Most Affordable Film Schools

Many aspiring directors, editors, and screenwriters hesitate to take the leap of attending film school because tuition and student debt can feel overwhelming. The good news: there are affordable film schools that let you build real-world skills without putting your finances on pause.

A bachelor’s degree is still the most common entry point for film and media careers, and the film industry is expected to keep adding thousands of new jobs through the next decade.¹ In this guide, we highlight the most affordable film schools, the costs you should expect, and practical ways to make your film education fit your budget.

Key Takeaways

• Affordable film schools exist, with tuition models that vary by credit, semester, or program type.
• Beyond tuition, students should budget for equipment, software, and health fees, which can significantly affect total costs.
• Film programs often require portfolios or reels during admissions, especially for production-focused degrees.
• Career paths in film range from directing and screenwriting to technical roles like editing and cinematography.
• Federal loans, Pell Grants, and scholarships can make film education more accessible, especially for in-state students.
• Community college transfer pathways offer a cost-saving route into bachelor’s programs in film.

How Much Do the Cheapest Film Schools Cost?

The cheapest film schools in the U.S. typically charge much less than private universities, with tuition ranging widely by residency status. The cheapest film schools impose tuition fees ranging from $4,000 to $10,000 per year. The cost depends on the school, program, and whether you’re in-state, out-of-state, or an international student. Out-of-state and international film students typically have to pay more than in-state students.

When comparing affordability, it’s important to distinguish tuition from the total cost of attendance (COA), which includes housing, food, fees, and supplies. Public universities often have big differences between in-state and out-of-state tuition, but some states also participate in regional reciprocity agreements that let out-of-state residents qualify for reduced rates. Per-credit tuition may seem cheaper if attending part-time, but it can extend the time it takes to graduate.

On average, public in-state tuition for a bachelor’s degree is far lower than out-of-state or private tuition. Public out-of-state rates can sometimes rival private tuition, while private film schools tend to be the most expensive option overall. These broad benchmarks help students set realistic expectations before comparing individual schools.

Cheapest Film Schools Costs Breakdown

Understanding film school costs means looking beyond tuition to include fees for technology, textbooks, health services, and insurance.

• Cost per unit. This number is also the tuition cost. Film universities and colleges impose different costs per unit or credit hour for different film studies. This makes up the bulk of the cost for film school students.
• Technology fee. Attending a film school means that you’ll interact with a wide range of technologies, platforms, services, and equipment. You’ll work with different cameras when learning digital filmmaking, and a fee is required for use of these technologies.

In addition to technology fees, many programs require students to rent or insure equipment when checking out cameras and lighting kits. Students are also responsible for personal gear such as external hard drives and SD cards. 

• Textbooks. Textbooks and course materials are essential education requirements. This includes exam prep materials. Some universities charge this as a one-time fee, while others charge it as a recurring fee.
• Health services fee. Universities usually include this charge to allow students to receive healthcare services on-campus. Some schools also include medical insurance in the overall cost.
• Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF). This fund exists to relieve economic losses a student suffers while attending an educational program if the student was a California resident. If you receive this fund, this deducts from the overall cost. Note that this is specific to California and does not apply in other states.

Students should plan for recurring costs tied to production courses. A typical list might include:

• External hard drives for storing footage
• Card readers and adapters
• Backup cloud storage
• Personal headphones for editing labs
• Protective gear for equipment checkout

These costs can add up, but using school-licensed labs and equipment checkout centers can reduce personal expenses.

Why You Should Attend a Film School

Attending film school can provide essential hands-on training and networking opportunities for entry-level positions in the film industry. To become eligible for most entry-level positions in the film industry, having film studies and a degree from a film school is necessary. Most film and video editor positions require a bachelor’s degree.¹ Attending a film school is an ideal way to start your career in film and become eligible for entry-level jobs. You will need extensive knowledge of the filmmaking process to work in the entertainment business.

Film schools offer cinema studies courses that allow students to learn the art of storytelling by gaining hands-on experience. Attending quality film schools also means that you’ll benefit from numerous networking opportunities, among other career benefits. However, there are certain requirements you need to meet before being accepted into a film school.

Most film programs require more than a standard college application. Students may need to submit a portfolio or reel, a critical essay, or participate in interviews. Other schools distinguish between production-focused (hands-on) and studies-focused (theory/analysis) tracks, so applicants should review requirements carefully.

Networking is another important reason to attend film school. Many programs host student showcases, alumni mixers, and on-campus productions that help students build connections for future work.

