
Best Film Schools
How are the Top Film Programs Chosen?
Cappex determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.
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Stanford University is a research institution located in the California town of the same name. The more than 8,000-acre campus features seven schools, the largest of which is the School of Humanities and Sciences, and 80 residential facilities. With...
The sheer diversity of classes is amazing and the quarter system means that you have the opportunity to take a lot of them without overloading youself
” – Charlene from Sandy, UT
Swarthmore College is a private liberal arts institution in Pennsylvania that was founded in 1864. The college was founded by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and its "most selective" admissions process is also need-blind. The 425-acre...
Swarthmore is one of the toughest colleges in the country, but it pays off. Aside from major intro classes like Psch 1 and Bio 1&2, class sizes are very small. Professors are brilliant and AVAILABLE--unlike profs at huge research universities, they...
” – Some Swattie
Founded in 1853 and named for George Washington, Washington University in St. Louis is a 4-year private research university. WashU encompasses seven colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 90 areas of study. For artistically...
The classes I have taken have been interesting and challenging. It's a good idea to do some research on the professor, but generally you can expect a good experience. Class size really varies. I've had classes with 12 students, but also classes with...
” – Catlyne from Wheaton, IL
The University of Southern California is a high-research institution located in Los Angeles, California, where it’s been educating students since 1880. The university is comprised of two campuses, the main University Park and the Health Sciences...
University of Southern California is among the top universities in the country, and keeps getting better. The professors at the university are all at the top of their fields, and the extensive alumni list proves that the connections that you make...
” – Thomas from Houston, TX
Founded in 1831 by a group of local citizens and Methodist leaders, Wesleyan University is a liberal arts institution in central Connecticut. Wesleyan confers bachelor’s degrees in 45 academic majors. For students interested in the fine and...
Around campus, there is a general environment of smart, open-minded individuals who are, by a large margin, happy to be at Wesleyan. The free exchange of ideas is valued greatly by students and professors alike. The professors are very engaging and...
” – Brendan from Middletown, CT
Carnegie Mellon University stands among the world's most renowned educational institutions, and we tap into our diverse community and world-leading digital technologies across business, engineering, the sciences, the humanities and the arts to chart...
The amount of things you learn throughout your classes is amazing to me. Just this past 2 weeks, I've learned so many things about programming that it has made a noticeable change in how I approach problems.
” – Mathew from Jensen Beach, FL
Boston University is a private, non-profit university with a heavy emphasis on research. BU’s main location is right in its name—Boston, MA—but the university has flagship locations around the world, including in London, Sydney, and Washington, DC...
The faculty is usually attentive and pretty entertaining. Most professors know exactly what they're talking about and provide insight into difficult fields with ease. I took the Core Curriculum and am learning much about history and philosophy. I...
” – Alex from Waco, TX
Founded in 1754, Columbia University is a private research university located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The urban Ivy League campus houses 17 libraries and 20 schools, which offer upwards of 350 majors, as well as the Cathedral of St. John...
The amount of learning that takes place in one semester at Columbia is truly amazing. I have learned more in such a short period of time than I would have ever thought possible. As much as we may all complain about how extensive the Core Curriculum...
” – Nina from Baldwin, NY
The University of Rochester is private, research university highly ranked in the National Universities list by U.S. News & World Report. It operates under the mission "Learn, Discover, Heal, Create—and Make the World Ever Better" and students can...
The curriculum at the University of Rochester is what really makes it special. There are no general education requirements. The only required course for all majors is a writing class, which is offered in many subject areas to allow you to explore a...
” – Eloise from Rochester, NY
Founded in 1925, the University of Miami is a private research institution in south Florida. The U encompasses 11 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 180 fields of study. Away from the classroom, the Miami campus is home to...
The Cool thing about UM is the diversity of the school and the city of Miami. I've met people from every corner of the country and the world and that's the best part about college, of course learning in class but also learning from those who are not...
