collageTexas has a rich and varied film and media history and the best film schools in Texas are dedicated to supporting and producing excellent work. Whether you want to be a famous director or an animator, there’s a school in Texas that has what you need to succeed.
If you’re reading about top film schools in texas for the very first time, it may seem overwhelming for those without previous knowledge or experience, but you may find it fascinating. Learn more about texas state university film major, video production colleges in texas, best universities for film studies, and best film schools in california. You’ll also find more resources related to best universities for film production on collegelearners.
What are Film Schools?
According to wikipedia, film schools are any educational institution dedicated to teaching aspects of filmmaking, including subjects such as; film production, film theory, digital media production, and screenwriting.
Technical training may include instruction in the use and operation of cameras, lighting equipment, film or video editing equipment and software, and other relevant equipment.
15 Best Film schools in Texas | Rankings 2023
Are you an aspiring movie actor, filmmaker, or director looking to further your career? Our list of best film schools in Texas is right for you.
More than 1,000 projects have been filmed in Texas over the years, including some of the most controversial films in history.
This is because Texas is an attractive option for filmmakers, thanks to picture-perfect landscapes, beautiful backdrops, dozens of resourceful organizations, and one of the lowest tax burdens in the U.S.
Also, Texas is home to 252 Title IV degree-granting colleges and universities. Many of these schools offer programs for artists and designers.
In this read, we will answer some questions on the best film schools in Texas and provide reviews that will help you choose which film school is best for you.
This article is a compilation of the top film colleges for film production in Texas. However, it is important that we throw more light on issues bothering Film schools.
#1 The University Of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin is one of the best filmmaking schools worth going to. The university is the alma mater of famous award-winning film directors and actors like Jim Parsons, also known as “Sheldon” from The Big Bang Theory series.
Founded in 1883, it’s a large public university in Texas. The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) was also ranked tied for 48th among all universities in the U.S., and tied for 14th place among public universities according to U.S. News & World Report‘s 2020 rankings.
The acceptance rate at UT Austin is 73%. Popular majors include Liberal Arts and Humanities, Psychology, and Business.
The graduating rate for students is 54%. So, this has made UT Austin one of the best film schools in Texas.
Film School Tuition Fee: $10,092
#2 Southern Methodist University
Southern Methodist (SMU)is a highly rated private that is rated as one of the best film schools. The Christian university is located in University Park, Texas. It is a mid-size institution with an enrollment of 6,240 undergraduate students.
SMU offers her Fine Arts bachelor’s degree program through the Meadows School of The Arts. Hence, at SMU, a B.F.A. in Film and Media Arts is an arts degree that emphasizes developing the unique creative voice of each student.
So, admission is fairly competitive as the Southern Methodist acceptance rate is 49%. Graduating 81% of students, Southern Methodist alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $54,300.
These factors make SMU one of the best film colleges in Texas.
Film School Tuition Fee: $56,560
#3 Houston Baptist University
Houston Baptist University (HBU), founded in 1960, is among the best film schools in Texas.
Film School and Mass Media collectively form the dynamic Cinema and New Media Arts Program at HBU.
This program offers students the unique experience of film school in Houston, along with internships and the ability to study for a semester in Hollywood.
The acceptance rate at HBU is 36% and the student graduation rate is 44.6%. The student-faculty ratio at Houston Baptist University is 12:1, making this film school one of the best in Texas.
Film School Tuition Fee: $31,400
#4 The Art Institute of Austin
The Art Institute of Austin (AI – Austin) is a for-profit college located in Round Rock, which is rated as one of the best film schools. It is a small institution with an enrollment of 479 undergraduate students.
Well, the AI – Austin acceptance rate is 100%. Popular majors include Recording Arts Technician, Game Design and Interactive Media, and Cinematography and Video Production.
At AI Austin, students have the opportunity to learn hands-on with digital video cameras, editing, and graphics software as you tell stories in media ranging from broadcast news to motion pictures. So, students excel in areas of Digital Film, Photography, and Audio Production.
The best part is that the acceptance rate at AI- Austin is 45% while the graduating rate from this film school is 20%. Also, AI – Austin alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $27,300.
Film School Tuition Fee: $17,664
#5 The Art Institute of Dallas
The Art Institute of Dallas, a branch of Miami International University of Art & Design offers 2 Filmmaking Degree programs. It’s a small private university in the large city of Texas.
SEE ALSO: Roseman University 2023: Acceptance rate, Admission, Courses, Tuition fees, Aid
In 2015, 30 students graduated in the study area of Filmmaking with students earning 20 Bachelor’s degrees, and 10 Associate’s degrees.
Also, in the area of Digital Film, Photography, and Audio Production, students have the opportunity to learn hands-on with digital video cameras, editing, and graphics software as you tell stories in media ranging from broadcast news to motion pictures.
So, the acceptance rate for AI – Dallas is 41%.
