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2027 Best Value Film Studies Schools in District of Columbia

[Film Studies](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/film-video-and-photographic-arts/film-studies/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

College Factual analyzed 2 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value film studies schools.

What’s on this page:

• Best Value Film Studies Schools in District of Columbia

2027 Best Value Film Studies Schools in District of Columbia

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in film studies, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Film Studies Schools

1

American University
Washington, DC

$58,771 In-State Tuition & Fees

$23,250 Avg Student Debt

$77,370 Median Earnings (10yr)

American University tops our 2027 list of the best value film studies schools in District of Columbia. American University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. In-state tuition and fees average $58,771. Film Studies graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Film Studies graduates of American University earn a median of $39,108 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted.

2

Howard University
Washington, DC

$35,810 In-State Tuition & Fees

$25,498 Avg Student Debt

$63,066 Median Earnings (10yr)

Howard University came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value film studies schools. Set in the city of Washington, Howard University is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $35,810. Typical student debt for film studies graduates is $25,498. Soon after graduation, film studies degree recipients from Howard University generally make around $58,495. Set against $25,498 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Howard University admits about 41% of applicants.

View All Film Studies Rankings >

Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 2 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.

• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
• Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).

More about our data sources and methodologies.