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2020 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.

1 – 25 of 497
Film/Photography
497 results

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  1. University of Southern California

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 3,632 reviews
    #1 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Junior: Being a student at the University of Southern California is like no other. The campus is beautiful and the academics are stellar. The whole school feels like one big family. The athletic programs are top notch and really bring all the students together. I love being able to attend countless games while seeing cheering fans who truly love where they go to school. The best part about the University of Southern California is the Trojan alumni. With over 425,000 Trojan alumni in the world, you are always connected to a Trojan. The wonderful Trojan alumni are there for you beyond your four years. They give opportunities to advance in your desired career field, as well as be there in a new environment. No other university is this connected between current students and alumni. I am proud to attend USC, where academics, athletics and alumni blend together making the ultimate college experience!
    Read 3,632 Reviews

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

  2. New York University

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 5,143 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 5,143 Reviews

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

  3. California Institute of the Arts

    • 4 Year
    • Valencia, CA
    • 262 reviews
    #3 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Sophomore: The school is excellent! My major is involved in the Herb Albert School of Music which in itself is very open to any style of music, has several performance opportunities, and teaches valuable information that the modern-day musician needs to be able to take on a number of careers and music degree can give. The school as a whole has an incredible, stress- free environment that is constantly inspiring students to step outside of the box and be as creative as possible. The school even has it's own cute coffee shop and a huge cafeteria full of gourmet food and options for every kind of diet. The dorms are on campus making it super easy to get to class and it also has it's own little cafe/game room, spacious rooms, a pool, a gym, and even a sauna. The only issue with the school is the handicap accessibility and the tuition in which there is funding help from the school, but no full ride options.
    Read 262 Reviews

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

  4. University of Pennsylvania

    • 4 Year
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 1,205 reviews
    #4 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Sophomore: A true research institution, the University of Pennsylvania encourages all of its students to be curious about the world. Fund their research, it provides once in a lifetime opportunities with access to remarkable faculty, an international reach, and trail blazing peers. As a member of the Ivy League, it connects its study body to similar-minded students in a culture of alma matter pride, playful rivalry, and inter-school dependent programming. Whether it be an Ivy League conference on LatinX heritage, political science, or veganism, the University of Pennsylvania encourages curiosity at every seam of the institution’s fabric.
    Read 1,205 Reviews

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

  5. Columbia College Hollywood

    • 4 Year
    • Tarzana, CA
    • 63 reviews
    #5 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 63 Reviews

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

  6. University of California - Los Angeles

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 4,990 reviews
    #6 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Junior: Campus couldn't be more beautiful. Many spots to study, relax, enjoy the sights, etc. Dorms are pretty standard. Fairly easy to transfer rooms if a problem arises with your roommate(s). Professors are generally helpful and generous with their knowledge. Department heads tend to be very considerate and work with you to complete your educational plans. Honors Program counselors are encouraging and friendly. Many different resources available for things like study abroad and academic planning. So many clubs to join. Very likely to find things that satisfy your interests. Plenty of things to do in Westwood. Strong campus safety department. Social scene is lively. Division I sports rarely disappoint. All in all, amazing experience!
    Read 4,990 Reviews

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

  7. University of North Carolina School of the Arts

    • 4 Year
    • Winston-Salem, NC
    • 249 reviews
    #7 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 249 Reviews

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

  8. Loyola Marymount University

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 1,596 reviews
    #8 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Graduate Student: It is a beautiful school! Walking around campus and throughout the buildings makes you feel like you're at a top notch institution. Their recent rebranding was a total waste of money though..the old lion and letters were just fine, it really feels as though a graphic designer was hired that had experience doing graphics for elementary schools and such.
    A lot of the graduate professors in the School of Education seem a bit novice, but eager to educate nonetheless.
    Read 1,596 Reviews

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

  9. Rhode Island School of Design

    • 4 Year
    • Providence, RI
    • 320 reviews
    #9 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: RISD has an extremely busy schedule, mostly during your first (foundation) year. It's very challenging, but very possible if you're committed. Just don't expect to be goofing around too much or getting a lot of free time. With good time management you'll have fun and enough time to pursue things outside of school, but it's not a given. The attendance policy is extremely strict, so don't plan on being able to skip class, even for medical reasons. Speaking of medical reasons, Health Services is pretty bad. Overall though, if art is the thing for you, this is the place to be, and you will learn a lot.
    Read 320 Reviews