” – Jude from Miami, FL
New York University, more commonly referred to as NYU, is a private university with campuses and academic centers all over the world, including Abu Dhabi, Shanghai, Africa, and Europe. As one of the largest private universities in the US, it’s...
The learning portion is inevitable, isn’t it? NYU has various schools underneath its purple umbrella – College of Arts and Science, Tisch School of the Arts, Stern School of Business, Steinhardt School of Culture/Education/Human Development, College...
” – Lana from Tenafly, NJ
Florida State University is the oldest institution of Higher Education in Florida. Located on 1,633 acres of land in Tallahassee, FSU is a space- and sea-grant research university offering more than 300 degree programs. The campus is home to the only...
There are many different programs at FSU so you will be surrounded with experienced and helpful faculty. The university is strong in the liberal arts and hard sciences, but they also have a number of other outstanding programs including criminology...
” – Alesha from Shalimar, FL
The Rhode Island School of Design is a fine arts college in the state capital of Providence and one of the first art and design institutions in the United States. RISD confers bachelor’s degrees in 21 fine arts fields of study such as Ceramics...
If you enjoy art and design, this is the school for you. Foundation year you take studios such as Drawing, 2D and 3D. The hours of those studios are long, however, you learn so much and the professors are great. You can get lucky or sometimes unlucky...
” – Catherine
American University is a research institution located in a residential neighborhood of Washington, DC. AU has eight schools on its carbon-neutral campus featuring more than 160 programs. American University is also home to many research centers...
As a student of International Relations, I don't think I could have chosen a better school. My professors were not only well-versed on theory, but they had made (and were STILL making) valuable contributions to their fields. Relative to other schools...
” – Justine from Topeka, KS
Syracuse University is a private, research institution located in the New York town of the same name. SU’s 13 academic divisions offer 200 majors and 100 minors for undergraduate students, as well as multiple international study programs in 60...
The selection of classes is amazing -- it is impossible to be disinterested in each and every one. Even in the required courses (generally speaking, there's only one, all the rest are options) you will be able to learn and stay interested...
” – Angela from Syracuse, NY
Binghamton University is a 4-year research institution located on a 930-acre campus in New York state and is ranked #32 in Top Public Schools by US News & World Report. The university’s six schools offer 130 academic programs that provide research...
The professors here are great! If you need help they are there for you. Often times students don't go to them so they really do want you to come to them or else they won't have anything to do during office hours.
” – Wendy from Brooklyn, NY
The California Institute of the Arts is a private university that offers degree programs in visual and performing arts. CalArts offers degrees in more than 70 degree-granting programs in Art, Music, Dance, Theater, and Film, with all undergraduate...
Really awesome if you know what you want. This university is all about the business, you don't want to muck around waiting for someone to tell you what you're going to do.
” – Marvin from Norwalk, CA
Founded in 1965, the University of California-Santa Cruz is a public institution and part of the University of California System. UCSC offers undergraduate degrees in 65 academic majors within departments of Arts, Humanities, Physical Sciences...
After completing my first year at UCSC - and most of my GEs - I feel that I have learned a lot in many different areas of study. The classes offered as general education requirements are both interesting and informative. I have only taken two of my...
” – Shannon from Petaluma, CA
The Southern Methodist University is a private research institution in Texas featuring a liberal arts curriculum. The Dallas campus provides more than 200 areas of study to choose from, along with the Locomotor Lab to address scientific questions on...
My experience at SMU has been very rewarding since it has open up for me many opportunities. After taking organic chemistry, I realized that I have a great passion for learning about how things happen at the atomic and molecular level. In addition, I...
” – Sarah from Richardson, TX
San Diego State University is a public research institution located in San Diego, California. What began as an all-female college for elementary school teachers now consists of 8 colleges that offer 95 undergraduate programs plus a variety of...
I have definitely learned new information and facts I did not know prior to attending SDSU. All professors are unique with their own way of helping students learn the material. Professor's office hours are so helpful and fitting to your schedule, and...
