Film Schools List: Colleges, Universities and Film High Schools

Looking for a list of film schools? This page collects colleges, universities, art schools, community colleges and film high schools whose film, TV and media programs have brought StudentFilmmakers Magazine into their classrooms over the years. It’s a starting point for research, not a ranking. Use it alongside our ranked guides to find the film program that fits you.

How to Choose a Film School

Before you compare names, decide what you want from a program:

• Hands-on production: How soon do students shoot their own films, and with what equipment?
• Specialization: Directing, cinematography, screenwriting, editing, sound, animation or producing?
• Faculty: Are teachers working filmmakers with current industry connections?
• Location: Schools near production hubs (Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Austin) make internships easier.
• Cost: Compare tuition, equipment fees and the cost of thesis films against scholarships and aid.
• Degree type: BA, BFA, MFA or a certificate, and whether the program is theory-focused or production-focused.

Not sure film school is right for you? Read Is Film School in Your Future? and Should I Go to Film School, or Get a Job?

Universities and Colleges with Film Programs

East Coast

• New York University, Tisch School of the Arts (Kanbar Institute of Film & Television)
• Boston University
• Emerson College
• Ithaca College
• Yale University, Film and Media Studies
• Temple University
• Rutgers University
• Drexel University
• Fairfield University
• Fairleigh Dickinson University
• Montclair State University
• Rowan University
• Long Island University
• The New School
• Bryant University
• Champlain College
• Southern Connecticut State University
• Southern New Hampshire University
• University of Massachusetts
• The University of Vermont
• Framingham State University
• Loyola University Maryland

South and Southeast

• Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts
• University of Central Florida, Nicholson School of Communication and Media
• University of North Carolina School of the Arts
• University of North Carolina Wilmington
• University of North Carolina Greensboro
• University of South Carolina
• University of Tampa
• University of Memphis
• Union University
• Asbury University
• Regent University
• Bob Jones University
• Palm Beach Atlantic University
• Baylor University
• Southern Methodist University, Meadows School of the Arts
• University of North Texas
• University of Texas at Arlington
• University of Texas at El Paso
• Stephen F. Austin State University
• University of the Incarnate Word
• University of Central Arkansas
• University of Tulsa

Midwest

• University of Michigan
• University of Minnesota
• University of Notre Dame
• Ohio University School of Film and Scripps College of Communication
• Kent State University
• Bowling Green State University
• Cleveland State University
• Malone University
• University of Illinois Chicago
• Southern Illinois University
• Kansas State University
• University of Missouri–Kansas City
• University of Central Missouri
• Webster University, School of Communications

West

• California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)
• Loyola Marymount University
• Stanford University
• San Diego State University
• Columbia College Hollywood
• Arizona State University
• University of Colorado, Film Studies
• University of Denver
• Montana State University
• Eastern Washington University
• Utah Tech University (formerly Dixie State)

Art and Design Schools

• School of Visual Arts (SVA), New York
• Ringling College of Art and Design
• Miami International University of Art & Design

Community Colleges with Film and Media Programs

Community colleges are an affordable way to learn production basics, build a reel and transfer to a four-year film program.

• Los Angeles City College
• Los Angeles Valley College
• Pasadena City College
• City College of San Francisco
• Fullerton College
• Butte College
• San Bernardino Valley College
• Colorado Film School (Community College of Denver)
• Hillsborough Community College
• Lansing Community College
• Schoolcraft College
• Ivy Tech Community College
• Laredo College
• Leeward Community College
• Bossier Parish Community College
• Mercer County Community College
• Montgomery County Community College
• Westchester Community College
• Dutchess Community College

Film High Schools and High School Media Programs

Many students start filmmaking long before college. These high schools, arts high schools and career centers have used StudentFilmmakers Magazine in their film, TV and broadcast classes. If you are searching for high schools for film, look for arts magnet schools and career-technical centers near you with video production or broadcast programs.

Arts High Schools

• New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA)
• Design and Architecture Senior High (DASH), Miami
• Charter Conservatory for Liberal Arts and Technology

Career and Technical Centers

• Cuyahoga Valley Career Center (Ohio)
• Kokomo Area Career Center (Indiana)
• Satellite Center (Delaware)
• Marchman Technical College (Florida)
• Regional Technical Institute

High Schools with Film and Broadcast Classes

• Latin School of Chicago
• The Hun School of Princeton
• Notre Dame Preparatory School
• Calvary Christian Academy
• Countryside High School (Florida)
• Hialeah High School (Florida)
• Franklin High School
• Cleveland High School
• Greenville High School
• James Hubert Blake High School (Maryland)
• Niles Township High Schools (Illinois)
• Central Regional High School (New Jersey)
• Capuchino High School (California)
• Burroughs High School (California)
• Lake Travis High School (Texas)
• Klein Forest High School (Texas)
• Woodcreek High School (California)
• Westerly High School (Rhode Island)
• Newburyport High School (Massachusetts)
• A.B. Miller High School (California)

Teachers: our guide to running a film club is a great companion to a high school media class.

Film School FAQ

What is the best film school?

There is no single best film school; it depends on your goals, budget and specialty. NYU, USC, UCLA, AFI, CalArts, Chapman and Florida State are often named among the top programs. See our ranked East Coast and West Coast film school lists.

Are there high schools for film?

Yes. Many arts magnet high schools, charter schools and career-technical centers offer film, TV and broadcast programs. Ask your district about video production or media arts pathways.

Can I learn filmmaking without film school?

Yes. Many filmmakers learn by shooting constantly, working on sets and studying online. Our on-demand filmmaking classes and free live webinars with working cinematographers and directors are a good place to start.

What should I study before film school?

Watch films critically, write short scripts, and shoot whatever you can. Learn the roles on a set, from what a cinematographer does to common film set terms.

Bring StudentFilmmakers to Your School

Read what educators say on our reader comments and testimonials page, and join StudentFilmmakers.com free for webinars your students can attend live.