Overview
Founded in 1969 with the support of the National Endowment for the Arts and a mandate from President Lyndon B. Johnson to advance the art of film, the AFI Conservatory has grown into one of the most prestigious graduate film training programs in the world. Housed within the broader American Film Institute organization, which also preserves film history and hosts the AFI Life Achievement Award, the Conservatory is best known for its rigorous, production-intensive two-year MFA program that emphasizes learning by doing rather than traditional classroom instruction. Its alumni and faculty have shaped modern American cinema, and the school consistently ranks among the top film schools globally.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Los Angeles, California |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Total students | 285 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 4:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 15% |
| Graduation rate | 90% |
| Average starting salary | $65,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $56,400 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $56,400 |
| Room & board | $18,000 |
| Average financial aid | $20,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 70% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | N/A |
| Regular deadline | December 1 |
Top Programs
- Directing
- Screenwriting
- Cinematography
- Editing
- Producing
- Production Design
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.