2023 Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  3,942 reviews

Graduate Student: What I found while in attendance here in USC is that there are a plethora of resources available to the students given at every opportunity available. You are given an active role in making connections as well as forming new career opportunities during and after your attendance here. There is an emphasis to put yourself out there, however if communicating is not your strength, do not worry! There are plenty of events that aid students in beginning the path towards networking such as events for introverted students. There are additional concerns with the quality of hygiene here as certain public utilities are not the best to gain access of. The demographic population is also a concern as it is a predominantly white institution which can correlate to struggles for students of color. There have been advances in supporting our students of color, however they are fairly new so there is little expectations on the amount of support they may provide. Overall I would highly recommend attending... Read 3,942 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $26,021

• SAT range 1410-1540

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  5,597 reviews

Freshman: I’m a dance major at NYU tisch and although this school is very expensive I’ve been loving the experience I’ve had so far. I can’t speak for other majors but being in the dance department it’s very easy to build community and make friends that will definitely last a life time. I will say one of the major flaws I have noticed with nyu (besides the tuition lol) is communication specifically within the financial department. As someone who genuinely cannot afford this school and is going to be in thousands of dollars in debt, I’ve been trying to reach out and appeal my financial aid in hopes to get more but they never answer any of my questions or respond to previous appeals I have sent. Also the campus is very spread out lol. Other than that, living here in NYC and going to my dream school has been nothing but surreal! My GE classes are super fun and I definitely recommended taking CAMS classes!... Read 5,597 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $50,991

• SAT range 1450-1570

• New Haven, CT•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1,020 reviews

Sophomore: Yale has been a fun and enjoyable experience overall. I would definitely choose Yale again if I had to re-do my college application. Academics: some departments are better taught than other departments. Yale can be weaker in CS and Math compared to other universities, but most alums are still very successful. Like most colleges, there is a lot of independent learning and there are numerous resources to help you. The environment is not competitive unless premed. Social life: Yale has an AMAZING social life compared to other universities of equal caliber. There is always something going on and you can be as social as you want. Social life is nonexistent during midterm season. There are parties, frats, concerts, woads, club formals, and many other events. Sports: Not a big sports school but many students are involved in club sports. Yale dining is delicious and healthy!... Read 1,020 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 5%

• Net price $20,605

• SAT range 1480-1580

• Stanford, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  1,254 reviews

Niche User: As a former student of Stanford University, I can say with confidence that it was an incredible experience. The campus is absolutely beautiful, with stunning architecture and sprawling gardens that make for a peaceful and serene environment to study in. The professors were all experts in their fields and incredibly knowledgeable. They pushed us to think critically and creatively, challenging us to go beyond the textbook and truly understand the material. The classes were engaging and interactive, with lots of opportunities for discussion and collaboration. One thing that stood out to me about Stanford was the emphasis on interdisciplinary studies. The university encourages students to explore different fields and take classes outside of their major, which I found to be incredibly valuable. It allowed me to broaden my knowledge and perspectives, and I still use the skills I learned in those classes today. This university is amazing and extremely beneficial to your future career... Read 1,254 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $14,402

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Hanover, NH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  727 reviews

Junior: I am a transfer student athlete and am planning to attend Dartmouth in the fall. What I loved on my visit was the family atmosphere amongst the faculty and the close relationships they had with their students. I believe that it is important to put an emphasis on undergraduate education and Dartmouth does that the best in comparison to any other school in the nation. From an athletic standpoint I feel like Dartmouth has all the tools and facilities to help me achieve my athletic goals. Coming from an institution that gives athletic scholarships, Ivy leagues do not have that availability. I felt like the experiences and relationships that I would build would make it worth it to apply for scholarships online. Thank you!... Read 727 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $24,078