Best Film School Career Options

Directing, producing, screenwriting, and cinematography are some of the most popular career options for film graduates. With a degree in filmmaking, people can also become set designers, directors of photography, and movie editors.

Employment of film and video editors and camera operators is projected to grow 3 percent over the next decade.¹ The median annual wage for film and video editors was $70,570 in 2025.¹

In addition to high-profile creative jobs, film graduates often find work in below-the-line crew positions like gaffers, grips, script supervisors, and sound mixers. These roles are critical to productions and frequently serve as stepping stones toward higher-paying union jobs. Entry pathways into guilds such as IATSE can open long-term career stability.

Film Schools Salary

Film school salaries vary widely, with averages depending on role, location, and industry sector. Film and video editors earn a median annual salary of $70,570.¹ Film salaries can differ dramatically depending on geographic market and whether a worker is in a unionized role. For example, editors and cinematographers in Los Angeles and New York often command higher wages than those in smaller regional markets. Union membership can also influence pay scales and benefits, making it an important factor when evaluating long-term career income.

Can You Attend Film Schools for Free?

Although film schools rarely offer free programs, students can lower costs with grants, aid, and transfer pathways. No, it is almost impossible to find film schools offering free programs or courses. If you are short on funds but want to learn film, consider getting a camera, computer, and industry-standard software. There are plenty of tutorials on YouTube and free ebooks that could help you master a discipline in film studies. Online programs can help you learn about creative expression, film theory, and interactive media.

If this doesn’t sound like a viable option, consider enrolling in a community college associate of arts program. There are hundreds of community colleges that offer affordable certificate courses. Not only do they take a short period to complete, but credits earned here can be transferred to a four-year program.

To qualify for federal financial aid, students must complete the FAFSA form. While “free” film school is rare, students can combine multiple funding sources to reduce their net cost. Completing the FAFSA is required for federal aid eligibility, including Pell Grants, subsidized loans, and work-study opportunities. Pell Grants in particular can substantially lower tuition for qualifying undergraduates.

A common savings strategy is to start at a community college in a film-related Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) program, then transfer credits into a four-year B.A. or B.F.A. through an articulation agreement. This route can significantly reduce costs while still leading to the same bachelor’s credential.

Cheapest Film Schools That Won’t Break the Bank

The most affordable film schools in the U.S. include public universities with low in-state tuition and strong film programs.

School	In-State Tuition	Out-of-State Tuition	Graduation Rate
CUNY Brooklyn College	$7,450/year2	$19,120/year2	34%2
DePaul University	$47,676/year3	$47,676/year3	55%3
Eastern New Mexico University	$6,863/year4	$8,843/year4	23%4
Florida State University	$6,517/year5	$21,683/year5	77%5
Rhode Island College	$11,709/year6	$28,268/year6	27%6
San Francisco State University	$8,256/semester12	$8,256/semester12	29%7
Stony Brook University	$10,931/year8	$34,911/year8	65%8
University of California (UCLA)	$14,824/year9	$48,674/year9	85%9
University of North Carolina School of the Arts	$9,477/year10	$27,211/year10	77%10
Western Michigan University	$15,954/year11	$19,908/year11	32%11

This table mixes per-credit, per-semester, and annual tuition formats, so students should double-check which applies before comparing. Out-of-state rates may appear much higher unless reduced through reciprocity or waivers. Always confirm whether fees (health, technology, insurance) are bundled or billed separately.

What are the Cheapest Film Schools? 

Each affordable film school offers unique strengths, from specialized BFA tracks to strong scholarship programs.

CUNY Brooklyn College 

CUNY City College is a large public institution with a student body of approximately 17,735, according to NCES. This school is known for offering affordable education to students from different backgrounds, and CUNY City College offers one of the most affordable Bachelor of Arts in Film programs.

Brooklyn College is part of the CUNY system, where in-state tuition is highly subsidized for New York residents. Students also benefit from the NYC location, which provides access to internships and productions while keeping tuition among the lowest of major U.S. film schools.

DePaul University

This is a private research university located in Chicago with a large student body. DePaul’s School of Cinematic Arts is considered by many as the best place to learn and start your filmmaking career.

Film majors or concentrations include cinema, game art, motion graphics, storyboarding, and character design. You can also learn 3D animation, cinematography, documentary filmmaking, documentary production, visual effects, screenwriting, directing, production design, editing, and sound design.

