10 Best Film Schools in the US

If you want to go to a film school, but you still don’t know which one is the right one for you, don’t worry because we created a list of 10 best film schools in the US.

Everyone is familiar with the names Warner Bros, 20^th Century Fox or Paramount Studios. That is not surprising because, since the beginning of motion pictures, US seems to have been the leader in the business. Since the very beginning of the 19^th century, Hollywood was the name associated as a synonym for the US film industry.  That is why some of the best film schools are located here.

Concerning the employment rate after graduating from school, according to Bureau of Labor and Statistics, in 2012, there were the most actors (16,640), followed by audio and video experts (12,840), producers and directors (10,540), writers and authors, music director and composers, and other occupations much less represented by number of employees. But nevertheless, there are many job opportunities concerning new technologies such as increasing use of 3D animation for example. Many film schools, as you will see, offer great programs regarding classical subjects such as acting, editing, screenwriting, but also learning new cinematic technologies like 3D camera tracking and animation. Many of the universities we have listed have newly built facilities that offer a modern working environment with new technologies.

If you are not restricted to a particular area where you’d like to start your studies, there are many excellent schools all over the world, and if you are interested, you can take a look at our list of 7 best film schools in Canada as well.

By researching resources, we have noticed that each had their ranking criteria. USA Today College, for example, ranks colleges and film schools according to top-earning graduates. Film Making has feedback ranking by site visitors. Top Universities ranks their suggestions by college quality and shows the information on tuition fee. Prep Scholar takes into account ranking, extracurricular education, and notable alumni while the Hollywood Reporter gave us the information provided by field experts and the industry’s professionals. In order to create our list of best film schools in the US, we took the schools that were mentioned the most times in our sources.

10. Loyola Marymount University

School of film and television of Loyola Marymount University started in 2003 since they already offered many film and television programs in other studies. Since then, it gained high status among US film schools. Programs they offer are animation, film television, media studies, production, recording arts, screenwriting, and production.

9. Boston University

During the studies, there are often occasions when getting in contact with many radio and television stations that might offer you a future job. There is also a great offer for under and postgraduate programs including cinema and media studies, film & television studies, screenwriting, media ventures and much more.

8. Dodge College of Film and Media Arts Chapman University

Although film school at Chapman University was only established in 1996, it has gained a good reputation among film schools. Their programs are including both undergraduate and graduate studies. But, they are also offering joint degrees. Some of the programs include screenwriting, screen acting, digital arts, film studies, production design, film and television production as well as creative producing among other things.

7. Emerson College Visual and Media Arts

Stationed in Boston, Emerson College has a prominent reputation since the 19^th century. Today in Visual and Arts Department, they offer many undergraduate and graduate programs. They include comedic arts, production, stage/screen design, writing, film, and media art. Students also have the chance to experience real filmmaking environment.

6. Columbia University School of the Arts

This University is offering various programs that include film, theater, writing, visual and sound arts. Nevertheless, it is tough to get into this film school, since it is known to be one of the most selective, especially for higher education programs. However, if you did get into this school, you will be studying in one of the best film schools in the US.

5. California Institute of Arts

California Institute of Arts is not only one of the best film schools in the US but also one of the most artistic as well. This isn’t surprising since one of the founders was Walt Disney, and one of the alumni is Tim Burton. This school is offering all levels of degrees – from bachelor to doctoral. Concerning Film/Video department they are offering programs such as character animation, experimental animation, film, and video directing.

4. New York University Tisch School of Arts

Located at Broadway, NYC, it is obvious that many Tisch alumni end up working at Broadway theater. They are covering a many theater and film fields, and some of the main departments are film & television, drama, dance, art & public policy, game center, photography and imaging, dramatic writing and cinema studies among others.

3. UCLA School of Theatre, Film and Television

Since 1947 this film school remained as one of the leading in the United States in this field of education. They are offering a wide range of programs including acting, production, musical theater, film, television and digital media production, documentary, animation, cinematography and much more). They have great choices for undergraduate and graduate programs as well as for higher education and specializing. Because it is one of the most prestigious schools, it is tough to get into it; it only has around 3% admission rate for Film & TV.

2. American Film Institute

This year is notable for being the 50^th anniversary of establishing the American Film Institute that ranks second on our list of best film schools in the US. This film school is offering great conditions: working in small groups (so each student gets the maximum commitment by their mentors), lots of practical learning, easy access to studios and much more. There are six disciplines for MA programs: cinematography, directing, editing, production, production design and screenwriting.

1. USC School of Cinematic Arts

USC School of Cinematic Arts is the oldest and largest film school in the US. USC is located in LA, the entertainment capital of the world and it is covering an area of 262,500 square feet in eight buildings, which also include George Lucas and Steven Spielberg’s facilities that are equipped with essentials for 3D animation, screening, mixing rooms and much more. It is no wonder why this school is still one of the best film schools in the US.