Film School Rankings (US)

The field of film and media studies offers a unique blend of artistic expression, technical skills, and critical analysis. As the film industry continues to evolve, graduate programs offering a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Film have become critical in shaping the future of filmmaking, animation, cinematography, screenwriting, and other creative roles. For aspiring filmmakers and media professionals, selecting the right school for graduate studies is crucial. According to the U.S. News & World Report's 1997 rankings, several institutions stand out as leaders in offering top-tier MFA programs in Film. These schools are known for their rich academic environments, faculty expertise, industry connections, and opportunities for hands-on experience.

New York University (NYU) and the University of Southern California (USC) are tied at the top of the list, each with an impressive reputation score of 4.5. These two schools have long been considered the gold standard in film education in the United States, attracting aspiring filmmakers from around the globe.

NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts is renowned for its rigorous curriculum, which combines creative exploration with technical proficiency. Its film program offers students access to world-class faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and an array of resources for aspiring filmmakers. Tisch has produced a remarkable list of alumni who have gone on to direct, write, and produce some of Hollywood’s most successful films, such as Martin Scorsese, Spike Lee, and Lena Dunham. Students at NYU benefit from the school’s location in New York City, providing them with unique access to a bustling film industry and abundant networking opportunities. The program places a strong emphasis on developing a personal artistic voice while also preparing students for the technical and business aspects of filmmaking.

Similarly, USC’s School of Cinematic Arts offers a highly respected MFA program that integrates both artistic and technical education. USC boasts a robust curriculum that spans multiple areas of filmmaking, including directing, screenwriting, cinematography, and producing. Students have access to cutting-edge technology and facilities, including sound stages and editing suites. USC’s extensive network within the Hollywood film industry is another significant advantage, as students are given opportunities for internships, mentorships, and collaborations with industry professionals. USC is well-known for its alumni, such as George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and Ron Howard, who have made profound impacts on the global film industry. The school is highly regarded for its dedication to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers, providing them with the tools and opportunities to succeed.

In third place, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), with a reputation score of 4.4, is another prestigious institution with a world-class MFA program in film. UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, and Television is known for its comprehensive approach to film education, combining hands-on experience with theoretical study. Students at UCLA are encouraged to experiment with different filmmaking styles and genres, and the school provides a rich array of courses in areas such as screenwriting, film production, animation, and digital media. The program also emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging students to work across departments and explore different facets of the entertainment industry. UCLA’s location in Los Angeles allows students to engage directly with the industry and to work on high-profile projects, both inside and outside of the classroom. Many UCLA alumni, including director Francis Ford Coppola and screenwriter/director Paul Thomas Anderson, have achieved tremendous success in Hollywood and beyond.

The American Film Institute (AFI), ranked fourth with a reputation score of 4.1, is a prominent institution dedicated exclusively to advanced film training. AFI offers an MFA program that covers various filmmaking disciplines, including producing, directing, screenwriting, cinematography, and editing. The AFI Conservatory is known for its highly specialized and intensive approach, with small class sizes that foster a collaborative and intimate learning environment. Students benefit from AFI’s close connections to the film industry, with many opportunities for internships, industry showcases, and alumni mentorships. The school has a strong tradition of producing filmmakers who go on to work on award-winning films, including David Lynch, Darren Aronofsky, and Patty Jenkins.

Ranked fifth, California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), with a reputation score of 4.0, offers an MFA program that is distinct for its focus on experimental and avant-garde filmmaking. CalArts’ School of Film/Video emphasizes creativity and innovation, pushing students to develop their own unique artistic vision. The program is known for its interdisciplinary approach, which encourages students to explore a wide range of artistic practices, including animation, experimental cinema, and multimedia art. CalArts has a reputation for producing filmmakers with a strong artistic voice, and many of its alumni have made a name for themselves in both the independent film scene and the mainstream entertainment industry. The school’s location in Southern California provides students with access to both the experimental art world and the Hollywood film industry.