” – Lizette from Planada, CA
Formed by a merger between Marymount College and Loyola University, Loyola Marymount University is a private school affiliated with the Jesuit religion and one of the largest Roman Catholic universities on the West Coast. Spread across 142 acres in...
The professors are all very down to earth. Professors here understand what information and knowledge is needed in the real world and wont try to fill your head up with unnecessary jargon.
” – Maribel from Los Angeles, CA
Originally founded as a land-grant university in 1870, Ohio State University is a public institution in Columbus and the third-largest campus in the nation. OSU confers bachelor’s degrees in over 200 academic fields of study. In addition to classroom...
You won't believe the opportunities you have here at Ohio State. There are over 160 academic programs available. I enrolled with an undeclared major, but wasn't nervous about it because ultimately whatever you go into you will be successful. The...
” – David from Perrysburg, OH
Founded by the Society of Jesus, Fairfield University is a 4-year Jesuit institution in coastal Connecticut. Fairfield provides a liberal arts education and offers degrees in 44 academic majors as well as 16 interdisciplinary majors. As a Catholic...
The teachers focus on broadening your view and the extensive core forces you to study fields you would have never considered, but could decide major in.
” – Kristin from Martinsville, NJ
With campuses three miles apart, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is the flagship campus with locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Minnesota confers bachelor’s degrees in more than 150 academic majors and minors. In addition, the U of M is...
If you are willing to spend the time, the professors are more than willing to help you out. Some of the classes are hard and require after class work, but in the end it's all worth it. They don't restrict you on what you can / can't take. It's up to...
” – Donald from Norwood, MN
Emerson College is liberal arts college focusing on communication and the arts located in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1880 as a "school of oratory," Emerson still focuses largely on communication, just through 26 majors that culminate in a...
Emerson is teaching me a great deal about the arts that I was never able to learn in my basic college-prep high school program. As a Writing, Literature, and Publishing major, I'm learning a lot about how real world events influence the creation of...
” – Erika from Trainer, PA
Chapman University is a private, liberal arts institution in Orange, California, that offers 110 areas of study through 11 schools and colleges. Chapman is also home to several independent research centers, as well as creative research centers...
Chapman University is an up-and-coming school, as seen through not only the expansion of campus facilities but the growth in student resources. Chapman will continue to grow for the simple reason that people with not just higher SAT scores but higher...
” – theCollegeKid
Pennsylvania State University, Penn State, is a land-, sea-, and space-grant university with a main campus in University Park. This public research institution was founded in 1855 and is one of the largest universities in the US by student body. Its...
Penn State is a first class University. Professors are both well informed and intriguing. Even the biggest lecture classes can seem like an engaging one on one meeting. The class listings also are very various and allow for much customization in...
” – Eric from Winburne, PA
Featuring the largest single-campus enrollment in the United States, the University of Central Florida is a public university in Orlando. UCF is home to 13 colleges granting degrees in over 200 academic majors. Additionally, UCF is a space-grant...
Since I have been at the University of Central Florida I have learned more than I could imagine. The professors truly know what they are teaching and are more than welcomed to give you any additional help if needed. There is no excuse that they...
” – Rebecca from Kissimmee, FL
Located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, CUNY Hunter College is a public college and the largest school in the City University of New York System. Hunter is home to six colleges and schools conferring degrees in over 170 fields of study. In addition...
The professors here at Hunter are very knowledgeable and are also very diverse. Most of the professors that I have had so far are very fair and are also very helpful. Just make sure you read your syllabus before hand so that you are never behind...
” – Oluwadara from Brentwood, NY
The University of California-Riverside is a public institution on 1,200 acres of land in Southern California’s Inland Empire. A part of the UC system, UCR is home to colleges of Humanities, Engineering, and Natural Sciences conferring undergraduate...
Academics at UCR is fast paced because it is on the quarter system, but that doesn't make it easier. Students are expected to learn the material and learn it fast. There are several ways to get help and to further understanding in a subject...