• SAT range 1440-1560

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  1,317 reviews

Freshman: While my experience at Penn has been overwhelmingly positive, there are areas that I believe could be improved. One aspect I would like to see change is a greater emphasis on mental health support and resources. College can be a challenging and stressful time for many students, and it is crucial that the university continues to prioritize the well-being of its students by expanding mental health services and promoting a culture of self-care and balance. Additionally, I would love to see more efforts toward fostering inclusivity and diversity on campus. While Penn is home to a diverse student body, it is essential that the university continues to create an environment where all students feel seen, heard, and supported. This includes initiatives that promote diversity in the curriculum, increase the representation of marginalized voices, and provide resources for cultural understanding and dialogue.... Read 1,317 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $14,578

• SAT range 1480-1570

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  5,434 reviews

Senior: If you can attend in-person classes, UCLA is a great school! The student dorms are on the expensive side, but well worth the price. There are several dining halls right next to the dorms that each cater to a different style (ie dine-in, to-go, vegan specialties), as well as a few restaurants on campus and the nearby Westwood Village. The campus itself is gorgeous (I love taking evening walks around sunset), and you can learn about the history of it from guided tours if you want. If you're looking for a rad party scene, just cross the street into frat row, and you'll find parties every week. In terms of academics, I will simply say that UCLA is a top school. You will have to work your butt off, sometimes in less-than-ideal circumstances, but the returns will be more than worth it. Most professors are great, but some are only there to do research and are forced to grudgingly teach a class or two, so look them up on Bruinwalk before enrolling in their classes. All-in-all, a great school!... Read 5,434 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $13,393

• SAT range —

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  1,230 reviews

Sophomore: UChicago certainly lives up to the rumors of its academic rigor but it pays off because each of my classes has been full of highly engaged students excited to study and discuss the material! Unfortunately for students not very very well versed in time-management, the academic work really can take over your life and fulfill the “where fun goes to die” catch-phrase for this school so it requires some serious practice to balance fun and work. In terms of on-campus living, their “Hogwarts” style housing makes for an amazing built-in community even as a freshman. I love living in the dorms and plan to stay through graduation! I’d recommend this college only to students who genuinely enjoy dedicating over 50% of their time to their academics.... Read 1,230 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $33,727

• SAT range 1510-1580

• Ann Arbor, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  4,555 reviews

Junior: An amazing school filled with wonderful people (students, faculty, residents). So many opportunities for students to explore different parts of their education and passion. Great location with a downtown that is always busy with different restaurants, shops, bars, studios, and even the cutest weekend farmers market. At this school you will never be bored- there are always people who want to play sports, go out, go to the gym, study together, etc. I have never been happier. It is such a perfect, fun, exciting, fulfilling school to go to. Not a single bad thing to say (besides maybe that the winters are not the most fun but everything else totally makes up for that). If you love Michigan, you really LOVE Michigan! Wolverine forever. Go blue!... Read 4,555 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 20%

• Net price $19,205

• SAT range 1340-1520

• Saint Louis, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  1,539 reviews

Freshman: I am an incoming freshman in the fall and I am extremely excited to attend! I am a recruited soccer player and have already met the entire team and coaches; everyone is so nice and supportive, and I enjoyed touring the school field and brand new athletic facilities with them. WashU also has a very strong Jewish community which is very important to me, and I plan on being an active member of the hillel and chabbad on campus. Finally, I am excited to attend Olin Business School to study finance and continue my passion for complex problem solving in the business world.... Read 1,539 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $28,298

• SAT range 1490-1570

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  465 reviews

Senior: I'm a senior at Barnard and I've had the best experience. I transferred here and felt so welcomed by the campus community immediately. I'm so incredibly inspired by my classmates -- I've never felt so surrounded by change makers and strong women. It is such a powerful and inclusive community where ANYONE can find their place. I love it here :) Not for anyone who wants a "party school," but if you're excited about having diverse experiences, meeting people from all corners of the world, and exploring NYC, this is the place for you. Also, the food on campus (at Barnard and Columbia) is amazing!... Read 465 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $28,366

• SAT range 1380-1550

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  1,133 reviews

Sophomore: Emerson College is a hub of students that are open-minded, hard-working, and endlessly creative. The students and professors are often friendly and accepting, and the campus being in the heart of Boston would be fun for any college student looking to explore a historical and buzzing city. The only real downside to Emerson in my experience has been the increasing cost of tuition. If you come here, make sure you're invested in a career that points toward the arts or communication to get your money's worth!... Read 1,133 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 45%

