American Film Institute
The American Film Institute stands as America's preeminent organization dedicated to preserving the heritage of motion pictures and television while preparing the next generation of storytellers. Established in 1967 by a presidential mandate, AFI emerged from recognition that cinema had become a vital American art form deserving systematic preservation, education, and celebration. The institute operates across multiple dimensions, combining archival preservation efforts with professional training programs that have produced some of the most influential filmmakers of recent decades. AFI's mission encompasses cataloguing and preserving the rich history of American film while nurturing emerging artists who will shape the medium's future. The organization maintains one of the world's most significant film archives while simultaneously operating a distinguished graduate conservatory program. Through its annual AFI Fest, Life Achievement Award ceremonies, and famous 100 Years series lists, the institute shapes public appreciation and understanding of cinema as an art form. This unique combination of preservation, education, and public engagement has made AFI an indispensable institution in American cultural life. The institute's influence extends from Hollywood studios to independent filmmakers, from film scholars to general audiences who encounter cinema history through AFI's widely publicized rankings and retrospectives.
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
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- Type
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- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
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- Graduation Rate
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- Retention Rate
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- Tuition (In-State)
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- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Life at AFI is intensely focused on filmmaking, and students should expect their two years to be consumed by production work. The cohort model creates strong bonds, as fellows move through the program together, collaborate on each other's projects, and support one another through the stress of production. The campus itself has the feel of a creative compound, with screening rooms, editing suites, and production facilities clustered on the historic Greystone estate. Fellows often work late nights and weekends, particularly during production periods, and the line between school and life blurs considerably. The small class size means everyone knows everyone, and the shared intensity creates lasting friendships. Social events tend to revolve around film, from screenings to festival attendance to industry networking. The location in Los Angeles provides access to the entertainment industry that other film schools simply cannot match. Fellows attend premieres, meet working filmmakers, and begin building professional relationships before graduation. The alumni community is exceptionally strong, with graduates helping new fellows find opportunities and break into the industry. Self-care and stress management matter, as the program demands can overwhelm those who don't pace themselves.
Location & Surroundings
Los Angeles is not just where AFI happens to be located; it is essential to the educational experience. The school sits on the grounds of the Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills, a historic estate that provides both production facilities and an inspiring creative environment. Being in LA means access to working professionals who guest lecture and mentor, studios that provide equipment and opportunities, and an entertainment industry ecosystem that surrounds students constantly. Networking events, screenings, and industry gatherings occur continuously, and AFI fellows have access that students at other film schools can only imagine. The city itself offers endless stimulation for filmmakers, from historic movie palaces to contemporary art museums to the diverse neighborhoods that have provided settings for countless films. Traffic is a fact of life, and most students need cars to navigate the sprawling metropolis. Housing near campus is expensive, and many students live in more affordable neighborhoods throughout the city. The weather is reliably pleasant, which helps with outdoor shoots and general well-being. For anyone serious about a film career, spending two years immersed in LA's entertainment industry provides advantages that extend far beyond the classroom.
Costs & Career Outcomes
AFI tuition represents a significant investment, with the two-year program costing over $60,000 in tuition alone plus substantial living expenses in Los Angeles. Financial aid packages vary, and some fellows receive substantial scholarships that reduce the burden. Most students graduate with debt, making career outcomes particularly important. The good news is that AFI graduates have strong track records in the film industry. Alumni include Oscar winners, successful showrunners, and working professionals throughout entertainment. The alumni network actively helps new graduates find opportunities, and the AFI brand opens doors at studios, agencies, and production companies. Career paths vary by discipline. Directors and writers often start with shorts or independent work before breaking through. Cinematographers and editors may find steadier employment earlier, building credits on smaller projects before reaching larger productions. Producers navigate the business side, developing projects and managing productions. The feast-or-famine nature of entertainment careers means income can vary dramatically, and early years often involve financial struggle. That said, those who persist and build careers typically find the AFI investment worthwhile. The skills, connections, and credential combine to create genuine competitive advantage in a difficult industry.
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