Published: March 9, 2026
Savannah, Georgia, and Atlanta, Georgia, USA
A creative, hands-on art school with strong connections to the film industry and professional production facilities in two Georgia cities.
Quick facts
Bachelor and Master degrees in Film and Television
Hands-on production with real projects from day one
English language instruction
Exchange students welcome
About $41,630 per year (tuition)
Around 100+ students per quarter across all film concentrations
What this school is known for
SCAD is respected for being an art and design school with serious film credentials. It’s easier to get into than Ivy League schools but still highly regarded by the industry. The school has produced alumni who work on Oscar-nominated and award-winning films. SCAD teaches students to work like professionals immediately—not just in theory but on actual sets with real equipment.
Programs offered
BFA in Film and Television (4 years). MFA in Film and Television (Master’s degree). Concentrations in Directing, Cinematography, Production, and other specializations. Multiple minors available, including Art Direction for Film and TV.
Teaching approach
SCAD’s philosophy is to teach exactly like the film industry works. You work on real production sets, take on real crew positions, and learn by doing—not just watching. Year-round classes mean you’re always creating something. The school mirrors real production workflows so your jump to an actual job feels natural.
Equipment and facilities
SCAD Film Studios in Savannah is a 17,000-square-foot production facility with classrooms, costume labs, and a massive prop shop. In Atlanta, the 60,000-square-foot facility in Midtown includes soundstages and backlots. Both locations have modern cameras, editing suites with Avid, Adobe Creative Suite, and Final Cut Pro. Students access industry-standard technology from day one.
Industry connections
Madison Hamburg (director, HBO’s ‘Murder on Middle Beach’). Barry Jenkins (Oscar-winning director of ‘Moonlight’ and ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’). Thomas Verrette (documentary producer and director). Giselle Byrd (producer). In 2026, over 200 SCAD alumni contributed to Oscar-nominated films.
Admissions
You need a high school diploma or GED. No specific standardized test requirement. A portfolio of creative work (art, photography, video, writing) is helpful. Acceptance rate is around 68%, meaning if you have strong creative work, you have a reasonable chance of being accepted.
Cost
2024-2025 tuition is $41,630 per year. Room and board and supplies bring the total to around $66,000 per year. About 92% of students receive financial aid, with an average of $12,540 in aid per student. SCAD offers payment plans and scholarships.
For visiting and exchange students
SCAD accepts international students and exchange students. The school operates campuses in Savannah and Atlanta, Georgia. You can visit both campuses to see the facilities and studios before applying. International students need appropriate visas. Housing on or near campus is available.
Who this school is best for
Students who want hands-on production experience immediately and who are motivated by an arts-focused community. It’s good if you prefer a more practical, creative approach over heavy theory. Not ideal if you need low tuition costs or prefer a traditional university setting with general education courses.
