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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.

Film/Photography
514 results

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  1. University of Southern California

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 3,473
    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 3,473 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
    • 4,913
    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 4,913 Reviews

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

  3. University of Pennsylvania

    • 4 Year
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 1,152
    3 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Sophomore: The University of Pennsylvania has been my top choice school, and I am very satisfied with my experience so far. I am most impressed by the stylistically varied yet unified campus architecture, the quality of professors and extracurricular activities, and the times I spent at Locust Walk.
    Few reviews of Penn can be written without mentioning Locust Walk. It serves as the central walkway for several dorms, dining options, and significant locations. At the same time, it is a hub for students of all majors and interests and a vibrant representation of Penn's life and culture. The Walk continues to be a wonderful addition to my college experience.
    At the same time, I appreciate Penn's dedication to development. Every year, new constructions, programs, and extracurricular opportunities arise, and I enjoy being part of such a community. I would recommend Penn to anyone who loves challenges, immersive experiences, and diverse social connections.
    Read 1,152 Reviews

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

  5. California Institute of the Arts

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

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

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

  6. University of California - Los Angeles

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 4,680
    5 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 4,680 Reviews

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

  7. Wesleyan University

    • 4 Year
    • Middletown, CT
    • 677
    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 677 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
    • 1,544
    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 1,544 Reviews

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

  10. Columbia College Hollywood

    • 4 Year
    • Tarzana, CA
    • 54
    8 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Recent Alumnus: It was a great experience, on hands participation with in the tour which I like the most. All teachers and volunteer students gave us presentations that were very clear and broad to better understand what I was getting into.. I also like the fact that school is small which will help much to interact with teachers and other excisting students. I feel that this is going to be an adventure and a challenging experience which will make me more of a strong candidate for future employments with in the filming/production industry. Adding to this last statement, it is a school that interacts with big filming and production companies, that will also help to set me up for innership purposes and gain experience.. And I would apply again if I had to choose all over again.

    Best Regards!

    Jennifer Juarez
    Read 54 Reviews

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

  11. Rhode Island School of Design

    • 4 Year
    • Providence, RI
    • 305
    9 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?
  12. Sponsored

    Cleveland Institute of Art

    • 4 Year
    • Cleveland, OH
    • 199

    Sophomore: CIA is awesome! I just finished my sophomore year in Animation and I'm still loving it. The professors are amazing and I feel like I've learned so much at the end of each semester. I can't speak for any other programs, but the Animation program is awesome. I only wish we could cover more subjects. There's not enough time in a year honestly. I wish we were able to take Illustration classes without having to submit a portfolio and get accepted into a second major. Because, for example, we don't get to take classes like Character Design (since it's technically an Illustration class). Overall though, it's a great program with great people. Heads up for freshmen/prospective freshmen, Animation is one of the most competitive majors to get into at this school. It's definitely worth it, but you should know that going in.
    Read 199 Reviews

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

  13. University of North Carolina School of the Arts

    • 4 Year
    • Winston-Salem, NC
    • 237
    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 237 Reviews

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

  14. Laguna College of Art & Design

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

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

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

  15. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

    • 4 Year
    • Ann Arbor, MI
    • 3,950
    12 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Alum: The University of Michigan's motto is "Leaders and Best" and that's exactly what this school provides and produces. It provides the best professors, courses and college experiences and produces innovative leaders. My experience at this institution allowed for academic and personal growth, which has embedded quite a zealous spirit within me, especially in regard to the achievement of my future aspirations. I can't thank this school enough. To conclude, I recommend the University of Michigan to anyone willing to work hard, expand their mind and anyone who wishes to fulfil their dreams!
    Read 3,950 Reviews

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

  17. Vassar College

    • 4 Year
    • Poughkeepsie, NY
    • 590
    13 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Alum: I loved being a student at Vassar! The professors are incredible - always there to help you outside of class if you need it. The campus is beautiful, as well.
    Read 590 Reviews

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

  18. University of California - Berkeley

    • 4 Year
    • Berkeley, CA
    • 3,803
    14 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Sophomore: Berkeley is just perfect balance between academics and fun! I have amazing professors in all of my classes and they never stress me out too much. It's rigorous enough to get me going but not up to the point where it is not enjoyable. I have plenty of time to destress and go crazy on frat row. Berkeley also provides very unique experiences with a campus ripe with freedom of self-expression. You meet all sorts of people. Also, Berkeley is the number 1 public university in the world so you are definitely getting your money's worth!
    Read 3,803 Reviews

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

  19. Emory University

    • 4 Year
    • Atlanta, GA
    • 1,425
    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 1,425 Reviews

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

  20. School of Visual Arts

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 457
    16 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?

