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2025 Best Film, Video & Photographic Arts Schools

215 Colleges in the United States
17,626 Film Degrees Awarded
$25,982 Avg Early-Career Salary
Film, Video & Photographic Arts is above average in terms of popularity with it being the #62 most popular degree program in the country. So, you have a fair amount of options to choose from when looking for a school.

For its 2025 ranking, College Factual looked at 215 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for film, video & photographic arts students pursuing a degree. Combined, these schools handed out 17,626 degrees in film, video & photographic arts to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Film, Video & Photographic Arts School

Best Film, Video & Photographic Arts Schools The film program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Film, Video & Photographic Arts rankings. In order to come up with a best overall ranking for film, video & photographic arts schools, we combine our degree-level rankings, weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each level.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Film, Video & Photographic Arts Rankings by Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Film
Bachelor's Degrees in Film
Master's Degrees in Film
Doctor's Degrees in Film

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we've developed the Best Film, Video & Photographic Arts Schools ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Read more about College Factual's methodology.

Best Schools for Film, Video & Photographic Arts in the United States

Although we recommend filtering by degree level first, you can view the list below to see which schools give the educational experience for the film degree levels they offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 20% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools in Film

1
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
317 Film Degrees Awarded
2.2% Growth in Graduates

University of Southern California is one of the best schools in the country for getting a degree in film, video & photographic arts. Located in the city of Los Angeles, USC is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #13 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means USC is a great university overall.

There were approximately 317 film, video & photographic arts students who graduated with this degree at USC in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the film, video & photographic arts major at University of Southern California earn $5,061 above the typical college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in film, video & photographic arts from University of Southern California

2
NYU crest
New York University
New York, NY
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
465 Film Degrees Awarded
8.4% Growth in Graduates

It is hard to beat New York University if you want to pursue a degree in film, video & photographic arts. NYU is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of New York. A Best Colleges rank of #16 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means NYU is a great university overall.

There were approximately 465 film, video & photographic arts students who graduated with this degree at NYU in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the film program report average early career earnings of $22,591.

More information about a degree in film, video & photographic arts from New York University

Sponsored
Associates Degree Type
AA in Digital Photography Program Name

Take the first step toward a career of visual expression and doing what you love with this online associate degree from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in AA in Digital Photography from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

3
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
306 Film Degrees Awarded
37.9% Growth in Graduates

Chapman University is one of the best schools in the United States for getting a degree in film, video & photographic arts. Located in the city of Orange, Chapman is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. This university ranks 24th out of 161 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were roughly 306 film, video & photographic arts students who graduated with this degree at Chapman in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the film, video & photographic arts degree program at Chapman University earn $8,016 above the average college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in film, video & photographic arts from Chapman University

4
Graduate Certificate Highest Degree Type
88 Film Degrees Awarded
1.1% Growth in Graduates

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor is a wonderful option for students interested in a degree in film, video & photographic arts. Located in the medium-sized city of Ann Arbor, U-M is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #22 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means U-M is a great university overall.

There were about 88 film, video & photographic arts students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the film program report average early career wages of $25,565.

More information about a degree in film, video & photographic arts from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

5
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In MO

WUSTL is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Saint Louis. A Best Colleges rank of #21 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means WUSTL is a great university overall.

There were about 16 film, video & photographic arts students who graduated with this degree at WUSTL in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in film, video & photographic arts from Washington University in St Louis

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
166 Film Degrees Awarded
$28,608 Median Starting Salary

UCSB is a very large public university located in the medium-sized suburb of Santa Barbara. A Best Colleges rank of #47 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UCSB is a great university overall.

There were about 166 film, video & photographic arts students who graduated with this degree at UCSB in the most recent year we have data available. Those film, video & photographic arts students who get their degree from University of California - Santa Barbara earn $2,626 more than the standard film graduate.

More information about a degree in film, video & photographic arts from University of California - Santa Barbara

7
Ithaca crest
Ithaca College
Ithaca, NY
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
108 Film Degrees Awarded
$23,782 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of Ithaca, Ithaca is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population. This college ranks 23rd out of 136 colleges for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were approximately 108 film, video & photographic arts students who graduated with this degree at Ithaca in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the film program state that they receive average early career income of $23,782.

More information about a degree in film, video & photographic arts from Ithaca College

Sponsored
Bachelors Degree Type
BA in Digital Photography Program Name

Learn to create a striking portfolio and hone the skills you need to succeed in the world of professional photography with this online digital photography degree from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in BA in Digital Photography from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

8
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
443 Film Degrees Awarded
12.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Savannah, SCAD is a private not-for-profit college with a large student population.

