Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts (FSUFilm) has extended its seven-year run as the nation’s No. 4 public film school while climbing to No. 13 overall in the Hollywood Reporter’s annual ranking of the nation’s best film schools.
The annual ranking recognizes film schools that prepare students for careers in the entertainment industry through innovative programs, accomplished alumni and hands-on learning. FSUFilm moved up from No. 14 overall last year.
“The Hollywood Reporter’s recognition reflects the extraordinary creativity of our students, the dedication of our faculty and staff and Florida State University’s continued commitment to providing an exceptional film education,” said Reb Braddock, dean of the College of Motion Picture Arts. “As we enter the fourth year of our MFA Feature Film Program and introduce the M3 Project, we’re continuing to build on the innovation that has helped FSUFilm, as The Hollywood Reporter noted, ‘punch above its weight’ while preparing students for successful careers in the industry.”
In its 2026 ranking, the Hollywood Reporter highlighted FSUFilm’s accomplished alumni, affordable tuition and innovative curriculum. The publication recognized the college’s optional third-year MFA Feature Film Program, now entering its fourth year, which gives graduate students the opportunity to pitch, direct and complete a fully financed feature film while second-year students gain professional production experience before graduation.
This year, the college is also introducing the M3 Project, which gives graduate students the opportunity to explore serialized storytelling while building filmmaking skills in virtual production.
The publication also noted the success of “NoSeeUms,” the first feature produced through the MFA Feature Film Program. The film is represented internationally by Odin’s Eye, secured domestic distribution through Quiver and is now streaming on Apple TV and Amazon.
Among the recent alumni highlighted by the Hollywood Reporter were Academy Award winner Adele Romanski, producer of “Sorry, Baby;” Max Allman, an associate producer on the Best Picture Oscar nominee “Marty Supreme;” and Alex Ullom, whose directorial debut, “It Ends,” was acquired by Neon after its premiere at SXSW.
Beyond the classroom, FSUFilm continues to expand opportunities for students through the Torchlight Studios Center for Cinematic Innovation. Renovations are underway on a new 43,242-square-foot facility that will house theaters, soundstages, virtual production space, post-production facilities and other resources supporting the college’s growing programs.
FSUFilm also continues to offer one of the nation’s lowest costs of attendance among top-ranked film schools. Tuition includes access to industry-standard production equipment and expendable materials, allowing students to complete films without the additional production fees common at many film schools.
Founded in 1989, the College of Motion Picture Arts has earned an international reputation for preparing students for careers in filmmaking through an intensive, collaborative curriculum centered on storytelling and hands-on production.
For more information about the College of Motion Picture Arts, visit film.fsu.edu.
