10 Best Film Schools in Texas 2024

According to the wiki, film schools in Texas are any educational institution dedicated to teaching aspects of filmmaking and other movie activities.

They, however, cover various subjects related to filmmaking, including film production, film theory, digital media production, and screenwriting.

Technical training may also include instruction in the use and operation of cameras, lighting equipment, film or video editing equipment and software, and other relevant equipment.

What can you do with a Texas Film School degree?

There are various jobs directly related to a film school degree, and these include:

Also, you can work in various areas within the media industry, such as:

What is the average salary for a film career?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for producers and directors was $71,680 in May 2018.

The employment of producers and directors is projected to grow 5 percent from 2018 to 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations. 

Workers face intense competition for jobs because there are more people who want to work in this field than there are jobs available. In film, directors who have experience on film sets should have the best job prospects.

How long does it take to get a film school degree?

It generally takes about 4 years to get this degree. Film degree programs can also be called Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), and these programs teach students about filmmaking throughout their four years of education. Students learn about filmmaking history and techniques.

Is getting a film school degree in Texas worth it?

Generally, getting a film degree is an added advantage for any professional in a bid to further a career in film production.

Also, work hours for producers and directors can be long and irregular. Some work may last more than 40 hours per week.

Why choose film schools in Texas?

Texas is not just an ordinary state. The Lone Star State is as much a part of the film scene as any of the other top ten states in the US, and the film industry here is growing massively.

Although filming in Texas dates back to 1910, the Texas Film Commission has been active in Hollywood since 1971. So, since then, the state has been able to produce over 80 films a year.

Also, the city of Texas is home to a lot of top film colleges that offer various degree programs for upcoming filmmakers and directors, among others.

Moreover, graduates from this film school are open to opportunities for career growth as they enter the Texas film industry. So, we will be looking at some of Texas’ top film colleges.

What are the best film schools in Texas?

In Texas, there are several colleges that offer film-related bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. They also include programs in film & media arts, or radio, television, & film.

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 48th among all universities in the U.S. and 14th 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 graduation 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 school 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 artistic degree emphasizing 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. The Art Institute of Austin

The Art Institute of Austin (AI-Austin) is a for-profit college located in Round Rock that 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 they 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

Note: During our update to the list of film schools in Texas, we found out that The Art Institute of Austin is no longer in operation as they closed down the campus in Austin.

4. 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

5. The Art Institute of Dallas

The Art Institute of Dallas, a branch of the Miami International University of Art & Design, offers 2 filmmaking degree programs. It’s a small, private university in the large city of Texas.

In 2015, 30 students graduated in the study area of filmmaking, with 20 earning bachelor’s degrees, and 10 earning associate’s degrees.

Also, in the areas of digital film, photography, and audio production, students have the opportunity to learn hands-on with digital video cameras, editing, and graphics software as they tell stories in media ranging from broadcast news to motion pictures.

So, the acceptance rate for AI in Dallas is 41%.

Film School Tuition Fee: $17,664

Note: During our update to the list of film schools in Texas, we found out that The Art Institute of Dallas is no longer in operation as they closed down the campus in Dallas.

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. It is rated as one of the best 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 a 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 5-year-old 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 is 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 they tell stories in media ranging from broadcast news to motion pictures.

Film School Tuition Fee: $17,664

Note: During our update to the list of film schools in Texas, we found out that The Art Institute of San Antonio is no longer in operation as they closed down the campus in San Antonio.

8. K.D. Conservatory College of Film and Dramatic Arts

KD Conservatory College of Film and Dramatic Arts offers a 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, 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 778.8%, with a graduating rate of 47.8%.

Film School Tuition Fee: $26,550

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’s 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