Top Film School Ranking

In the world of filmmaking, earning a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is one of the most prestigious accomplishments a budding filmmaker can achieve. The MFA degree offers an opportunity to not only hone creative and technical skills but also develop the critical thinking and leadership qualities necessary to excel in the highly competitive film industry. As recognized by U.S. News & World Report in 2001, several graduate schools in the United States are considered to be among the best for aspiring filmmakers. These schools, such as New York University (NYU), the University of Southern California (USC), the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA), the American Film Institute (AFI), the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), and Columbia University (NY), offer some of the most comprehensive and esteemed film programs available. Each of these institutions has made significant contributions to the film industry by fostering the careers of some of the most influential directors, producers, writers, and cinematographers in the world.

At the top of the list of film schools in the U.S. is New York University (NYU), particularly its Tisch School of the Arts. NYU has long been a leader in film education, and its graduate program in film and television production has earned a reputation for its rigorous training and its focus on innovation in filmmaking. The Tisch School of the Arts is known for its emphasis on artistic expression, storytelling, and technical expertise. Students are given access to cutting-edge equipment and resources while being encouraged to explore new techniques and approaches in film production. The program fosters a close-knit community of students and faculty, providing opportunities for collaboration and mentorship. The school’s location in New York City, one of the world’s most vibrant cultural and artistic hubs, also offers students numerous opportunities for networking and gaining real-world experience in the film industry. Notable alumni of NYU include Martin Scorsese, Spike Lee, and Ang Lee, who have all achieved considerable success in the film industry. The combination of world-class faculty, a comprehensive curriculum, and the dynamic creative environment of New York City makes NYU one of the most highly regarded film schools in the world.

Just behind NYU in terms of prestige is the University of Southern California (USC), which has earned a reputation as one of the best film schools globally. The USC School of Cinematic Arts offers a highly competitive MFA program that prepares students for leadership roles in the entertainment industry. USC’s approach to film education emphasizes both the creative and technical aspects of filmmaking, providing students with a well-rounded education that covers directing, producing, screenwriting, and cinematography. USC is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, including soundstages, editing suites, and production equipment that enable students to create professional-level films. The university also boasts an extensive network of alumni, many of whom have gone on to become major players in the film and television industries. Notable USC alumni include George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and Ron Howard, all of whom have made significant contributions to the world of film and television. Furthermore, USC’s location in Los Angeles provides students with unparalleled access to Hollywood and the broader entertainment industry. The school’s deep ties to the industry and its focus on both practical and creative aspects of filmmaking make it one of the top choices for aspiring filmmakers.

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is another institution that consistently ranks among the best graduate film schools in the world. UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, and Television offers an MFA program that is known for its academic rigor, creative development, and technical training. The UCLA film program is distinctive in its combination of a strong theoretical foundation in film studies with an emphasis on hands-on experience in film production. Students are encouraged to explore various aspects of filmmaking, from directing and editing to producing and screenwriting, giving them a broad understanding of the industry. The school’s location in Los Angeles offers students valuable opportunities for internships and networking within the film industry. UCLA has also produced a remarkable list of alumni, including Francis Ford Coppola, James Cameron, and Guillermo del Toro. These alumni have achieved significant success in both independent and mainstream cinema, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for careers in all facets of the film industry. UCLA’s balance of creative exploration and technical training, combined with its access to the entertainment industry, makes it a top choice for those seeking to pursue an MFA in film.

In the world of American film education, the American Film Institute (AFI) stands out for its unique approach to film training. AFI is a graduate-level institution that offers an MFA program in film production with a strong emphasis on storytelling and cinematic techniques. The AFI Conservatory’s focus is on the art of filmmaking, with a curriculum that encourages students to develop their voices as directors, writers, and producers. AFI is known for its small class sizes and its highly personalized approach to education, which allows students to receive individual attention from industry professionals and faculty members who have extensive experience in the entertainment world. The school’s conservatory model is distinctive in that it immerses students in the filmmaking process from day one, encouraging them to produce films and develop practical skills that will serve them throughout their careers. AFI’s alumni include a number of distinguished filmmakers, such as David Lynch, Michael Mann, and Patty Jenkins, all of whom have had a profound impact on the industry. The AFI’s emphasis on creativity, storytelling, and technical expertise makes it a highly respected institution for those looking to pursue a career in filmmaking.

