 
The Annual Ranking Spotlights the Best of Film Education TheWrap has released its 2025 annual ranking of the top 50 film schools in the United States, marking the 10th year of this definitive guide to the nation’s leading programs shaping the future of the entertainment industry. For the second consecutive year, TheWrap partnered with entertainment research firm Screen Engine/ASI to implement a data-driven methodology designed to provide a more comprehensive and objective evaluation of each institution’s strengths. This collaboration with Screen Engine/ASI, led by Kevin Goetz, includes a detailed survey assessing a wide range of factors – from faculty and facilities to alumni success and industry partnerships – offering a deeper, research-based view of the schools preparing the next generation of filmmakers and media creators. The results closely mirror last year’s findings, with New York University (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts once again claiming the No. 1 spot, followed by the University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts and AFI Conservatory. Notable upward movement this year came from the Savannah College of Art and Design, Biola University, and California State University, Northridge, while Penn State University and Belmont University made their debut appearances on the list. “This year’s ranking is not only a celebration of excellence in film education, but also a reflection of the evolving priorities of the industry itself,” said Steve Pond, TheWrap's Executive Editor, Awards. “With data and insights at the core of our process, these rankings provide an invaluable resource for aspiring filmmakers and their families as they evaluate which programs best align with their creative and professional goals.” It’s worth noting that many schools reported developing new courses focused on artificial intelligence, a sign of how rapidly the intersection of technology and storytelling continues to shape film education. The top five schools on TheWrap's 2025 ranking include:
The full list is also featured in the College Issue of TheWrap magazine. 
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