” – Kimberley from Tracy, CA
Ithaca College is a private, liberal arts college located midway between Manhattan and Toronto. IC offers more than 100 programs across five schools, including an Exploratory Program, which allows freshmen to take up to four semesters to try out...
Ithaca College offers many opportunities to pursue any subject that you may desire to study. You can be a communication major and still have the chance to take art history or any other class that may catch your eye. As a cinema major, I have taken...
” – Courtney from Yorktown Heights, NY
The University of South Carolina is a 4-year public research institution in the state capital of Columbia. South Carolina encompasses 12 colleges conferring undergraduate degrees. Additionally, U of SC is home to the first freestanding academic...
At the University of South Carolina in Columbia, there are a multitude of classes to choose from. From the Psychology of Sex to the Philosophy of Contemporary Moral Issues, this University has many classes that will tickle your fancy. Being the...
” – Emily from Ladson, SC
Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1877, Regis University is a Jesuit Catholic institution in Denver. Situated against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Regis is home to five colleges and 184 degree-granting programs. As a Jesuit university, Regis...
All of my classes have been taught by brilliant and passionate professors who really care about teaching and want students to succeed, both on tests and in life. Regis provides you with a challenging academic curriculum, but professors and tutors are...
” – Joanna from Pueblo, CO
The Rochester Institute of Technology is a 4-year private university of technology, arts, and design in northwest New York State. RIT is home to 11 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees. Additionally, RIT offers a co-op program that...
Part of being a Software Engineering major means spending a year with Computer Science students learning the basics of computer programming. When I first came to RIT, I knew nothing about writing code but the classes challenged and taught me well and...
” – Geoff from Avon, NY
Founded in 1851 by the Society of Jesus, Saint Joseph’s University is a Jesuit Catholic school in Philadelphia. SJU is home to colleges and schools of Arts & Sciences, Business, and Health Studies offering bachelor’s degrees with a core curriculum...
Ultimately the learning is all up to the individual so it depends on the students dedication that they have. The teachers are very intelligent and they are willing to help with any problem. There are many different options for the student if he or...
” – Tina from Scranton, PA
Originally founded as the Cortland Normal School, SUNY Cortland is a 4-year public university in central New York State and part of the State University of New York system. SUNY Cortland offers bachelor’s degrees in 65 academic majors and 38 minors...
I wanted to attend a school that has a strong education program. I did my research, applied to SUNY Cortland and was accepted. This is my first semester and I thoroughly enjoy being at SUNY Cortland with the Red Dragons.
” – Zhane from Springfield Gardens, NY
University of North Carolina School of the Arts is a public institution and arts conservatory in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It is the first school of Arts in the nation to be funded by the state. The most popular fields of study are...
It has been called the magic hill and I believe it is. Magic is made, created, imagined, seen, and discovered here. YOU WILL WORK HARDER THAN YOU EVER HAVE AND BE MORE EXHAUSTED THAN YOU'VE EVER BEEN AND, HOPEFULLY, THE MOST FULFILLED YOU HAVE EVER...
” – Carissa from Sacramento, CA
The University at Buffalo is a 4-year research institution offering more than 140 undergraduate degree programs. UB is the largest university in the State University of New York system by enrollment, but maintains a student-faculty ratio of 14:1...
This school has great programs for several different disciplines: Pharmacy, Architecture, Dentistry, Law, Nursing, Anthropology, etc. Spend some time really considering which one you would most like to pursue and then really immerse yourself in it.
” – Matthew from Stockbridge, GA
Temple University, founded in 1884, is a public, four-year high research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Home to more than 37,000 students, Temple offers more than 600 academic programs in 17 schools and colleges, on several...
Whether it is a boring topic or not the faculty at Temple University makes sure that you learn the information in a fun or interesting manner.
” – Brooke from Philadelphia, PA
Rutgers University is a public research university, one of the first nine original colonial colleges, and a land grant institution, as well. The largest university in New Jersey, Rutgers maintains 29 schools and colleges between its three campuses...