The California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), another prominent film school, offers an MFA program through its School of Film/Video. CalArts is known for its innovative approach to arts education and its interdisciplinary focus, allowing students to explore not only film but also other forms of media, such as animation and experimental cinema. The CalArts film program emphasizes both creative freedom and technical proficiency, encouraging students to develop their unique artistic voices while gaining the skills needed to succeed in the entertainment industry. The school’s faculty consists of renowned filmmakers and artists, many of whom are active in the industry, providing students with valuable insights and mentorship. CalArts is particularly well-regarded for its emphasis on experimental and avant-garde filmmaking, and its animation program has produced some of the most influential animators in the world. Notable CalArts alumni include Tim Burton, Brad Bird, and John Lasseter, all of whom have made groundbreaking contributions to the world of film and animation. CalArts’ reputation for fostering creativity and innovation in filmmaking makes it one of the top graduate schools for aspiring filmmakers.

Columbia University (NY) is another prestigious institution that offers a renowned MFA program in film. Columbia’s Graduate School of the Arts is known for its rigorous academic program and its emphasis on developing filmmakers as both artists and intellectuals. The film program at Columbia is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of film theory, history, and production, giving them the tools to think critically about cinema while also developing their practical filmmaking skills. The MFA program includes courses in directing, producing, screenwriting, and cinematography, and students are encouraged to explore a variety of genres and techniques in their work. Columbia’s location in New York City provides students with a wealth of cultural and professional opportunities, allowing them to engage with the vibrant arts community of the city. The program’s strong academic foundation, combined with its focus on creative exploration and technical training, makes Columbia a top choice for aspiring filmmakers. Alumni of Columbia’s film program include directors such as Kathryn Bigelow, James Mangold, and Thelma Schoonmaker, all of whom have made significant contributions to the film industry.

In conclusion, the top graduate schools for film, as recognized by U.S. News & World Report in 2001, represent some of the most prestigious and well-regarded institutions for aspiring filmmakers. Schools such as New York University, University of Southern California, University of California-Los Angeles, American Film Institute, California Institute of the Arts, and Columbia University have earned their reputations by providing students with a comprehensive education that combines creative development, technical expertise, and industry exposure. These institutions have produced some of the most influential filmmakers in history, and their MFA programs continue to attract aspiring filmmakers from around the world. Through their rigorous training, industry connections, and emphasis on artistic expression, these schools help shape the future of film and television, preparing students to become leaders in the entertainment industry.

Top 14 Graduate Schools for Film by U.S. News & World Report
(Master of Fine Arts)

1. New York University
1. University of Southern California
3. University of California-Los Angeles
4. American Film Institute
5. California Institute of the Arts
6. Columbia University (NY)
7. School of the Art Institute of Chicago
7. U of Texas-Austin
9. Florida State Uni
9. Northwestern Uni (IL)
9. Temple Uni
12. Rochester Institute of Technology (NY)
12. San Francisco Art Institute
12. U of California-San Diego

Source: USNWR 2001

List of film schools in the USA:

Arizona

• Zaki Gordon Institute - Independent Film Making(Yavapai College)

California

• AFI Conservatory - A division of American Film Institute
• Brooks Institute of Photography
• Chapman Uni
• California College of the Arts
• Cal State LA Studios (California State U, Los Angeles)
• Lawrence and Kristina Dodge College of Film and Media Arts at Chapman Uni
• Columbia College Hollywood
• California State Uni, Long Beach
• California State Uni, Northridge
• Los Angeles Film School- LAFS
• Loyola Marymount Uni School of Film and Television
• San Francisco State Uni Cinema department
• USC School of Cinematic Arts/USC School of Cinema - Television (U of Southern California)
• UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television (U of California, Los Angeles)
• Video Symphony TV & Film School (Burbank, CA)

District of Columbia

• American Univ School of Communication - Film and Media Arts Studies

Florida

• School of Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts at Florida State Univ
• Un of Central Florida Film School

Georgia

• Savannah College of Art and Design

Illinois

• Columbia College
• DePaul Univ- Digital Cinema Program

Massachusetts

• Fitchburg State College
• Hampshire College
• Emerson College

Montana

• Montana State Univ

New Mexico

• Moving Image Arts at the College of Santa Fe

New York

• Tisch School of the Arts at New York Univ
• Columbia Univ School of the Arts Film Division
• School of Visual Arts
• New York Film Academy Film School & Acting School
• City College of New York- City Univ of New York
• SUNY Purchase
• Vassar College Vogelstein Center for Drama and Film

South Carolina

• Film Production at Trident Technical College