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

  12. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

    • 4 Year
    • Ann Arbor, MI
    • 4,135 reviews
    #10 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Junior: Overall, the University of Michigan is a very strong academic choice. Professors generally care about their students and wish to see them succeed and departmental advisors are incredibly helpful in finding the right classes for you. Once you get past intro level classes, the material and class sizes become much more enjoyable. The dorms are hit-and-miss with some having air conditioning and are newly renovated while some are very clearly in need of improvement. Their ability to handle transfer students is lacking, though, and the general advisors are not well-equipped to handle transfer cases.
    Like any university, there many different types of people. Some are irritating, some are lovely. It is just a matter of seeking out those who you want to make friends with, they are definitely out there and most everyone you meet will be very nice along the way!
    Read 4,135 Reviews

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

  13. Wesleyan University

    • 4 Year
    • Middletown, CT
    • 696 reviews
    #11 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 696 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 16% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,251 Net Price
    • 1300-1480 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  14. Art Center College of Design

    • 4 Year
    • Pasadena, CA
    • 301 reviews
    #12 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 301 Reviews

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

  15. DigiPen Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Redmond, WA
    • 229 reviews
    #13 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: DigiPen has such a diverse set of people that are all incredibly helpful because everyone is here for the common purpose of becoming the best that one can be. Because of the smaller numbers of students, there are many faculty members and teachers that have time to address students one on one, as well as having more attention from each teacher in different classes. With additional help from school supplied and paid for tutors, everyone has the opportunity to make sure they are caught up with all of their work. The only downside being, because it is a very goal oriented school that is focused on teaching their students the material needed to be the best, there are no sports teams or anything of that sort, however, there are many clubs ran by students that are free to join at any time, so those make up for the lack of sports teams.
    Read 229 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 54% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,433 Net Price
    • 1150-1360 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  16. Vassar College

    • 4 Year
    • Poughkeepsie, NY
    • 606 reviews
    #14 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: I love the atmosphere and the amazing campus. The buildings are just spectacular. The people are also amazing and welcoming. I think Vassar does a great job at creating inclusion right from the start. It can be hard starting at a new school, but Vassar tries to make it as easy a transition as possible and that really helped me. The music department is great and I love all the opportunities there are to play/sing in ensembles at a high level. The Poughkeepsie area is great and has opportunities to get off campus that I think many students do not take advantage of. The Hudson Valley is a great place to explore art and the bustling cultural scene on Main street.
    Read 606 Reviews

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

  17. Emory University

    • 4 Year
    • Atlanta, GA
    • 1,483 reviews
    #15 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Junior: I am a third year varsity student athlete at Emory University, and I am glad I chose Emory. The campus is great, the academics and athletic programs are amazing as well. However, Emory is not the place to come if you want football and school spirit. This is a highly academic school and whatever you choose to study will be a challenge. Campus life is easy to get involved in, however since it is a small campus, a lot of the activities get old after freshman year. The Atlanta area around campus and night life is great if Emory parties start getting old. Definitely consider what your priorities are before choosing Emory. If challenging academics and quality professors are important, then this is the school for you. However, if football, school spirit, and other aspects of college life are important, then take this all into consideration before committing to Emory! If you are unsure, then I definitely recommend taking a tour of our campus!
    Read 1,483 Reviews

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

  18. University of California - Berkeley

    • 4 Year
    • Berkeley, CA
    • 3,969 reviews
    #16 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: I am currently an out of state freshman at Berkeley over halfway through my second semester. I was wary of having high expectations of Berkeley and buying into the cultivated image of perfect inclusion, challenging and inspiring intellectualism, and care for social justice/activism. Even though I tried to manage my expectations, they were disappointed. THAT BEING SAID, I'm glad I am a student at Berkeley. It is the best and the worst, wonderful and terrible, and for me, that feels like a fairly accurate representation of how the world is today. If you would describe yourself as an idealistic person, yes, come to Berkeley! But be prepared to hold onto your values tightly.
    Read 3,969 Reviews

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

  19. University of Miami

    • 4 Year
    • Coral Gables, FL
    • 2,781 reviews
    #17 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Sophomore: Attending the University of Miami has made me a much more cultured, well-rounded person than I was before coming here. If you're looking for a medium-sized, diverse school with a gorgeous, closed campus close to a big city, look no further! You will meet people from all over the world and all sorts of backgrounds here at UM, which you won't get at every private university in the country. Most of the professors I've had here seem very accomplished and well-versed in the fields they are teaching, and overall the academics are challenging but nothing unbearable. There is no lack of school spirit and football games are highly attended on weekends in the fall. The party scene is very good. In my opinion, there's a healthy balance between academics and partying here, but I will say that if you are totally not a partier/going-out person, maybe consider a different school, but I think most people can find a healthy balance. The gorgeous warm weather year-round is also a huge plus!
    Read 2,781 Reviews