• Net price $48,842

• SAT range 1200-1400

• Nashville, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  1,329 reviews

Alum: I graduated summa cum laude from Vanderbilt University in 2021 with a Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience. I primarily chose to attend Vandy for its academic prowess, and it definitely lived up to that reputation. In retrospect, I loved the majority of my STEM classes, and I find that my education was well-rounded because of my required liberal arts classes. The campus is beautiful, the food is relatively good, and on-campus housing is average. Admittedly, I was excited to live off-campus for my last two years (but beware - living in Nashville is not cheap). Socially, I had a great time at Vandy, especially thanks to the liveliness of Nashville, but sadly not due to Vanderbilt sports - this is not their strong suit. I met lifelong friends at this school! Realistically, however, many students do come from wealthy backgrounds, which can be off-putting at times. Ultimately, while undeniably expensive, Vanderbilt is a great school that will certainly work to your advantage after graduation.... Read 1,329 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $27,553

• SAT range 1480-1570

• Medford, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  1,050 reviews

Sophomore: Tufts University is a great school and let me tell you why. The amount of financial resources and community resources available for low-income first-generation students is shocking. Although the school's diversity is not as great as it makes it seems on its website they do support the widespread minority racial groups. As a first-generation low-income student, there has not been a moment of experience where I felt unwelcomed or made less due to my ethnic and racial identity. Aside from the resources and the diverse community, the students at Tufts University surprisingly come to this college being who they want to be but as well in a collaborative mindset rather than a competitive one. What does it mean to be who you want to be? That's the best part. Anyone you want to be! If you want to have some strange outfit or follow a certain fashion trend you don't get hate for it (you will be acknowledged for it). A lot of individuals on this campus represent where they come from. Beautiful!... Read 1,050 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $31,630

• SAT range 1440-1550

• Middletown, CT•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  732 reviews

Sophomore: Having just finished my first year at Wesleyan I can definitely see why this place is so highly rated. By far my favorite thing about this place are the people I've met from professors to students to alumni. I just think this place attracts a type of person who is passionate and interesting and I think that's why I'm in college in the first place. For Brown Rejects: The university is expensive, and as you pay a flat rate and cannot switch classes around easily the experience can feel claustrophobic or rather limiting if you're among the MOST driven students; but O! to be in the middle 50 here; you will stumble into incredible classes with awesome professors and interesting students who will keep you engaged in the material and the work is manageable, club scene is a blast, music is great, alright nightlife, and great senior housing.... Read 732 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 19%

• Net price $20,535

• SAT range 1300-1510

• Providence, RI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  340 reviews

Alum: Rhode Island School of Design is a prestigious art school worldwide, and therefore it creates a community of cutting-edge student body and faculty. The friends and network I've met at RISD are life-long and will continue to be a source of inspiration and collaboration in the future. All the departments in the school are extremely challenging and require refined conceptual and critical thinking as well as technical skill. My critical thinking skills still serve me to this day, even for things that are not related to the arts. Really, the only negative thing I can say is that the school itself did not have courses to prepare me for post-graduation and entering the work force. At least at the time. Also, it is a very expensive school! However, still worth it (for me).... Read 340 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 19%

• Net price $38,234

• SAT range 1310-1480

• Winston Salem, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  261 reviews

Sophomore: UNC School of the Arts is an amazing school! It's a very small campus, which helps students receive specific feedback and gives the chance to build up friendships and relationships between your classmates.... Read 261 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 30%

• Net price $12,097

• SAT range 1120-1380

• Valencia, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  281 reviews

Other: It was very enjoyable, the students were great, the professors were helpful, the social scene was good. I loved it.... Read 281 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $53,916

