Published: March 9, 2026
Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts
Tallahassee, Florida, USA
A small, selective public university film school with low tuition and a strong reputation for rigorous training.
Quick facts
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees in Production, Screenwriting, Cinematography, and Production Design
Public university (state school) with lower costs than private schools
Highly selective: only about 12% acceptance rate for MFA programs
English language instruction
About $49,950 per year for out-of-state students; cheaper for Florida residents
Very small cohorts: maximum 6 students in each specialization
What this school is known for
FSU’s film school is small but mighty. The Hollywood Reporter ranks it among the best film schools in the nation. FSU is a public university, so costs are significantly lower than private schools. Despite being selective, it’s an excellent value compared to bigger-name schools. Alumni include Oscar winners and major industry professionals. The school emphasizes storytelling first, then technical skills.
Programs offered
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Production (2 years, with optional 3rd year). Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting. Specializations in cinematography, production design, directing, visual effects, and post-production. Optional third year allows select students to direct a fully funded feature film.
Teaching approach
FSU teaches a ‘story-first’ approach. You learn the craft by working on over 30 productions during your time there. With a 5-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, you get abundant mentorship. Classes are tiny—never more than 6 students in any specialization. The curriculum mirrors real industry practices. During the optional third year, select students direct and produce a professional-scale feature film.
Equipment and facilities
FSU operates professional-level soundstages, production facilities, and editing suites. Students use industry-standard cameras, editing software, and post-production equipment. The school has the infrastructure to support 30+ productions per year. Facilities match what you’d find at larger schools despite the small student body.
Industry connections
Barry Jenkins (director of ‘Moonlight’ and ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’—2003 graduate). Lauren Miller Rogen (writer-director of Netflix’s ‘Like Father’). T.S. Nowlin (screenwriter of ‘The Maze Runner’ series). Allison Rose Carter (co-producer of ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’—Oscar nominee for Best Picture). Five Oscar-nominated films in 2023 featured FSU alumni.
Admissions
FSU is highly selective. The MFA program received 267 applications with only 32 accepted (about 12% acceptance rate). You need a 3.0 GPA. A strong portfolio, statement of goals, writing samples, and letters of recommendation are required. The application is thorough and demanding. But the small size means intimate mentorship for those accepted.
Cost
Out-of-state MFA tuition is about $49,950 per year. Florida residents pay significantly less. As a public university, FSU’s tuition is much lower than private film schools. Total cost of attendance is lower than SCAD, Full Sail, or BU. This is a strong value for the quality of training and reputation.
For visiting and exchange students
FSU welcomes international students for the MFA program. Tallahassee is smaller than major film hubs but has a supportive creative community. On-campus and off-campus housing available. The small size of the program creates a tight-knit cohort.
Who this school is best for
Students who want top-tier training at a public university price. Good for people seeking a small, selective program with intense mentorship. Not ideal if you need undergraduate degrees, prefer a larger student body, or need to be in LA or New York.