Film School Tuition Fee: $17,664
#6 Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) is a Christian college & Bible university in Texas for ministry, theological studies & liberal arts rated as one of the film colleges in Texas.
Of course, SAGU has an acceptance rate of 28% and a graduation rate of 41%.
SAGU is also one of the best filmmaking schools in Texas offering 1 Cinematography and Film/Video Production Degree program through the Communication Arts Faculty.
Film School Tuition Fee: $19,560
#7 The Art Institute of San Antonio
The Art Institute of San Antonio, AI – San Antonio, is a Private (for-profit), 4 or more years school located in San Antonio, TX. They offer only a bachelor’s degree program.
Furthermore, AI – San Antonio has a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1. Also, their acceptance rate of 57%.
Basically, in the area of Digital Film, Photography, and Audio Production, students have the opportunity to learn hands-on with digital video cameras, editing, and graphics software as you tell stories in media ranging from broadcast news to motion pictures.
Film School Tuition Fee: $17,664
#8 KD Conservatory College of Film and Dramatic Arts
KD Conservatory College of Film and Dramatic Arts offers 1 Cinematography And Film/video Production Degree program. It’s a 2-year private for-profit college.
Back in 2015, 16 students graduated in the study area of Cinematography And Film/video Production with students earning 16 Associate’s degrees.
At KD Conservatory, the goal is primarily to promote the continued growth and development of beginning and advanced artists.
To stand as one of the best film schools in Texas, KD Conservatory hires highly qualified professionals to serve as faculty to keep students in constant contact with working artists who understand the dynamics of the entertainment industry.
#9 University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
The University of Mary Hardin–Baylor (UMHB) is a private Christian university in Belton, Texas. UMHB was chartered by the Republic of Texas in 1845.
So, UMHB offers a bachelor’s degree program in Film Studies. This major teaches you how to develop a creative idea and see it through to the end — a valuable ability in any profession. The acceptance rate for UMHB is 78.8% with a graduating rate of 47.8%.
Film School Tuition Fee: $26,550
You may want to check out the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Review| Acceptance Rate, & Tuition Fee
#10 Our Lady of the Lake University
Our Lady of the Lake (OLLU) is a private, Catholic university located in San Antonio, Texas. She offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program in Mass Communication: Digital Film and Multimedia Production Concentration.
The OLLU acceptance rate is 91%. Popular majors generally include Social Work and Youth Services, Psychology, and Business.
Tuition Fee: $27,160
Related Article: Get more information on Our Lady of the Lake University
#11 University of Houston
Next on our list of best Film Schools in Texas is the University of Houston. The University of Houston (UH) is a public research university founded in 1927 in Houston, Texas.
UH offers a bachelor’s degree program in Film Studies as well as Media Production which is one of our best criteria for a Film school in Texas.
Graduation within four academic years of initial fall enrollment at the University of Houston is ensured conditioned upon the satisfaction of student eligibility requirements as outlined in the program.
So, their graduation and acceptance rates are 48.1% and 58.5% respectively
Tuition Fee: $9,519
You may also like to check the best animation schools in California
SEE ALSO: Ayn Rand Scholarship Program 2022
#12 Saint Edward’s University
St. Edward’s University is also among the best film schools in Texas. The school is a Holy Cross, a private university with undergraduate and graduate programs in Austin, Texas. It is also ranked a top liberal arts college by U.S. News and World Report.
St. Edwards, therefore, offers students the opportunity to learn traditional film-based photography in a wet darkroom through her faculty of Photography and Media Arts.
Her acceptance and graduation rates are 73.9% and 66.7%. So, this makes it one of the best filmmaking schools in Texas.
Film School Tuition Fee: $41,178
#13 Tyler Junior College
Tyler Junior College(TJC) is a public community college in Tyler, Texas. It is one of the largest community colleges in Texas, with an enrollment of more than 12,500 credit students each year. Also, TJC can now offer a 4-year degree program.
Therefore, TJC has been ranked among one of the best Texas film schools with an acceptance and graduation rate of 100% and 18% respectively.
Film School Tuition Fee: $4,284
#14 Sam Houston State University
According to U.s News, Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is ranked #281 among National Universities.
Furthermore, SHSU offers a Fine Arts bachelor’s degree program in Film and TV production which provides students with an excellent liberal arts education from a renowned department with a high degree of student-faculty interaction, a wide variety of hands-on courses, and state-of-the-art facilities located in the Dan Rather Communications Building.
Also, students at SHSU participate in hands-on study programs at famed film institutes in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Of course, admissions into Sam Houston are usually competitive with an acceptance rate of 74%. Graduating 51% of students, Sam Houston alumni also go on to earn a starting salary of $37,400.