• SAT range —

• Atlanta, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  1,581 reviews

Graduate Student: I loved my experience as a graduate student! I attended the public health program and received a Master's degree from this esteemed school. I learned from professors enmeshed in relevant research and current events. The school's community partnerships and proximity to the CDC allowed its students easy access to many professional opportunities, especially for those interested in infectious disease. Emory provides a beautiful campus and a variety of study spaces for its students. This university may want to work on developing a more distinct student culture -- this is one of the few areas where the school may be lacking.... Read 1,581 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $28,367

• SAT range 1420-1540

• Coral Gables, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  2,992 reviews

Senior: Miami has been a great place the past few years for me. As a transfer student, coming in not knowing anyone, I have met many types of different students from hard working backgrounds. The professors are very much committed to getting to know everyone in their class, and not just going through the motions as a mundane robot you see at some larger schools. In my experience the average class size outside of your one or two 100 level class is between 5-30 students. The campus is beautiful. Everywhere you look is palm trees and clear skies (with the exception of your occasional rain shower) the university does a nice job maintaining the buildings and surrounding vegetation. Food wise the options aren’t the greatest. In the past few years there has been an attempt to bring in healthier options, but for the most part the dinning hall and food court include your average Starbucks, subway, panda, so on and forth. Safety campus is very safe Never had any issues. Overall a great school!... Read 2,992 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 28%

• Net price $34,492

• SAT range 1300-1460

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  1,714 reviews

Alum: I believe LMU has the potential to be an oasis in the mega city of Los Angeles, CA. Minutes away from LAX, the beach, shopping, entertainment and food from all over the world. University leadership is certainly putting investments into physical campus improvements. Sports programs are improving and facilities are getting better and better. Most students join Greek or service orgs to find community. Otherwise, at least for me it didn't feel like the most diverse or welcoming-for-all type of place. My hope for the future is for LMU to carve itself out as an up & coming entertainer and entrepreneur's dream, and pour more into growing sports programs so that LMU is the destination for athletes, trainer's, coaches and staff. Beautiful campus. Needs greater sense of belonging and community for students. Rating a 5 for my hope for the future. Go Lions!... Read 1,714 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $40,180

• SAT range 1250-1420

• Swarthmore, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  424 reviews

Alum: Life changing. Not only because of the quality of professors and the teacher to student ratio, but because the student body is so extraordinary. Living with and around people who are major achievers rubs off on you. Being there raised my standards 1000% because that is what I had to do just to keep up. And that habit stayed with me for the rest of my life. It produced a wonderful, successful life and work experience. Proud to be a Swattie!... Read 424 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 8%

• Net price $19,733

• SAT range 1430-1560

• Northfield, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  518 reviews

Sophomore: Full of warm people and chilly weather! Lots of liberal arts colleges will pass out fancy brochures that claim "a strong sense of community" with inviting phrases like "close-knit" and "supportive peers" but I never knew that that really meant until I came to Carleton. Have a question about financial aid? Balancing course work? Class content? Special accommodations? There is someone on campus whose job it is to help you. More than that, someone that actually cares about helping you-- who will follow up and check in. That being said, going to school here can be a lot to manage. Attending somewhere this academically rigorous takes its toll on stress levels, sleep, and having the time to be social. My take: passionate professors and a unique student body create a one of a kind and worthwhile college experience so far.... Read 518 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 18%

• Net price $31,718

• SAT range 1370-1550

• Berkeley, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  4,335 reviews

Junior: UC Berkeley is an amazing school for both humanities and STEM classes, though some humanities majors are barely standing, such as Chicano Studies. Having been in a lot of both humanities and STEM classes I would have to say that the professors in my humanities classes are much more understanding and overall less awkward. There is also a HUGE lack of diversity at UC Berkeley (black and brown students), especially in the STEM classes. It is so bad that it can definitely make one feel even more alone in these upper level classes.... Read 4,335 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 14%

• Net price $17,652

• SAT range 1310-1530

• Wellesley, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  617 reviews

Sophomore: Teachers are very kind and connected to their students and small class sizes make it very easy to participate in class discussions. The food isn't great. Some people can be very pretentious, but overall people tend to be very kind and welcoming.... Read 617 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 16%

• Net price $21,862

• SAT range 1400-1540