option to have an academic minor is quite limited. Other than that, I think CalArts is a wonderful place for artists like me to grow and learn.
    Read 245 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
    • 4,575
    4 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: I love my school so much! There are so many clubs and organizations on campus that everyone can find something they like. Dancing clubs and culture clubs are pretty popular. Greek life is relatively a big scene, but it's completely OK if you're not into parties. Everyone's pretty chill. Parties are usually on Thursdays. Academics here is amazing! Most of my professors are funny, caring and involved in teaching. All my professors are super helpful and have extended office hours the week before midterms and finals. There are many research opportunities and internships open every quarter.
    Our basketball team is awesome and students get free stuff and sometimes a free chick-fill-A sandwich after the game. Football games are also pretty fun to watch, especially the USC game(The rivalry is real, tho we're way better at everything but football). Totally worth the money and time. Overall, my life at UCLA is 10/10. Bruins work hard, party hard. I can't even imagine myself at somewhere else!
    Read 4,575 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
    • 234
    5 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: UNCSA is a very rigorous program. Our first year we learn other Design and Production Majors such as Scenery, electrics, and costumes. We are on crew for sometimes long hours. It's very tough but that's why it is rewarding and educational at the end! My favorite course out of crew rotations was being in Costumes. The gowns were gorgeous and actors were very entertaining.
    Read 234 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
    • 668
    6 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    College Senior: Academics vary by department, but generally I find myself in small enough classes where I get enough attention. Many are seminar based with lots of reading, which put a great emphasis on conversation. You can study ANY subject under the sun, and picking classes from all the exciting options is really hard! Professors are honestly hit or miss. Some (a slight majority?) are the most brilliant, passionate, helpful educators I've ever had, and are great resources for whatever we are studying. But I've had some professors that are incredibly disorganized and terrible at imparting knowledge onto others. Definitely weigh in upperclassmen opinions of faculty when picking classes (RateMyProfessor is v outdated).
    Read 668 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
    • 1,520
    7 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Sophomore: I came here being skeptical. However, I have been impressed ever since I got here! The campus as a whole is so well-maintained. People are so kind and the campus is pretty! Professors are caring and classes are interactive. The food is honestly simplistic, but delicious at the same time. Library is just gorgeous! I have also just realized that LMU is ranked 3rd in the West. Lastly, if safety is one of your main concerns? Don't worry! I have been feeling safe since day 1. I love it here!

    P. S: For you to have a chance to get admitted here, you would at least need 3.0 GPA.
    Read 1,520 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
    • 304
    8 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Niche User: RISD is known by many around the world as one of the top visual arts colleges. Its academics and studio arts professors are incredibly intelligent and skilled people. They carry the RISD name with pride and deliver a great educational experience to the students.
    With it being an internationally famous school, there is a great level of diversity among students. The Asian community is large at RISD, but there are a number of students from all over the world.
    The courses at RISD are rigorous, particularly in Freshman year. Student stress level is very high, and many students fail to take proper care of their health such as sleeping and eating adequately.
    For a very driven individual who can handle a large workload and has the proper support to keep on top of self care, RISD can be an incredibly rewarding school experience.
    Read 304 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
    • 1,020
    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 1,020 Reviews

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

    Biola University

    • 4 Year
    • La Mirada, CA
    • 2,066

    Junior: Biola is a Biblically sound, private Christian University. The people are extremely friendly and are usually God- fearing. Pretty much every professor is conservative and wants to get to know you on a personal level outside of the classroom. The campus environment is warm and welcoming, and it is very easy to make friends. Located in Southern California, Biola is close to many famous destinations like the beach, LA, and Disneyland! Dorm life is a major part of the campus community, but I am sure commuters are just as satisfied. I love Biola. The professors have taught me a lot about thinking Biblically about everything, the people are beautiful, the weather is great, and my friends are incredible. You should definitely check it out!
    Read 2,066 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 65% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,273 Net Price
    • 950-1220 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  13. DigiPen Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Redmond, WA
    • 219
    10 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: The campus is not the typical large college but rather in an office building of sorts with three levels which makes navigating and getting to class very easy. The teachers are laid back, willing to get to know you, answer questions and touch base if you have any concerns.

    The work load is tense, much more than the typical college experience and will be a constant thing to remember when it comes to work but at the same time, this is preparing you for the workforce, meeting deadlines and staying motivated. You get to know everyone eventually.

    The staff are dedicated and friendly - when living in the dorms you get to meet your RA's who set up weekly to monthly events and the university itself is very driven by holding events and getting everyone together.

