Published: March 9, 2026
Los Angeles, California, USA
One of the best film schools in America, with world-class equipment, legendary faculty, and direct access to Hollywood studios.
Quick facts
Degree types: Bachelor of Arts (BA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Master of Arts (MA), and PhD programs
Teaching focus: Both theory and hands-on production. Students learn film history and criticism plus practical skills like cinematography, editing, directing, screenwriting, and animation.
Language of instruction: English
Accepts visiting/exchange students: Yes, through UCLA’s international study abroad and exchange programs
Approximate tuition per year: $14,200–$15,200 (in-state), $46,100–$49,400 (out-of-state). Add $25,000–$30,000 for room, board, and other expenses.
Typical cohort size: Approximately 631 total students (335 undergrads, 296 grad students). Undergraduate film major admits roughly 140 junior-standing students per year.
What this school is known for
UCLA TFT is the public university answer to USC’s film school. You get similar prestige and industry connections, but at much lower cost—especially if you’re from California. The school has trained countless working directors, cinematographers, writers, and producers. Its location in Los Angeles gives students direct access to major studios, sound stages, and working professionals. The campus also has some of the best screening theaters and production equipment in the country.
Programs offered
Undergraduate: Film, Television & Digital Media (BA). A four-year program that combines film history and analysis with hands-on production.
Graduate (MFA): Acting, Animation, Cinematography, Directing, Playwriting, Producers Program, Production/Directing (Narrative), Production/Directing (Documentary), Screenwriting, and Design for Theater & Entertainment.
Graduate (MA): Cinema & Media Studies.
Graduate (PhD): Theater & Performance Studies and Cinema & Media Studies.
Teaching approach
UCLA TFT combines scholarship with craft. Undergraduates start with foundational courses in film history and theory, then move into production work in junior year. By senior year, you choose a concentration (like cinematography, directing, or screenwriting) and complete a professional internship. The school emphasizes understanding cinema as an art form while building real technical skills. Graduate programs are specialized: if you choose cinematography, you focus almost entirely on camera work and lighting; screenwriters focus on story structure and script development.
Equipment and facilities
Six soundstages for student productions.
Melnitz Hall: houses state-of-the-art screening rooms and is one of the few theaters in the country that can project 35mm and nitrate-base film.
James Bridges Theater: 278-seat state-of-the-art facility for film and television screenings.
Freud Playhouse: 562-seat theater with 35mm, 70mm, and 4K digital projection.
Production shops: prop, scene, and costume shops for set and costume design.
Industry connections
Notable alumni include Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather, Apocalypse Now), Tim Robbins (The Shawshank Redemption), Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order: SVU), Paul Schrader (screenwriter and director), Charles Burnett (Killer of Sheep), Colin Higgins (Harold and Maude), Dustin Lance Black (Milk, J. Edgar), Steve Martin, and James Dean. Being in Los Angeles means students can network directly with studios, production companies, and working professionals.
Admissions
Undergraduate acceptance rate: 4% (highly competitive). Graduate acceptance rate: approximately 16–19% (varies by program). You need strong grades, test scores, and a compelling creative portfolio or audition. International students can apply but will pay out-of-state tuition and face the same ultra-competitive acceptance rates.
Cost
In-state tuition and fees: $14,200–$15,200 per year.
Out-of-state tuition and fees: $46,100–$49,400 per year.
Total cost of attendance (including housing, food, books): roughly $41,000 per year in-state, $73,000 per year out-of-state.
Los Angeles is expensive. Expect to budget an additional $15,000–$25,000 per year for off-campus housing if you don’t live on the UCLA campus.
Financial aid: About 55% of UCLA undergraduates receive grants or scholarships. Average aid is around $23,400 per student.
For visiting and exchange students
UCLA offers UCEAP (UC Education Abroad Program) for enrolled students to study abroad. TFT students can take film production and theater performance courses through partner institutions internationally. Reciprocal exchange students from partner universities can attend UCLA for up to one academic year on a no-fee exchange basis. Contact UCLA’s International Education Office (IEO) or your TFT academic advisor to learn more.
Who this school is best for
UCLA TFT is the best choice for California students who want top-tier film education without the $50,000+ USC price tag. It’s also ideal for anyone serious about directing, screenwriting, or cinematography and willing to work intensely—admission is razor-thin and the program is demanding. If you’re an international student, consider the cost; UCLA is a world-class school, but you’ll pay out-of-state rates plus expensive LA living costs.
