Published: March 9, 2026
New York, New York, USA
Columbia is known for its MFA film program with an extremely selective acceptance rate and strong connections to the film industry, plus it offers undergraduate film studies.
Quick facts
Degree types: Undergraduate major in Film Studies; MFA in Film with concentrations in Screenwriting & Directing, Creative Producing, and Writing for Film & Television
Teaching focus: Production, screenwriting, creative producing, film history, and theory
Language of instruction: English
Accepts visiting/exchange students: Limited (primarily through formal partnerships like La Femis in France)
Approximate tuition per year: MFA students $77,840 per year for first two years; reduced rate in year three
Typical cohort size: Around 72 MFA students per incoming class
What this school is known for
Columbia’s film program is one of the most selective in the country, with fewer than 10% of applicants accepted to the MFA program. Graduates work as directors, screenwriters, and producers at major studios and on independent films. The school offers serious film training combined with the energy and resources of being in New York City.
Programs offered
Undergraduate: Film Studies major through Columbia College (part of the broader undergraduate program). Emphasis on film history, theory, and writing, with some hands-on production experience.
Graduate: MFA in Film (2-3 years) with three concentration options: Screenwriting & Directing, Creative Producing, and Writing for Film & Television. Also offers MA in Film and Media Studies.
Teaching approach
Columbia combines hands-on production training with classroom study of film history and theory. Students work on actual productions as part of their coursework and learn alongside peers working in different concentrations. Classes are small and intensive.
Equipment and facilities
Students have access to professional cameras, lighting kits, sound equipment, and edit suites available 24/7. The school has a digital media lab with editing stations. Students can also use New York City as their classroom and connect with industry professionals and facilities across the city.
Industry connections
Notable alumni include Academy Award winner Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker), Kimberly Peirce (Boys Don’t Cry), Lisa Cholodenko (The Kids Are All Right), Greg Mottola (Superbad), Anna Boden (Captain Marvel, Half Nelson), Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini (American Splendor), and Ramin Bahrani (The White Tiger). These directors and producers represent the school’s impact on contemporary filmmaking.
Admissions
MFA Film applicants submit creative work samples (typically 5-30 minutes of film or video), essays, transcripts, GRE scores, and letters of recommendation. The program accepts fewer than 10% of applicants and conducts interviews with candidates they wish to pursue. International students are welcome but must secure their own F-1 visa and demonstrate ability to fund their education.
Cost
The MFA program tuition is approximately $77,840 per year for the first two years. Additional fees include health services, activity fees, and medical insurance. Students in their third year (Research Arts status) pay significantly less. Beyond tuition, living in New York City is expensive. Housing, food, and transportation can easily cost $25,000-$35,000 per year or more. The school offers over $18 million in financial aid per year through scholarships, assistantships, and grants.
For visiting and exchange students
Columbia does not traditionally accept visiting or exchange students at the undergraduate level due to program structure. For graduate students, there is a formal international co-production exchange with La Femis (the French film school) where three MFA students spend six weeks in France collaborating with French, German, and American students during the Cannes Film Festival period. Interest in this exchange is competitive.
Who this school is best for
Columbia is best for students with strong creative portfolios who are serious about filmmaking as a career and can handle a competitive, rigorous environment. Students need to be prepared for high tuition costs and the cost of living in New York. If you want to study film in an urban setting with access to real industry opportunities, this school delivers.
