Make an Inquiry

Best Film Schools In Us

Last updated on: Apr 21, 2025

Extensive List of Top 10 Best Film Schools in the US

Q: What are the best public film schools in the US?

Some well-known public film schools include:University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – One of the best public film programs with excellent faculty and resources.University of Texas at Austin Moody College of Communication – Offers strong industry connections in Austin’s growing film scene.Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts – Provides hands-on training and fully funded student projects.

Q: Are there good film schools in North America outside the US?

Yes, some well-known film schools outside the US include:University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada – Offers strong film studies and production programs.Toronto Film School, Canada – Provides hands-on training with industry professionals.

Q: What are the best filmmaking schools in the US?

Some of the best filmmaking schools include:USC School of Cinematic Arts – Offers excellent film production programs and access to top filmmakers.NYU Tisch School of the Arts – Focuses on storytelling and hands-on production.American Film Institute (AFI) Conservatory – Provides specialized training for directors, producers, and cinematographers.

Q: How important is an alumni network when choosing a film school?

A strong alumni network can help students by:Finding jobs – Many alumni work in the film industry and can help new graduates get hired.Mentorship – Successful graduates often guide new students and share career advice.Industry connections – Alumni can introduce students to producers, directors, and other professionals.

Q: Do these top film schools offer online courses?

Yes, many top film schools offer online or hybrid courses. Some options include:NYU Tisch Online – Offers online courses in filmmaking and screenwriting.UCLA Extension – Provides online film courses open to students worldwide.MasterClass – Features lessons from famous filmmakers like Martin Scorsese and Spike Lee.To find the latest online courses, check the school’s official website.

Q: How hard is it to get into these film schools?

Getting into top film schools is very competitive. Most schools require:A strong portfolio – A collection of films, scripts, or creative work.A well-written personal statement – An essay that explains why the student wants to study film.Interviews or auditions – Some schools require interviews or acting auditions.To improve their chances, students should start preparing early, build a strong portfolio, and write a great admission essay.

By: Caleb S.

10 min read

Reviewed By:

Published on: Mar 19, 2025

Have you ever watched a film and thought, I want to be the one behind the camera? Whether it's directing, screenwriting, cinematography, or editing, a great film school can turn passion into a career.

The US is home to some of the best film schools in the world, offering top-tier training, industry connections, and hands-on experience.

But with so many choices, how do aspiring filmmakers find the right fit?

This blog will help by highlighting the top 10 film schools in the US, their strengths, and why they stand out. Whether you want to be a director, cinematographer, screenwriter, or editor, this list will guide you to the best choice.

On this Page

Here is a detailed comparison of the best film schools in the US:

University	QS World Ranking	Location	Acceptance Rate	Annual Tuition Fee	Graduation Rate
USC School of Cinematic Arts	Top 50	Los Angeles, CA	3%	$63,468	92%
NYU Tisch School of the Arts	Top 100	New York, NY	15%	$66,388	85%
AFI Conservatory	Not Ranked	Los Angeles, CA	3%	$63,575	85%
UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television	Top 20	Los Angeles, CA	4%	$13,752 (in-state), $46,326 (out-of-state)	91%
CalArts	Not Ranked	Valencia, CA	25%	$55,646	68%
Columbia University School of the Arts	Top 20	New York, NY	6%	$66,880	95%
Chapman University Dodge College	Not Ranked	Orange, CA	30%	$62,400	75%
UT Austin Moody College of Communication	Top 100	Austin, TX	33%	$11,698 (in-state), $41,070 (out-of-state)	85%
Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts	Not Ranked	Tallahassee, FL	8%	$6,517 (in-state), $21,683 (out-of-state)	80%
Emerson College Department of Visual & Media Arts	Not Ranked	Boston, MA	36%	$54,400	82%

University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts

Location: Los Angeles, California

Highlights:

One of the most prestigious film schools in the world
Located in Hollywood, giving students access to top studios
Offers hands-on learning with state-of-the-art facilities

Notable Alumni: George Lucas, Ron Howard, Shonda Rhimes, Ryan Coogler

USC is considered one of the best film schools globally. Its location in Los Angeles makes it a perfect choice for students looking to break into Hollywood.

The school has strong industry connections with studios like Warner Bros. and Disney, offering internships and job opportunities. Students get access to professional-level sound stages, editing labs, and screening rooms, helping them develop real-world filmmaking skills.

