2019 Best Film Schools and Photography Programs

Film/Photography

503 results

University of Southern California
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
3,560 reviews
#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 3,560 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
17% Acceptance Rate
$32,892 Net Price
1300-1500 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
New York University
4 Year
New York, NY
5,015 reviews
#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 5,015 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
28% Acceptance Rate
$36,256 Net Price
1290-1490 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of Pennsylvania
4 Year
Philadelphia, PA
1,180 reviews
#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 1,180 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
9% Acceptance Rate
$24,539 Net Price
1420-1560 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
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Full Sail University
4 Year
Winter Park, FL
2,775 reviews
Freshman: Upon researching degree programs.Within the same hour I was pleasently greated by the staff at Full Sail University.Because of the wonderful staff at FSU I was able to determine my correct degree program fit for what I needed.They are on top of everything making you feel so welcome and wanted. My choice to do online courses was due to having children and being a single mother of five.Before I started, the staff walked me through step by step applying for scholarships and student aide.Even being an online student they include us in everything.When they have a big event on campus in Winter Park Florida, I can still perticipate here in Texas!
Read 2,775 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$25,254 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?
California Institute of the Arts
4 Year
Valencia, CA
254 reviews
#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 254 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
24% Acceptance Rate
$51,199 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of California - Los Angeles
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
4,861 reviews
#5 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America
Senior: I love the campus and overall location. The scenery makes it worthwhile especially during those times when your classes are overwhelming. There is always something to do nearby if you look for it. I'd like to see funding go to necessary areas other than sports or marketing of the actual university. For example, the minority communities deserve to have and be knowledgeable about spaces designated for them where they can meet others like themselves, especially because the campus is so big with so many people. In addition there should be more resources for all students, but especially for those who are structurally disadvantaged. Overall, I enjoy my time here thanks to the amazing community of likeminded individuals that I found!
Read 4,861 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
16% Acceptance Rate
$14,760 Net Price
1220-1450 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Wesleyan University
4 Year
Middletown, CT
694 reviews
#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 694 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
16% Acceptance Rate
$24,251 Net Price
1300-1480 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
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Loyola Marymount University
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
1,574 reviews
#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 1,574 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
52% Acceptance Rate
$42,459 Net Price
1180-1360 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Columbia College Hollywood
4 Year
Tarzana, CA
60 reviews
#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 60 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
50% Acceptance Rate
$25,345 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Rhode Island School of Design
4 Year
Providence, RI
315 reviews
#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 315 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
32% Acceptance Rate
$39,777 Net Price
1130-1370 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of North Carolina School of the Arts
4 Year
Winston-Salem, NC
245 reviews
#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 245 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
33% Acceptance Rate
$13,624 Net Price
1080-1290 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Laguna College of Art & Design
4 Year
Laguna Beach, CA
194 reviews
#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?
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
4 Year
Ann Arbor, MI
4,042 reviews
#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 4,042 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
27% Acceptance Rate
$16,408 Net Price
1330-1500 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
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Vassar College
4 Year
Poughkeepsie, NY
599 reviews
#13 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America
Sophomore: A comfy environment for a rigorous academic experience. The professors are (mostly) caring and passionate about teaching and provide an high level of support which is backed up by a very helpful peer tutoring system. There are great job opportunities, though they can be difficult to get without work study in your aid package. The extracurricular activities are plentiful so you're guaranteed to find people with common interests if you look.
Read 599 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
24% Acceptance Rate
$23,763 Net Price
1330-1500 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of California - Berkeley
4 Year
Berkeley, CA
3,903 reviews
#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 3,903 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
17% Acceptance Rate
$18,178 Net Price
1260-1480 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Emory University
4 Year
Atlanta, GA
1,457 reviews
#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 1,457 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
