The Best Film Schools of 2022 - Ranked By FilmSchool.org

DePaul University School of Cinematic Arts​

In 2020, DePaul finally joined The Hollywood Reporter’s list of the best film schools in America. Film school students enjoy three professional sound stages, editing suites, green screen cycloramas, and mixing studios. These workspaces equal a whopping 32,000 square feet. DePaul's proximity to Columbia College of Chicago allows for plenty of cross-networking opportunities.

DePaul USCA is also one of few film schools with a BFA and MFA in Comedy Filmmaking and no portfolio requirement. USCA partners with The Second City, one of the best centers for improv in the nation. Film school students also take classes at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios.

Alumni include visual effects artist Michel Kreisel Vaisberg (Life of Pi, X-Men: First Class, Harry Potter 7), BAFTA Award-winning director Zoe Lubeck (Lucy), and Netflix production coordinator Judy Bafaro.

Currently, there aren’t enough applications to DePaul in FilmSchool.org's Application Database to provide an accurate estimated acceptance rate. If you’ve applied, click here to add your data to the MFA in Film and Television Directing program.

Runner-up: Columbia College Chicago​

Located on Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago, Columbia College Chicago is known for its award-winning alumni. Most recently, Akanksha Cruczynsk’s Close Ties to Home Country took the silver medal for the best domestic Narrative film at the 2021 Student Academy Awards. Other alumni include Emmy Award-winning screenwriter Lena Waithe (Master of None, “Thanksgiving”) and cinematographer Michael Goi (Glee, American Horror Story).

Film school students have access to top-notch equipment, workspaces, and industry connections in theater or film and television. Many students secure internships with Optimus, Whitehouse Post, and other Chicago-based production companies. The campus is very urban (comparable to Emerson) and commuter-friendly. However, student films must be self-funded.

Currently, there aren’t enough applications CCC in FilmSchool.org's Application Database to provide an accurate estimated acceptance rate. If you’ve applied, click here to add your data to the Cinema and Television Directing MFA program.