Although a private school, DePaul offers strong scholarship packages, and Chicago’s lower living costs compared to Los Angeles or New York help keep overall expenses down. Students also benefit from school-owned facilities that reduce personal gear costs.

Eastern New Mexico University

This public university offers more than 60 associate’s, bachelor’s, and graduate programs. Students can graduate with a wide variety of skills and broad knowledge of the storytelling process. Students can pursue careers in the entertainment industry with one of the two film degrees offered here: a Bachelor of Science in Digital Filmmaking and a bachelor’s degree in theater.

These programs cover several aspects of filmmaking, including technical production, digital production, dramatic analysis, and theatrical design. Students learn strong critical thinking skills and attend courses in film theory and digital film production.

Eastern New Mexico is one of the lowest in-state tuition options in the Southwest. Many students use it as a stepping stone to industry hubs while minimizing debt.

Florida State University 

Florida State University is a public research university located in Florida. It’s considered by many as one of the top colleges in Florida that provides affordable and high quality education, earning its spot on our list of film schools.

Florida State University offers undergraduate degrees in cinema studies in production, animation, and digital arts. Students gain practical experience in video game animation, video effects, 3D animation, pre-production, and post-production.

As a public university, FSU offers low in-state tuition rates compared to private schools, and many students qualify for Florida Bright Futures Scholarships. The College of Motion Picture Arts also provides access to school-owned gear and facilities, reducing out-of-pocket costs for equipment.

Rhode Island College

Rhode Island offers one of the best Bachelor of Arts programs in the country. This school’s film studies program exposes learners to the principles of film production, theory of film, sound design, film history, screenwriting, fiction filmmaking, and photography. The film studies program also features extracurricular activities such as student film competition and talent awards.

As a regional public school, Rhode Island College charges some of the lowest tuition rates in New England. Students also benefit from small class sizes compared to large state flagships, offering closer mentorship without high costs.

San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Cinema which takes four years to complete. During your critical studies, you’ll learn the history of film and work on film projects. After earning your degree, you’ll be able to identify artistic and technological trends in cinematic arts. This degree prepares students for a wide range of careers in the entertainment business.

SFSU benefits from the California State University system’s lower tuition rates. While San Francisco living costs are high, in-state students pay significantly less for tuition than private West Coast film schools.

Stony Brook University

Consider this university, one of the cheapest colleges in New York, if you are looking for the best in-state tuition for a cheap film school. Although Stony Brook University does not offer undergraduate programs in film, this school offers one of the most comprehensive graduate degrees in filmmaking.

The Master of Fine Arts in Filmmaking is a 45 to 48 credit course that helps students learn how to craft a script, operate state-of-the-art camera equipment, and develop a realistic budget and production plans.

Stony Brook offers an MFA in Film and an undergraduate minor in Film & Screen Studies rather than a full undergraduate major. Students interested in combining film with another discipline can use the minor, while graduate students can pursue advanced training through the MFA program.

University of California 

UCLA offers a graduate program in film and television that takes graduate students an average of three years to complete. UCLA’s graduate program covers television production, production design, theory of film, and industry studies. Degrees are issued upon the successful completion of a capstone project.

Although tuition is higher than other public options, UCLA remains relatively affordable for in-state graduate students compared to private graduate programs. The school’s proximity to Hollywood also increases internship and career opportunities without added relocation costs.

University of North Carolina School of the Arts 

The University of North Carolina offers a Bachelor of Arts in Film Studies. Although this institution offers a comprehensive 124-credit affordable BA, it is best known for its scholarship programs. If you are on a tight budget and are looking for funding options, consider the University of North Carolina, as it offers some of the best scholarship programs in the country.

The correct credential is a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Filmmaking, not a BA. UNCSA is widely recognized for combining hands-on production training with substantial scholarship opportunities that help reduce overall student costs.

Western Michigan University 

This university offers a Bachelor of Arts in Film, Video, and Media Studies. The course is delivered on-campus and requires 36 credits to graduate with a degree in film. This school is best known for offering excellent internship opportunities to its undergrads. Internships are known to prepare students for careers in entertainment.

Western Michigan’s program combines moderate in-state tuition with strong industry connections in the Midwest. Many students benefit from structured internship placements that offset costs by leading directly to professional opportunities.

Additional Affordable Programs

The University of Texas at Austin offers a BS in Radio-Television-Film at the Moody College of Communication. As a flagship public school, it combines strong faculty and facilities with relatively low in-state tuition for Texas residents.