New York University (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts

Location: New York, New York

Highlights:

A top school for independent filmmaking
Strong focus on storytelling and creative expression
Access to New York’s film industry for internships

Notable Alumni: Martin Scorsese, Spike Lee, Chloe Zhao, Lady Gaga

NYU Tisch is the heart of New York’s film scene. It is best for students who want to create independent and artistic films while still getting professional training.

The school’s programs cover film production, animation, and screenwriting. Its location gives students plenty of opportunities to work with production companies and gain experience while studying.

American Film Institute (AFI) Conservatory

Location: Los Angeles, California

Highlights:

One of the most selective film schools, admitting only around 140 students per year
Focuses on hands-on learning and mentorship from top Hollywood directors
Well-known for its cinematography program

Notable Alumni: David Lynch, Darren Aronofsky, Patty Jenkins, Terrence Malick

AFI Conservatory is a small but elite film school in Los Angeles. It is highly competitive, accepting only a few students each year. The school focuses on directing, screenwriting, cinematography, and editing.

AFI provides one-on-one mentoring with industry professionals, making it one of the best schools for students serious about filmmaking.

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Theater, Film, and Television

Location: Los Angeles, California

Highlights:

A mix of film theory and hands-on training
Strong industry connections in Hollywood
Access to one of the largest film and television archives in the world

Notable Alumni: Francis Ford Coppola, Alexander Payne, Mariska Hargitay, Justin Lin

UCLA offers a film school that combines creativity with technical skills.. Students study both film history and hands-on production.

Its location in Los Angeles allows students to gain internships at major studios while still in school. UCLA’s lower tuition for in-state students makes it one of the best-value film schools.

California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)

Location: Valencia, California

Highlights:

Founded by Walt Disney, making it a leader in animation
Focus on experimental and independent filmmaking
Graduates often work for Disney, Pixar, and DreamWorks

Notable Alumni: Tim Burton, Brad Bird, Pete Docter, Glen Keane

CalArts is the best school for animation and experimental film. The school is known for producing creative and innovative storytellers.

Many graduates go on to work at major animation studios like Pixar, Disney, and DreamWorks. It is ideal for students who want to push artistic boundaries in filmmaking.

Columbia University School of the Arts

Location: New York, New York

Highlights:

One of the best Ivy League film programs
Focus on storytelling, screenwriting, and film production
Access to film festivals and production companies in NYC

Notable Alumni: Kathryn Bigelow, Jennifer Lee, James Mangold, Lisa Cholodenko

Columbia University School of the Arts offers a film program that is perfect for students who want strong storytelling skills. It focuses on screenwriting, directing, and film studies.

The school’s Ivy League reputation gives graduates an edge in the competitive film industry. Columbia’s location in New York City also provides students with many opportunities to work in film and television.

Chapman University Dodge College of Film and Media Arts

Location: Orange, California

Highlights:

Offers hands-on experience from the first year
Strong industry connections with Hollywood studios
Access to top-tier production facilities

Notable Alumni: Justin Simien, Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer, Carlos López Estrada

Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts is a rising star in film education. Located just outside Los Angeles, it provides students with state-of-the-art production equipment and industry-standard sound stages.

Students get hands-on experience from their first year, working on projects that mirror real-world productions. The school has strong connections with major studios like Disney and Universal, helping students secure internships and jobs in the industry.

University of Texas at Austin Moody College of Communication

Location: Austin, Texas

Highlights:

One of the most affordable top film programs
Focus on both narrative and documentary filmmaking
Strong connections with Austin’s growing film industry

Notable Alumni: Matthew McConaughey (faculty), Wes Anderson, Robert Rodriguez, Tommy Schlamme

The Moody College of Communication at UT Austin is a top choice for students looking for high-quality film education at a lower cost. The school has strong programs in both narrative and documentary filmmaking, with access to Austin’s booming film scene.

The city is home to major film festivals like SXSW (South by Southwest) and is a growing hub for independent film production. The school’s faculty includes award-winning filmmakers, offering students valuable mentorship and industry insights.

Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts

Location: Tallahassee, Florida

Highlights:

One of the most selective film schools in the US
Provides full funding for student film projects
Strong focus on hands-on training and career placement

Notable Alumni: Barry Jenkins, David Robert Mitchell, Wes Ball, Adele Romanski

Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts is known for its intensive, hands-on film education. The school is highly competitive, admitting only a small number of students per year to ensure personalized instruction.