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

  22. Nossi College of Art

    • 4 Year
    • Madison, TN
    • 56 reviews
    #18 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Sophomore: Everyone cares about each other, even the staff and faculty. The class sizes are small, which is good because you can have one-on-ones with your instructors. There are plenty of opportunities to showcase your talents. Everyone wants to see each other succeed. It's like a second family.
    Read 56 Reviews

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

  23. Ringling College of Art & Design

    • 4 Year
    • Sarasota, FL
    • 415 reviews
    #19 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Freshman: I really enjoy the atmosphere at Ringling. As a Freshmen who was supposed to stay instate, the journey here has been long and stressful. But the people here are very welcoming and inclusive. There could be more done to the food, as most people joke about how bad it can be at times. Also, there are little options, food wise, for those who have special needs or are vegan and/or vegetarian. The teachers here all have their own experiences and connections, which is valuable for the students here. Usually there is something going on, students receive emails daily and the RA's are very good at keeping students informed.
    Read 415 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 64% Acceptance Rate
    • $49,828 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  24. Minneapolis College of Art & Design

    • 4 Year
    • Minneapolis, MN
    • 229 reviews
    #20 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Sophomore: My experience at this school has been awesome so far. I have learned so much in my first year alone. I enjoy my classes and my professors are great! The dorms are comfortable, quiet, and safe. The surrounding area has a lot to offer. There are many restaurants to choose from. There are always fun school events happening on campus. I only wish that there were more diversity among my peers.
    Read 229 Reviews

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

  25. School of Visual Arts

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 478 reviews
    #21 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 478 Reviews

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

  26. Occidental College

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 444 reviews
    #22 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Sophomore: OXY is my dream school! The campus is beautiful, the students are smart and hard-working, and the community is super diverse - racially and socio-economically. The kids are so open minded and kind and welcoming and I made friends immediately. My classes are challenging and engaging and my professors are amazing! I love being in LA - the opportunities are endless for culture, food, arts, etc. Great research opportunities and internships available. Athletics are also great and our rankings are improving with each season. Facilities are quite nice and the food is top notch. Thank you, Oxy!
    Read 444 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 42% Acceptance Rate
    • $33,738 Net Price
    • 1280-1440 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  29. College for Creative Studies

    • 4 Year
    • Detroit, MI
    • 538 reviews
    #23 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 538 Reviews

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

  30. Chapman University

    • 4 Year
    • Orange, CA
    • 2,101 reviews
    #24 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

    Junior: Chapman University is an amazing school. The admission staff are extremely helpful and excellent at communicating with students in a timely manner. The financial aid office has gone above and beyond to make sure that I am receiving as much money as possible. My major (theater) department has made my transition from community college to their university seamless. They were prompt to make sure I was able to register for the classes i wanted, and that all my classes transferred in were accepted. I am so excited to officially start school again next month!
    Read 2,101 Reviews

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

  31. Carleton College

    • 4 Year
    • Northfield, MN
    • 485 reviews
    #25 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 485 Reviews

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

    • 4 Year
    • Newberg, OR
    • 952 reviews

    Sophomore: George Fox really does live out their Be Known promise. As an engineering student, I’ve gotten great hands-on experience, I have access to a huge engineering facility, and my professors are able to integrate their science/math courses with faith, which is incredible! The local area is charming, the campus is beautiful and feels private, and I’ve built lifelong friendships.
    Read 952 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 82% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,038 Net Price
    • 1050-1270 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare
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    Quinnipiac University

    • 4 Year
    • Hamden, CT
    • 1,831 reviews

    Senior: I love the education I am getting a quinnipiac. I am in a challenging physical therapy program with professors who are very knowledgeable in the fields that they teach and and always holding review sessions and office hours to help. Something also really helpful at Quinnipiac is the learning commons which I did not make use of until sophomore year, but they have students there who are great tutors and they have them for almost every class. I have had amazing opportunities joining greek life and meeting some of my best friends, volunteering in the community and on campus, and even finding a part time job related to my career. The only bad things are the food, not being the best quality but a good amount of options, and the location not being in the best area. But the on campus housing is really nice no matter what you get, and the York hill and North Haven Campuses are Fantastic!
    Read 1,831 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 74% Acceptance Rate
    • $38,665 Net Price
    • 1080-1260 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare
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    Academy of Art University

    • 4 Year
    • San Francisco, CA
    • 2,282 reviews

    Senior: The Academy of Art is a highly prestigious art school that unlike others, accepts everyone if you have the money for it. The classes are often extreme and really push you to your limits in order to achieve professional level work. Sometimes instructors are harsh and often cruel, but others are extremely friendly and supportive. I often have rocky periods due to the workload and stress involved but I do not regret my time at AAU, I can see massive improvements from when I first started and know AAU is preparing me for my future career in the best way.
    Read 2,282 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $30,307 Net Price
    Will You Get In?|Compare
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