    The price of attending here is expensive, but considering the result that you get out of it, it is worth the effort.
    Read 219 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
    • 3,890
    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 3,890 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
    • 3,753
    12 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: Berkeley is an amazing school with amazing professors. I love it here and I learn so much, my dorm is amazing, the clubs are really great, there are so many oppertunities for volunteer work, professors who are literally famous in their fields teach intro level classes!
    On the other hand, grade deflation here is awful, and the fear of not being able to get into grad school or med school because only the top something percent of people get As in various STEM classes is enormous. As in any other big city, safety is a bit of an issue, although there are lots of systems in place to make it safer for students.
    Overall, though, it's a fantastic school!
    Read 3,753 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
    • 2,003
    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 2,003 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
    • 450
    14 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    College Freshman: The variety in courses is phenomenal! Aside from the basic courses that you are required to complete, which all still seem very interesting, there are many different elective courses that are available, expending on into different subject such as history and even science. Seeing different courses that focus on different methods and styles of art only makes me wish that I could be able to apply for all of them! Finding the right professor, however, is not easy, sometimes you'll end up with a teacher that has a sort of teaching style that doesn't help you at all, and the only way you can get a good idea on who the right professor is for you is to rely on other's opinions.
    Read 450 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
    • 188
    15 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: The campus is quite beautiful and quaint with a wonderful artistic atmosphere. The professors are very knowledgeable and work within the fields they are teaching; though the work load is rather heavy. However, things worthwhile don’t come easy and hard work and dedication is a must. With that being said, it would be nice if the campus wasn’t broken into two different locations. Also, crossing Laguna Canyon Rd can be quite dangerous, traffic is absolutely horrible and people don’t like stopping even though there’s a light!
    Read 188 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
    • 1,407
    16 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Niche User: I went to a tour during Spring Break with my school. It was beginning to sprinkle, but out tour guides really helped to lighten up the mood. They were incredibly kind and were considerate of us when walking througout campus. Asided from our guides, the camous was very beautiful. The facilities were clean and even the food was delicios! PS. They have an adorable waffle maker with the Emory logo on it!
    Read 1,407 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
    • 471
    17 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: Love everything about Carleton! The surrounding area is very safe because it's right next to a small town, and the professors are so knowledgeable in what they teach. Plus, they're available whenever you need them.
    Read 471 Reviews

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

    Vanderbilt University

    • 4 Year
    • Nashville, TN
    • 1,178

    Sophomore: Vanderbilt is an excellent place to continue your education. It is easy to find your place at this school because the environment is amazingly friendly and welcoming. Greek life is huge here and many people get involved. The weather is usually mild and the faculty is great. The food is ranked in the country, and as a sophomore, I still enjoy it. Anchor Down! This school is not without flaws, however. The campus is pretty divided racially. There is no malice, but it is clear that intermingling between races only truly occurs in the classroom. That is one thing this school could improve.
    Read 1,178 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,150 Net Price
    • 1420-1590 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  23. Minneapolis College of Art & Design

    • 4 Year
    • Minneapolis, MN
    • 210
    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 210 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
    • 506
    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 506 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
    • 2,637
    20 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Sophomore: I love attending the University of Miami! My experience at the University of Miami has been nothing less than personal. The teachers and staff are very personal and truly care about my overall learning experience. When I think of my college experience here, I think of family.
    Read 2,637 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
    • 279
    21 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Sophomore: With great professors and academics, ArtCenter provides an excellent platform to learn a lot about how the real designer-client world works. The workload is rigorous and does make life monotonous after a while. I wish they had better student activities and sports. They do have an amazing return on graduation though so overall it's an amazing college.
    Read 279 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
    • 1,359
    22 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Alum: My time at Boston College changed my life. Not only did the university provide me with a world class liberal arts education, it also formed me as a person. Social justice and civic responsibility were two recurrent themes in many of my classes, and the student body was very active in volunteer work and pursuing their passions. In short, Boston College is one of the most inspirational places I've ever been a part of!
    Read 1,359 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
    • 601
    23 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: I have had an amazing experience during my first year at Vassar. The tuition is very high, but the school offers one of the best financial aid packages in the country. The classes are very interactive, and the professors are not only helpful, but also challenge students to think beyond their limits. The students are also very involved in on campus activities, and there are a wide variety of clubs that students can participate in. The only downside to the school would have to be the food, as the "deece", the all-student dining center, is infamous for having bad food.
    Read 601 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
    • 740
    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 740 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
    • 1,378
    25 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: SMU is not perfect, nor is any school, but I am so thrilled to be a part of the amazing community here. The campus is beautiful, the professors are world-class, and everyone actually wants to see each student succeed. I am a science student (which SMU is not known for) but I still find myself learning and being challenged as much as my friends at big STEM schools. The Cox business school is unparalleled, the Meadows art school is highly regarded, and a degree from SMU sets you up for a bright future. There is nothing like being so connected to campus through boulevarding (tailgating before football games, a very SMU-experience), being in the MOB (basketball student section), and having access to everything the school has to offer its students. I love SMU and am looking forward to another three amazing years here!
    Read 1,378 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 49% Acceptance Rate
    • $37,499 Net Price
    • 1220-1410 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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2018 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America
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