There were about 443 film, video & photographic arts students who graduated with this degree at SCAD in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the film program report average early career earnings of $26,679.

More information about a degree in film, video & photographic arts from Savannah College of Art and Design

9
Temple crest
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
180 Film Degrees Awarded
$24,345 Median Starting Salary

Temple is a very large public university located in the large city of Philadelphia. This university ranks 8th out of 103 colleges for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were about 180 film, video & photographic arts students who graduated with this degree at Temple in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the film program earn about $24,345 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in film, video & photographic arts from Temple University

10
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
68 Film Degrees Awarded
44.1% Growth in Graduates

UW Seattle is a very large public university located in the city of Seattle. A Best Colleges rank of #44 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UW Seattle is a great university overall.

There were approximately 68 film, video & photographic arts students who graduated with this degree at UW Seattle in the most recent year we have data available. Film, Video & Photographic Arts degree recipients from University of Washington - Seattle Campus receive an earnings boost of approximately $2,579 above the typical income of film, video & photographic arts majors.

More information about a degree in film, video & photographic arts from University of Washington - Seattle Campus

11
Emerson crest
Emerson College
Boston, MA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
359 Film Degrees Awarded
0.8% Growth in Graduates

Emerson is a medium-sized private not-for-profit college located in the city of Boston. This college ranks 16th out of 63 schools for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were approximately 359 film, video & photographic arts students who graduated with this degree at Emerson in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the film program report average early career earnings of $27,032.

More information about a degree in film, video & photographic arts from Emerson College

Sponsored
Bachelors Degree Type
BA in Graphic Design & Media Arts Program Name

Translate your creative ideas through concept, design and digital media with a bachelor's in graphic design online from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in BA in Graphic Design & Media Arts from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

12
The American University crest
American University
Washington, DC
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
97 Film Degrees Awarded
28.9% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Washington, The American University is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #61 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means The American University is a great university overall.

There were approximately 97 film, video & photographic arts students who graduated with this degree at The American University in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the film, video & photographic arts major at American University get $12,848 more than the standard college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in film, video & photographic arts from American University

13
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
198 Film Degrees Awarded
$24,415 Median Starting Salary

Columbia is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit college located in the large city of Chicago. This college ranks 9th out of 85 colleges for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were roughly 198 film, video & photographic arts students who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduating, film degree recipients typically earn an average of $24,415 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in film, video & photographic arts from Columbia College Chicago

14
UPenn crest
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
6th Most Popular In PA

UPenn is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Philadelphia. A Best Colleges rank of #2 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UPenn is a great university overall.

There were approximately 20 film, video & photographic arts students who graduated with this degree at UPenn in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in film, video & photographic arts from University of Pennsylvania

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
121 Film Degrees Awarded
$37,446 Median Starting Salary

UCLA is a fairly large public university located in the city of Los Angeles. A Best Colleges rank of #28 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UCLA is a great university overall.

There were approximately 121 film, video & photographic arts students who graduated with this degree at UCLA in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the film, video & photographic arts degree program at University of California - Los Angeles earn $11,465 more than the typical college grad with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in film, video & photographic arts from University of California - Los Angeles

16
Vanderbilt crest
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In TN

Located in the city of Nashville, Vanderbilt is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #18 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Vanderbilt is a great university overall.

There were about 11 film, video & photographic arts students who graduated with this degree at Vanderbilt in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in film, video & photographic arts from Vanderbilt University

17
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
5th Most Popular In IL

Located in the city of Evanston, Northwestern is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #5 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Northwestern is a great university overall.

There were approximately 14 film, video & photographic arts students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in film, video & photographic arts from Northwestern University

18
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
257 Film Degrees Awarded
3.9% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of San Francisco, SFSU is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 30th out of 161 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 257 film, video & photographic arts students who graduated with this degree at SFSU in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the film program make an average of $18,654 for their early career.

More information about a degree in film, video & photographic arts from San Francisco State University

19
Syracuse crest
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
64 Film Degrees Awarded
6.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the midsize city of Syracuse, Syracuse is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. This university ranks 5th out of 136 schools for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were roughly 64 film, video & photographic arts students who graduated with this degree at Syracuse in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduating, film degree recipients generally earn around $26,331 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in film, video & photographic arts from Syracuse University

20
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
137 Film Degrees Awarded
8.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large suburb of Rochester, RIT is a private not-for-profit school with a fairly large student population. This school ranks 13th out of 136 schools for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were about 137 film, video & photographic arts students who graduated with this degree at RIT in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the film, video & photographic arts program at Rochester Institute of Technology make $2,876 above the average college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in film, video & photographic arts from Rochester Institute of Technology

21
Emory crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In GA
40 Film Degrees Awarded

Emory is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Atlanta. A Best Colleges rank of #31 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Emory is a great university overall.