California State University, Northridge offers a BA in Cinema and Television Arts (CTVA) with a Film Production option. It is one of the largest film departments in the CSU system, known for portfolio-based admissions and access to Los Angeles industry connections.

The University of Central Florida (UCF) provides both BA and BFA film programs in Orlando, a city with a growing film and digital media industry. UCF’s large size helps keep costs lower than many private alternatives, making it one of the most affordable options in Florida.

Options to Help Pay for the Best Film Schools

Paying for film school often requires combining loans, grants, and scholarships to reduce overall costs. Enrolling in a film degree program can be expensive as tuition, fees, and the overall cost of attendance can be too much to handle. Fortunately, there are several options that can help you cover the costs of attending a film school to receive a comprehensive education in this creative field of cinema production. Below are three of the best financial aid options to consider.

Federal Student Loans

Some students may be eligible to participate in the Direct Loan Program. You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and meet all eligibility requirements to increase your chances of receiving these loans. Examples of federal student loans include federal direct subsidized loans, federal direct unsubsidized loans, and direct parent plus loan.

Federal student loans differ from private loans in that they have fixed interest rates set by the government and may offer income-driven repayment plans. Undergraduates can access subsidized loans if they demonstrate need, while unsubsidized loans are available to most students regardless of income.

Private Student Loans

Private loans may be available to help students cover their tuition or living expenses. However, you must consult with your university of interest before proceeding to take out such loans. Some of the best private student loans include SoFi, Ascent, Earnest, and Discover undergraduate student loans.

Private loans are credit-based and often carry variable interest rates, which means costs can rise significantly over time. Students should exhaust all federal and institutional aid options before turning to private loans.

Film School Grants and Scholarships

There are several federal grants issued by the government that can significantly help you cover your tuition. They include Pell grants and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). However, you must start by filling out a FAFSA form. A grant is a great way to lower your yearly cost of tuition.

Pell Grants are need-based federal grants that do not have to be repaid. They are one of the most common ways undergraduates reduce net tuition costs at public universities, particularly when combined with state-based grants.

Tips for Saving Money While Attending Film Schools

Students can save money in film school by budgeting wisely and using campus resources for equipment and software. Leverage financial tools. There are financial tools that can help you save better. For instance, high-interest savings accounts or fixed savings accounts are great ways to save your money.

• Stick to a budget. Sticking to a budget is one of the key principles in saving. It ensures that you don’t go overboard with your spending while creating room for savings.
• Consider a part-time job. Although this is not a savings hack, getting a part-time job could significantly help you out with your living expenses. It will increase your monthly income and give you extra spending money.
• Choose your housing options wisely. You can save more money if you live at home with your parents. Although this is not an ideal option for most, it will save you a fortune in living expenses and housing costs.
• Cook at home and limit going out. Going out is relatively expensive, especially if you are on a tight budget. Although you might be tempted to go out and eat with your friends, consider cooking meals at home.
• Rent or borrow specialized gear. Many schools provide equipment checkout once students complete safety training, which helps avoid expensive purchases.
• Use student software discounts for editing suites and production software, or rely on school-licensed computer labs.
• Crowdfund your thesis project. Some film programs allow students to host department-approved fundraisers for capstone projects.

Find the Film Schools That’s Right for You

Choosing the right film school means weighing program fit, degree type, and location advantages. There are many affordable film schools that offer high-quality programs to help you start your career in film. If you are on a tight budget, consider online film degree programs, as they tend to be cheaper than on-campus programs. You can also attend online film school from anywhere in the world, opening up international film schools.

However, be sure to look at the university offerings to identify which institution is best for you. For instance, consider Western Michigan University if you are looking for the best internship opportunities. In contrast, consider CUNY Brooklyn College if you are looking for the most affordable film school.

Cheapest Film Schools FAQ

Students often ask about the real costs, value, and best schools for film editing degrees.

Sources

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2. https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/cuny-brooklyn-college-2687
3. https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/depaul-university-1671
4. https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/eastern-new-mexico-university-2651
5. https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/florida-state-university-1489
6. https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rhode-island-college-3407
7. https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/san-francisco-state-university-1154
8. https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/stony-brook-suny-2838 
9. https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/ucla-1315 
10. https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/university-of-north-carolina-school-of-the-arts-3981 
11. https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/western-michigan-university-2330 
12. https://future.sfsu.edu/tuition-aid