One of its biggest advantages is that student film projects are fully funded by the school, allowing students to create high-quality work without financial stress. FSU has a strong track record of helping graduates secure jobs in the film and television industry.

Emerson College Department of Visual & Media Arts

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Highlights:

Offers strong internship programs in Los Angeles and New York
Focus on both film production and media studies
Well-known for its television and digital media programs

Notable Alumni: Norman Lear, Denis Leary, Kevin Bright, Iliza Shlesinger

Emerson College’s Department of Visual & Media Arts is one of the best schools for students interested in both film and television production. Located in Boston, it provides students with a strong foundation in storytelling, directing, and cinematography.

Emerson also offers programs in Los Angeles and New York, giving students direct access to internships at major studios and production companies. Its strong alumni network helps graduates secure jobs in film, television, and digital media.

Wrapping Up!

Picking the right film school is a big step toward a career in filmmaking. The best schools give students hands-on experience, industry connections, and strong training to help them succeed. Whether the goal is directing, writing, or working behind the camera, these schools provide the skills needed to bring creative ideas to life.

Getting into these schools can be tough, and a strong admission essay can make a big difference. At SharkPapers.com, our paper writing service helps students write powerful and unique essays that stand out. Our admission essay writing service helps you create strong essays that highlight your strengths.

If you have any doubts or questions, SharkPapers.com is here. Reach out today and take the first step toward a future in film!

Explore Different Topics With These Blog Posts

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best undergraduate film schools in the US?

Some of the top undergraduate film schools in the US include:

University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts – Offers hands-on training and strong connections to Hollywood.
New York University (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts – Provides both film theory and production experience in the heart of New York City.
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Theater, Film, and Television – Focuses on storytelling, production, and film history.

What are the best public film schools in the US?

Some well-known public film schools include:

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – One of the best public film programs with excellent faculty and resources.
University of Texas at Austin Moody College of Communication – Offers strong industry connections in Austin’s growing film scene.
Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts – Provides hands-on training and fully funded student projects.

Which are the best film acting schools in the US?

For students interested in acting for film, top schools include:

Juilliard School – Famous for its rigorous acting program.
NYU Tisch School of the Arts – Offers strong training in acting for both stage and screen.
American Conservatory Theater (ACT) – Provides top-tier acting education with connections to the film industry.

Are there good film schools in North America outside the US?

Yes, some well-known film schools outside the US include:

University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada – Offers strong film studies and production programs.
Toronto Film School, Canada – Provides hands-on training with industry professionals.

What are the best filmmaking schools in the US?

Some of the best filmmaking schools include:

USC School of Cinematic Arts – Offers excellent film production programs and access to top filmmakers.
NYU Tisch School of the Arts – Focuses on storytelling and hands-on production.
American Film Institute (AFI) Conservatory – Provides specialized training for directors, producers, and cinematographers.

How important is an alumni network when choosing a film school?

A strong alumni network can help students by:

Finding jobs – Many alumni work in the film industry and can help new graduates get hired.
Mentorship – Successful graduates often guide new students and share career advice.
Industry connections – Alumni can introduce students to producers, directors, and other professionals.

Do these top film schools offer online courses?

Yes, many top film schools offer online or hybrid courses. Some options include:

NYU Tisch Online – Offers online courses in filmmaking and screenwriting.
UCLA Extension – Provides online film courses open to students worldwide.
MasterClass – Features lessons from famous filmmakers like Martin Scorsese and Spike Lee.

To find the latest online courses, check the school’s official website.

How hard is it to get into these film schools?

Getting into top film schools is very competitive. Most schools require:

A strong portfolio – A collection of films, scripts, or creative work.
A well-written personal statement – An essay that explains why the student wants to study film.
Interviews or auditions – Some schools require interviews or acting auditions.

To improve their chances, students should start preparing early, build a strong portfolio, and write a great admission essay.

Caleb S.

Marketing, Literature, Education

Helping students achieve their academic dreams is what brings Caleb S. the most fulfillment. With his Master's degree from Oxford University, Caleb has plenty of experience with writing that he can utilize to benefit those who seek his help. Prioritizing his client's needs, he always goes above and beyond to provide top-notch service.

Was This Blog Helpful?

No Yes

Struggling With Your Paper?

Get a Custom Paper Written at

with a FREE Turnitin report, AI report, title page, unlimited revisions, and a lot more!

Order Now at 50% OFF

LIMITED TIME ONLY