There were roughly 40 film, video & photographic arts students who graduated with this degree at Emory in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in film, video & photographic arts from Emory University

22
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
188 Film Degrees Awarded
4.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the small city of Santa Cruz, UC Santa Cruz is a public university with a large student population. This university ranks 13th out of 161 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 188 film, video & photographic arts students who graduated with this degree at UC Santa Cruz in the most recent year we have data available. After graduation, film degree recipients generally make around $23,614 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in film, video & photographic arts from University of California - Santa Cruz

23
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
105 Film Degrees Awarded
$23,686 Median Starting Salary

Located in the medium-sized city of Columbia, UofSC is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 45 colleges for overall quality in the state of South Carolina.

There were approximately 105 film, video & photographic arts students who graduated with this degree at UofSC in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the film program make an average of $23,686 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in film, video & photographic arts from University of South Carolina - Columbia

24
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
206 Film Degrees Awarded
3.4% Growth in Graduates

UCR is a fairly large public university located in the city of Riverside. This university ranks 28th out of 161 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were roughly 206 film, video & photographic arts students who graduated with this degree at UCR in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduation, film degree recipients usually earn an average of $24,840 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in film, video & photographic arts from University of California - Riverside

25
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
166 Film Degrees Awarded
7.2% Growth in Graduates

Located in the medium-sized city of Tempe, ASU - Tempe is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 26 schools for overall quality in the state of Arizona.

There were about 166 film, video & photographic arts students who graduated with this degree at ASU - Tempe in the most recent year we have data available. Film, Video & Photographic Arts degree recipients from Arizona State University - Tempe receive an earnings boost of approximately $5,166 above the average income of film, video & photographic arts graduates.

More information about a degree in film, video & photographic arts from Arizona State University - Tempe

Rest of the Top Best Film, Video & Photographic Arts Schools

26
Iowa crest
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
27
Tufts crest
Tufts University
Medford, MA
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30
31
32

33
New School University crest
The New School
New York, NY

34
DePaul crest
DePaul University
Chicago, IL
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
Barnard crest
Barnard College
New York, NY

42

43

Honorable Mentions

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Film, Video & Photographic Arts Schools award.

Rank College Location
44 Drexel University Philadelphia, PA
45 Massachusetts College of Art and Design Boston, MA
46 Purchase College Purchase, NY
47 Dartmouth College Hanover, NH
48 Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD
49 University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN
50 Academy of Art University San Francisco, CA
51 University of Oregon Eugene, OR
52 University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT
53 Pratt Institute - Main Brooklyn, NY
54 Belmont University Nashville, TN
55 Florida State University Tallahassee, FL
56 Palm Beach State College Lake Worth, FL
57 University of Kansas Lawrence, KS
58 California State University - Long Beach Long Beach, CA
59 Valencia College Orlando, FL
60 University of North Carolina School of the Arts Winston Salem, NC
61 Brigham Young University - Provo Provo, UT
62 Baylor University Waco, TX
63 Central New Mexico Community College Albuquerque, NM
64 University of Georgia Athens, GA
65 Michigan State University East Lansing, MI
66 Vassar College Poughkeepsie, NY
67 University of California - Davis Davis, CA
68 Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA
69 Connecticut College New London, CT
70 University of North Carolina at Wilmington Wilmington, NC
71 University of Central Florida Orlando, FL

Film, Video & Photographic Arts by Region

View the Best Film, Video & Photographic Arts Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Other U.S. Territories
Great Lakes

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One of 10 majors within the Visual & Performing Arts area of study, Film, Video & Photographic Arts has other similar majors worth exploring.

Film Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
Film & Video Production 8,361
Film/Cinema/Media Studies 5,479
Photography 2,175
Other Film/Video & Photographic Arts 1,513
Documentary Production 98

View All Film Concentrations >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Fine & Studio Arts 37,604
Design & Applied Arts 36,323
Music 25,860
Drama & Theater Arts 17,039
General Visual & Performing Arts 6,776
Arts & Media Management 4,667
Dance 3,301
Other Visual Art 999
Crafts, Folk Art & Artisanry 73
Community/Environmental/Socially-Engaged Art 5

View All Film Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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