Film School Tuition Fee: $8,019
Related article: St. Edwards University Review| Acceptance Rate, & Tuition Fee
#15 The Art Institute of Houston
The Art Institute of Houston, AI – Houston, is a for-profit college located in Houston, Texas. It is a small institution with an enrollment of 762 undergraduate students.
The AI – Houston acceptance rate is 100%. Popular majors include Culinary Arts and Food Service, Interior Design, and Baking and Pastry Arts.
The acceptance rate for AI-Houston is 42%. And graduating 32% of students, AI – Houston alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $27,300.
Top Film Schools In Texas
1. Rice University
Rice University offers a comprehensive program resulting in a BA degree with a major in Visual and Dramatic Arts and a Major Concentration in Film and Photography.
This program is ideal for those who want to not only learn all about the older forms of filmmaking but also want to understand the aesthetic and social side of filmmaking, and its technologies. You’ll also learn about creativity in the art, as well as the relation between tools and artistry, preparing you for a well-rounded future in your filmmaking career.
Phone Number:
713-348-0000
Location:
6100 Main St
Houston, TX 77005
2. Film Connection Houston
Film Connection’s Houston location provides top-notch experiences through industry connections, mentor programs, and more. Since this school isn’t a traditional college, it’s well-known for its lower tuition rates and on-the-job training outside of a classroom. At Film Connection, “the real world” is the classroom, and your apprenticeship starts immediately. Your best learning experiences are hands-on, after all!
Film Connection’s curriculum covers the four following aspects of film production:
- Hardware and Equipment: Students have access to the latest cutting-edge tools and hardware – because the professionals know that the right gear matters.
- On-Set Etiquette: Through real film shoots, mentors will guide externs on the set, learning all the “dos and don’ts” of the field.
- Making Movies: Of course, from production to editing, you will earn your certificate through filmmaking!
- Building Relationships: Film Connection is truly about connections, allowing externs to network with real production companies.
Phone Number:
800-295-4433
Location:
2800 Post Oak Blvd #4100
Houston, TX 77056
3. Houston Baptist University
Houston Baptist University has a Cinema and New Media Arts Program where students make digital media, films, and web series as part of their curricula. Additionally, practical experience through Mass Media Arts works as an outlet for students to receive diverse and immersive film school experiences in things like New Media or Journalism. Everything from directing, to lighting, to editing, to screenwriting and storytelling is covered in this film school.
Houston Baptist University hosts frequent film festivals, independent film experiences, and job placement opportunities to help students pave their path to success.
Phone Number:
281-649-3000
Location:
7502 Fondren Rd
Houston, TX 77074
4. The Art Institutes Of Houston
If you have a story to tell but need the skills and technologies to bring it to life, the Art Institute of Houston has got you covered. As one of the top 5 Houston film schools, they sport an experienced faculty and cutting-edge software and allow students to participate in hands-on experiences that help them navigate the field of film. This school has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Filmmaking & Video Production track that consists of 180 quarter credit hours. The Art Institute’s program studies all of the following video production areas:
- Video
- Lighting
- Audio
- Digital Imaging
- Conceptual Storytelling
- Editing
- Studio Production
- Motion Graphics
- Digital Cinematography
- Sound Design
- Scriptwriting
Phone Number:
800-275-4244
Location:
4140 Southwest Freeway
Houston, TX 77027
5. Echo Film School & Studio
The echo is a unique film school that offers everything from workshops, to boot camps, to after-school programs and other sorts of training to aspiring filmmakers. The school is all about “learning,” “producing,” and “building” film; their training addresses many different areas of video production. For example, Echo’s part-time Digital Filmmaking & Video Production workshop allows students to write, produce, shoot, and edit either a short film, documentary or corporate video. This particular workshop takes place during evenings and weekends. This makes Echo a great option for those looking for training that can work around work schedules.
While Echo isn’t a traditional training program or college, its flexible and professional learning opportunities make it a viable option for students that are currently employed. Echo also offers after-school programs for students in grades 6 through 12. Your child’s finished works at Echo can even be submitted to film festivals. (Additionally, finished products can make your child’s college application stand out)
Phone Number:
832-732-1154
Location:
3205 Harrisburg Blvd
Houston, TX, 7700
6. University Of Houston
At UH, students can choose a Film Studies minor alongside their major. When students take courses for the Film Studies minor, they’re truly appreciating the art of filmmaking. Students critically analyze films from many social, political, and aesthetic perspectives while identifying things like special themes, director history, and more. UH’s Film Studies minor is a great option for students looking to deepen their knowledge and understanding of film in addition to their current coursework.
It’s important to note that UH has a diverse list of required electives for students to choose from. Everything from Popular Culture and the Mass Media, to Hong Kong Cinema, to Italian Culture through Films is offered at UH. So, if one class doesn’t interest you, you can pick from some of the other 22 required electives offered. This makes it stand out from the rest of our top 5 Houston film schools list.
Phone Number:
713-743-2255
Location:
4800 Calhoun Rd
collage