  21. Carleton College

    • 4 Year
    • Northfield, MN
    • 474
    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 474 Reviews

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

  24. Emerson College

    • 4 Year
    • Boston, MA
    • 1,024
    18 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 1,024 Reviews

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

  25. University of Miami

    • 4 Year
    • Coral Gables, FL
    • 2,661
    19 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: Coral Gables is home to the University of Miami, an elite university, known commonly as “The U.” With its perpetual sunshine and swaying palm trees, the University of Miami enjoys the cool ambience of the tropics, while also holding the title of a Top 50 school. Just like the city of Miami, the school is bubbling with a variety of different people with different backgrounds. The athletics teams at this school are great too, with our football team's ever-increasing ranking. We have had several celebrities come to the University of Miami, parading around campus, throwing up the "U" at sports games, and notably even filming a music video here! The University of Miami had everything I was looking for in a campus and choosing to go there it is one of the best decisions I've ever made.
    Read 2,661 Reviews

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

  26. Chapman University

    • 4 Year
    • Orange, CA
    • 2,022
    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 2,022 Reviews

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

  27. American University

    • 4 Year
    • Washington, DC
    • 2,237
    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 2,237 Reviews

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

  28. College for Creative Studies

    • 4 Year
    • Detroit, MI
    • 514
    22 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Senior: I love this school even though it can kind of be awful. The resources are fantastic, the technology, the wood shop, metal shop, foundry, ceramic studio, glass shop, just so many great things! It is a very challenging institution, particularly during the freshman year. It is a small school, so it is easy to form a bond with a lot of the students, especially since the students tend to be quite like-minded. The school can kind of stink depending on what major the student chooses. It is a great design school, fantastic for product designers, but the majors that are not so design based kind of get the short end of the stick. I have lived in the student housing for 4 years. They are improving it and renovating it, but unfortunately I have had to live in the construction. The campus is safe, the professors are great (usually), and it is a very inspiring place to be.
    Read 514 Reviews

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

  31. Art Center College of Design

    • 4 Year
    • Pasadena, CA
    • 284
    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 284 Reviews

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

  32. 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?

  33. Minneapolis College of Art & Design

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

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

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

    Bob Jones University

    • 4 Year
    • Greenville, SC
    • 979

    Niche User: I enjoyed just about everything! The food was good, the place was interesting, and the people were very friendly and kind. Although, when I visited the campus with my mom for a conference the sidewalks were very dirty. At sundown, my mom just about plastered her face tripping over a large stick in the way. Overall it was pretty good though.
    Read 979 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 87% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,258 Net Price
    • 900-1210 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  35. Sponsored

    Champlain College

    • 4 Year
    • Burlington, VT
    • 692

    Junior: Champlain College is amazing. Let's start off with academics. All the professors know their students on a first name basis and are genuinely dedicated to teaching, making sure the students comprehend the content in the course, and helping students further their education.My first semester in my new major made me realize I had made the right choice for my career goals. The courses were exactly what I was looking for and we even got to work with real clients in the Burlington area. This brings me to my second point, job placement and connections. I know the reason I decided to go to college was to broaden my opportunity for employment. There are so many opportunities to network, get internships, or gain experience that will help you when looking for jobs post-graduation. My final point is the campus. Visiting Campus is a MUST! Burlington is the perfect setting for Campus, especially in the fall when the leaves change and it looks like an L.L.Bean catalog.
    Read 692 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 70% Acceptance Rate
    • $38,370 Net Price
    • 940-1208 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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