22% Acceptance Rate
$26,867 Net Price
1350-1520 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
School of Visual Arts
4 Year
New York, NY
471 reviews
#16 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America
Sophomore: School of Visual Arts (a.k.a SVA) is one of the best colleges to find and create strong relationships with friends, peers and professors, as well as learning and absorbing the surrounding community of artists in NYC. The school's professors are experienced professionals within the art world offering strong insight and inspiration. Resources and tools available to students are wonderful! Labs are open after classes for Animation students like me, and rentals for equipment are readily available for students in Film, Video or Photography. SVA's East and West Libraries are both great places for research or relaxing. The clubs are also some of the most fun and interactive clubs I've joined. Figure Drawing club and the fun, educating sessions at LGBT/Queer SVA helped make my days at school all the more lovable. If I had to pick out a specific way to improve SVA, I would ask for the school to offer a more readily available/ accessible cafeteria and/or meal plan.
Read 471 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
72% Acceptance Rate
$46,129 Net Price
1020-1230 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Carleton College
4 Year
Northfield, MN
479 reviews
#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?
Emerson College
4 Year
Boston, MA
1,048 reviews
#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 1,048 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
46% Acceptance Rate
$42,070 Net Price
1200-1360 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of Miami
4 Year
Coral Gables, FL
2,720 reviews
#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 2,720 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
36% Acceptance Rate
$42,204 Net Price
1230-1420 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Chapman University
4 Year
Orange, CA
2,065 reviews
#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 2,065 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
57% Acceptance Rate
$40,053 Net Price
1190-1360 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
American University
4 Year
Washington, DC
2,283 reviews
#21 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America
Senior: Overwhelmingly I have enjoyed my time at AU. I chose to go to AU for a combination of financial and academic reasons. Financially I was able to get strong need and merit-based scholarships that made higher education accessible to me. I was academically drawn to the school because of the opportunities it offers. The professors at AU rarely fail to impress me, I have had wonderful experiences with them and they truly are experts in their fields. The only issue I have had within the school are the students. Everybody is SO passionate to the point where it becomes taxing. The most outspoken students are very stubborn and tend to refuse to listen to opinions differing from their own. There is also a culture of wanting to represent themselves as disadvantaged in one way or the other, as a student from a very low-income family and who pays their own tuition I experienced peers trying to explain my situation to me without attempting to understand where I was coming from.
Read 2,283 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
29% Acceptance Rate
$32,732 Net Price
1180-1350 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
College for Creative Studies
4 Year
Detroit, MI
528 reviews
#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 528 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
49% Acceptance Rate
$36,870 Net Price
970-1200 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Art Center College of Design
4 Year
Pasadena, CA
298 reviews
#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?
Nossi College of Art
4 Year
Madison, TN
54 reviews
#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?
Minneapolis College of Art & Design
4 Year
Minneapolis, MN
222 reviews
#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?
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Cleveland Institute of Art
4 Year
Cleveland, OH
205 reviews
Alum: Class of 1997 here! I majored in Drawing and enjoyed each and every aspect of the curriculum. I remember rigorous art teaching and amazing faculty, as well as committed and diverse students who are supportive of one another. I am in a slightly different field today (art therapy and social work), but my foundation remains rooted at CIA.
Read 205 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
54% Acceptance Rate
$34,930 Net Price
1010-1270 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
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Rochester Institute of Technology
4 Year
Rochester, NY
2,436 reviews
Sophomore: The campus experience is amazing! The dorms are nice, depending on if you get the "right" one. Living in a quad was the best choice for me because of the space and liveness of the room. The campus itself is beautiful and I have explored a lot fo the university and there is still more for me to explore. I really like the tunnel system in the dorms so when its snowing or raining really hard, you can take the tunnels to the visit your friend or the computer lab or the dining hall. The professors are mainly good and I was lucky to get the good ones. Of course its college so the courses will be challenging but you will have a lot of free time and get your homework, labs, and projects done. There is not much party scene unless you join a frat/sorority or have the connects.
Read 2,436 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
57% Acceptance Rate
$31,376 Net Price
1190-1380 SAT Range
Will You Get In?

1 of 21

2019 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in AmericaAbout this List

Best Programs

Students

Social Scene

Campus

Athletics

University of Southern California

New York University

University of Pennsylvania

Full Sail University

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 Institute of Art

Rochester Institute of Technology