How To Pay for Film School: Student Loans and Financial Aid Options

Film school can be expensive, with total costs ranging from tens of thousands to six figures, depending on the program. If you're planning to pursue a certificate or degree in filmmaking, you may need to tap into federal financial aid and private student loans.

In this guide, learn how to pay for film school and get tips for managing costs based on your future earning potential.

Current private student loan rates

Can you get student loans for film school?

You can get federal student loans for film school through the U.S. Department of Education. However, to qualify for federal aid, the film program must be accredited and participate in the Title IV Federal Student Aid Program. You can use the Department of Education's school search tool to verify that your school is eligible.

Keep in mind that federal loans for undergraduates have annual borrowing limits, so if your film school tuition exceeds those limits, you may need to tap into private student loans to cover the remaining costs.

See Also: Best Student Loan Lenders of 2025

Federal student loans for film students

Federal student loans are often the most affordable way to pay for film school. To get started, you'll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once submitted, you'll receive a financial aid offer that may include grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal loans.

Here are the main types of federal student loans you may be eligible to receive:

• Direct Subsidized Loans: These loans are available to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. They don't accrue interest while you're in school at least half-time, during your grace period, or during deferment, as the government covers the interest during these periods.
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans: These loans are available to both undergraduate and graduate students. They aren't based on financial need and start accruing interest as soon as the funds are disbursed.
• Direct PLUS Loans: These loans are available to graduate or professional students, and to parents of dependent undergraduates. PLUS loans let you borrow as much as the full cost of attendance at your school, minus any other financial aid you receive. A credit check is required, and borrowers can be denied if they have recent negative credit events, such as a bankruptcy.

Private student loans for film school

If you've hit your federal loan limit and need additional funding, private loans are available. Most private lenders offer loans for bachelor's and master's degree programs in film. A few, like College Ave, also allow borrowing for associate degrees.

If you're enrolling in a vocational, trade, or certificate program, you'll need to find a lender that works with non-degree programs. Sallie Mae and Ascent are two options that offer loans for trade school and certificate-based film training.

Private lenders review your credit score and income to determine your eligibility and interest rate. If you don't meet their requirements, consider applying with a cosigner. This may also help you get a lower interest rate.

When comparing private student loans, pay close attention to interest rates. Fixed rates won't change, while variable rates can swing up and down. Additionally, look at repayment terms, origination fees, and any potential benefits. You can prequalify with several lenders through a marketplace like Credible to compare loan offers without affecting your credit score.

Financial aid for film school

Student loans should be your last option when paying for film school. Before borrowing, explore other ways to cover costs, such as grants, scholarships, and part-time work.

“Search for scholarships using scholarship search websites, such as Fastweb.com and the College Board's BigFuture,” says Mark Kantrowitz, author of “How To Appeal for More College Financial Aid.”

Some film-related scholarships to consider include:

• Kozakov Foundation Fellowship for Creatives
• National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) scholarships
• Jack G. Shaheen Mass Communications Scholarship Award
• Francis D. Lyon Fellowship

If you have exceptional financial need, you may also qualify for federal Pell Grants, which don't need to be repaid. You must be an undergraduate student without a previous degree.

You can also reduce out-of-pocket costs by working part-time or participating in the federal work-study program.

Borrowing strategies for film students

Student loans can help you pay for film school, but it's important to borrow carefully and plan ahead.

“Prospective film students should use College Scorecard to get information about typical debt and income after graduation,” advises Kantrowitz.

“Film school may or may not yield a high-paying job sufficient to repay the debt. If total student loan debt at graduation is less than annual starting salary, the borrower should be able to repay the student loans in 10 years or less,” he adds.

Here are some tips to keep costs manageable:

• Maximize your financial aid by applying for grants and scholarships first.
• Only borrow what you need to cover the remaining expenses.
• Compare student loan options, interest rates, and repayment terms carefully.

Cost of film school

Film school costs can vary widely based on the type of program, school, and whether you qualify for in-state tuition. For example, attending a private university or out-of-state program can cost significantly more than an in-state public or community college.

Top film schools like the University of Southern California (USC) and New York University (NYU) can easily cost six figures. For example, undergraduate tuition at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts is $72,082 for the 2025-26 academic year, not including additional fees and program-related costs. In contrast, LaGuardia Community College offers an associate degree in film and the option to transfer later. It costs about $4,800 per year for NYC residents and $9,600 for out-of-city and out-of-state students.

The cost and time commitment also depend on whether you're pursuing a traditional degree or a certificate program. A one-year certificate program from the New York Film Academy costs around $16,000 per semester across three semesters.

Beyond tuition, you'll also need to budget for living expenses, supplies, technology, and equipment. The key is to choose a program that fits your goals and budget while making the most of the training and resources available to you.

Salary expectations for film graduates

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, film and video editors and camera operators earned a median salary of $70,570 in 2024, while producers and directors earned a median of $83,480.

High-level roles like directing or producing major projects can pay six figures, but reaching that level often takes years of experience, training, and connections.

“Some students expect to be working as a director immediately after graduation. There are not a lot of directing jobs, and usually, the directing jobs come after a lot of years of work and building connections and networking,” says Dirk Matthews, interim vice president of development and alumni relations at Columbia College Chicago, who also has a B.A. in Film & Video from the school.

That said, success in the industry is possible with persistence and passion.

“The film industry is filled with people who are incredibly passionate about their work and find it very rewarding. And students can find that, too, if they stick with it and put some effort into finding opportunities in the field,” says Matthews.