Rutgers University is an excellent school because it offers various majors and minors to accommodate every student. Their Pharmacy, Engineering, as well as Business schools are widely acclaimed and their challenging programs drastically prepare you...
” – Lawrenceville, NJ
The City College of New York is a public senior college in upper Manhattan and the oldest institution of higher learning in the City University of New York system. CCNY is home to 10 academic divisions and schools conferring undergraduate degrees as...
There will always be hard to understand professors wherever you go, but there are lots of places at the college that offer help, and in my experience, many fellow students are willing to group together to ace a class.
” – Denise from New York, NY
Founded in 1881, Marquette University is a Jesuit Catholic institution in Milwaukee. Marquette is home to 11 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate and graduate degrees. The university is also home to a number of academic centers and...
The quality of the education and professors at Marquette University is excellent. All of my professors last year were extremely knowledgeable and besides teaching the curriculum, they also taught life lessons and gave advice.
” – Allison from Ballwin, MO
Bennington College is a progressive liberal arts college, the hub at which global opportunities converge, and a launching pad for careers of meaning. Our campus prepares leaders, intellectual change-makers, and artists by empowering them to shape...
I recently had a tour at Bennington College and I also attended an information session. The impression I got was that Bennington College offers students an amazing education for several reasons:
1. Students learn what they want to learn: Students...

Stetson University is a private university in DeLand, FL, with regional campuses in Tampa, Gulfport, and Orlando. Stetson is home to a college of Arts and Sciences and was also the first institution in the state to host schools of Business...
With a revamped curriculum that was launched this fall, Stetson is offering a wider variety of classes than ever. This school is designed with the goal of every student graduating with a well-rounded education, and I wholeheartedly feel this at work...
” – Maria Harper
The University of Tampa is a 4-year private university with a campus in the heart of downtown Tampa. UT features a Four College Model consisting of colleges of Business, Arts, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. For students who wish to learn in...
Since the class sizes are so small, the professors are able to focus more on the individual students and therefore make sure that you do learn and pass the class.
” – Sarah from Tampa, FL
California Lutheran University is a private, liberal arts institution in the town of Thousand Oaks, California. With students hailing from more than 49 countries, Cal Lutheran features a diverse enrollment and is a federally designated Hispanic...
How could you NOT learn here, there are so few students per class and the professors know you!!I was taking an easy class in my major and the professor found out I was bored, so he offered me a chance to audit an upper level class in something I was...
” – Austin from El Cajon, CA
DePaul University is one of the largest private universities in the country. Located in Chicago, DePaul has more than 22,000 students, offers more than 300 degree programs over ten academic colleges and schools, and offers two campuses in the heart...
I have just recently transferred to DePaul University in June of this year. I have taken 3 summer classes and found I am able to graduate almost 6 months early due to the University's flexible and accomodating class requirements. In three months I...
” – Ashley from Chicago, IL
A private university located in Hamden, Connecticut, Quinnipiac engages and serves a diverse student body and offers an educational experience that is both personal and challenging. Quinnipiac's academic centers and institutes pair students and...
The professors at Quinnipiac University are extremely helpful. Sure, you'll find an exception to that rule, but I have found that the majority of teachers excel at aiding their students in their education, and personal growth. I dare say that in my...
” – Gray from Kinnelon, NJ
Messiah College is a private liberal arts and sciences institution based in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. It was founded by the Brethren in Christ Church and has a “more selective” admissions process. Students are required to sign a Community Covenant...
Mostly my classes have been small enough to be able to get to know the teacher, yet large enough to have a discussion that has representatives from many different worldviews. Even the lecture classes have been small, especially considering what...
” – Messiah Student, Health and Exercise Science Major
CUNY Brooklyn College is a public liberal arts college and part of the City University of New York system. Brooklyn College is home to schools of Business, Arts, Education, Humanities, and Sciences conferring degrees in over 175 fields of study. Most...
Brooklyn college has great professors and provides an incredible learning experience.
The tuition is very affordable and the quality of education I have received so far is very good.
Sometimes there are issues with finding help, mostly because most...
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