Film School Cost

Typical costs:

• The most prestigious film schools, such as the American Film Institute (AFI) and the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) cost about $35,000 per year, with programs ranging from one to three years for a bachelors degree.
• Many four-year state colleges and universities offer film programs. In 2007-2008, the average in-state full-time tuition and fees per year for an undergraduate at a four-year public university was $6,185, according to a survey by the College Board. Out-of-state students can expect to pay an average of $16,640 per year.
• According to the National Center for Education Statistics[1] , the average full-time graduate tuition and required fees was $18,145 in 2006-07. Generally, the cost per year for earning a two-year masters degree is comparable to the cost of earning a bachelors degree; for example, the New York Film Academy and University of Southern California charge the same amount per year for their bachelors and masters programs.

• Rooms cost about $3,747 for a four-year university and $4,607 for a private institution, according to the National Center for Education Statistics[2] . Board costs another $3,185 at a four-year university or $3,787 at a private institution.
• The average student spends about $700 each year on course materials alone, mostly on textbooks.
• Bargain film schools often don't include the price of equipment, while colleges and universities do. A basic camera will cost about $250, but there are infinite possibilities for more complicated cameras and other equipment (lighting, sound) to get the job done. There's a comprehensive article at The Film Sensei[3] that discusses which cameras to consider.

• Take advantage of state and federal grants and scholarships. Begin to explore financial aid opportunities at FAFSA.ed.gov[4] .

• Consider what you want to get out of film school before you sign up. Consider the school's location, equipment and faculty.
• Filmmaking.net[5] offers several articles that give advice on what to look for in a film school, and how to suit a film school to your needs. selfreliantfilm.com[6] , a blog devoted to low-budget filmmaking, also has a lengthy post on the subject.
• The Independent[7] , a website for independent filmmakers, offers a film school article that attempts to debunk "myths" about film school.
• Filmmaking.net[8] and imdb.com[9] each offer an extensive list of film programs across the nation and The Independent offers a list of the 10 best documentary filmmaking schools in the country[10] .
• There's a healthy debate online over whether or not film school is "worth it." Amazon offers two books on the subject: "The Complete Guide to American Film Schools and Cinema and Television Courses"[11] or "Projections 12: Filmmakers on Film Schools."[12]

1.  nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d07/tables/dt07_323.asp
2.  nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d07/tables/dt07_320.asp
3.  www.filmsensei.com/2008/08/top-10-essential-equipment-for-indie-filmmaker-part-i-t...
4.  www.fafsa.ed.gov/
5.  www.filmmaking.net
6.  www.selfreliantfilm.com/2007/10/so-you-wanna-go-to-film-schoolpart-1-searching-for...
7.  www.independent-magazine.org/node/13
8.  www.filmmaking.net/filmschools/film_schools_browse.asp?country=United%20States
9.  www.imdb.com/filmschools
10.  www.aivf.org/08/09/10-best-academic-programs-documentary-filmmakers
11.  www.amazon.com/Complete-American-Schools-Cinema-Television/dp/0140172262/ref=sr_1_...
12.  www.amazon.com/Projections-12-Filmmakers-Film-Schools/dp/0571206948/ref=sr_1_1?ie=...

Check Out All Costs for Schools & Job Training		How Much Does Kindergarten Cost?		How Much Does Medical Assistant School Cost?		How Much Does Community College Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

Make sure your gutters are clean before they start to fill up again this fall. Are you planning a Labor Day picnic? Need a new charcoal grill? Pruning trees before the storm season can help ensure dead branches won't imperil your home. Looking for help to take care of your garden? How much does garden service cost. The late August sun can leave a mark. Check out sunburn treatment options.

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

UTI urgent care visit Paid: 147.00 Visit was $135. Antibiotics was $12. Waiting for four hours in the waiting room and the visit was quick... [more] -nervouschomper Urinary Tract Infection Treatment Cost Spanish Medical Interpreter Paid: 150.00 I worked with SynShyne Services out of Monroe, NC. They were so worth the price! Professional, friendly, accurate, great attitude and always on time. I recieved an itemized report after every contact and a user friendly invoice weekly... [more] -Gregory Richardson Interpreter Cost Dat Paid: 495.00 This is how much I am paying... [more] -Calista Christian Dental Admission Test Cost Shingrix Paid: 48.00 ... [more] -Not that BB Shingles Vaccine Cost Skin prick allergy test Paid: 573.00 Took my 9 yr. old in after an allergic reaction to eggs. Several panels for nuts, fish & top 8 allergens. Sure enough, egg came up. Got a script for epinephrine and left... [more] -D’s mom Allergy Testing Cost Estimate for Teeth Cleaning Cat Paid: 0.00 13 year old cat …teeth extractions, X-rays, blood work, anesthetic, cleaning estimate 2 to 3 thousand... [more] -Terrimarie Cat Teeth Cleaning Cost