In sixth place, Columbia University (NY), with a reputation score of 3.7, offers an MFA in Film that is known for its rigorous academic curriculum and prestigious faculty. Columbia’s School of the Arts encourages students to combine their artistic aspirations with academic inquiry, providing them with a well-rounded education in both the creative and critical aspects of filmmaking. The program offers a strong foundation in directing, screenwriting, producing, and cinematography, along with opportunities to work in documentary filmmaking and experimental media. Columbia’s location in New York City gives students access to the city’s vibrant independent film scene, as well as an array of film festivals and industry events.

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), tied for seventh with the University of Texas–Austin, each with a reputation score of 3.6, are unique choices for aspiring filmmakers seeking a more artistic and interdisciplinary approach to their studies. SAIC is known for its emphasis on experimental filmmaking, fine arts, and media production, providing students with an environment that fosters creative exploration. The school’s MFA program allows students to develop their artistic practice while also gaining technical skills in digital media and film production. SAIC’s close-knit community and interdisciplinary environment make it a top choice for students seeking a more personalized and experimental film education.

The University of Texas–Austin (UT Austin) offers a comprehensive MFA program through its Department of Radio-Television-Film. With a reputation score of 3.6, UT Austin is renowned for its strong focus on both narrative filmmaking and documentary production. The program is highly collaborative, allowing students to work across different media formats and genres. UT Austin has strong industry connections, particularly within the growing film scene in Texas, and many of its alumni go on to become successful filmmakers, producers, and screenwriters.

Florida State University (FSU), Northwestern University (IL), and Temple University (PA), each with a reputation score of 3.5, are tied for ninth place. FSU’s College of Motion Picture Arts is particularly known for its rigorous, hands-on training and focus on preparing students for professional careers in filmmaking. Northwestern University’s Department of Radio/Television/Film and Temple University’s School of Theater, Film and Media Arts both offer comprehensive programs that balance creative work with technical expertise. These institutions offer unique opportunities for aspiring filmmakers to hone their craft while also engaging in critical studies of the media and film industries.

Ranked twelfth, the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), San Francisco Art Institute, and University of California-San Diego each received a reputation score of 3.3. These schools offer specialized MFA programs with an emphasis on digital media, experimental filmmaking, and visual arts, making them ideal for students interested in avant-garde or emerging film technologies.

Finally, San Francisco State University and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, both ranked fifteenth with a reputation score of 3.1, are notable for their commitment to providing accessible, high-quality film education at the graduate level. These schools offer strong MFA programs in film and media studies, with a focus on creative development, technical expertise, and critical analysis.

In conclusion, the U.S. News & World Report's 1997 rankings of the best graduate schools for film offer valuable insight into the institutions that are shaping the next generation of filmmakers, screenwriters, producers, and industry professionals. From the renowned programs at NYU and USC to specialized institutions like the American Film Institute and CalArts, these schools provide the training, resources, and networks that students need to succeed in the competitive world of film and media production. The rankings reflect the diverse range of approaches to film education available in the U.S., from technical expertise to artistic experimentation, ensuring that every student can find a program that matches their unique vision and aspirations.

Top Graduate Schools for Film (Master of Fine Arts) by U.S. News & World Report:
Rank, Institution, Average reputation score (5 = highest)
1. New York University 4.5
1. University of Southern California 4.5
3. University of California–Los Angeles 4.4
4. American Film Institute (CA) 4.1
5. California Institute of the Arts 4.0
6. Columbia University (NY) 3.7
7. School of the Art Institute of Chicago 3.6
7. University of Texas–Austin 3.6
9. Florida State University 3.5
9. Northwestern University (IL) 3.5
9. Temple University (PA) 3.5
12. Rochester Institute of Technology (NY) 3.3
12. San Francisco Art Institute 3.3
12. University of California–San Diego 3.3
15. San Francisco State University 3.1
15. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee 3.1
17. Ohio University 3.0
17. Southern Illinois University–Carbondale 3.0
17. Syracuse University (NY) 3.0
Source: U.S. News and World Report 1997