Los Angeles Film School
Undergraduates
5,472
Student-faculty ratio 31:1
Peer median 9 : 1
Graduation rate
42.6%
4-year; 6-year rate 42.6%
Peer median 52.9%
“Peers” are all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
The Los Angeles Film School, located in the heart of Hollywood, is a renowned institution dedicated to the art and science of filmmaking and entertainment. Established in 1999, the school has gained a reputation for its hands-on approach to education, offering students the opportunity to work with industry-standard equipment and learn from experienced professionals. The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of film production, including directing, producing, cinematography, and sound design. With state-of-the-art facilities, including sound stages and editing suites, students can immerse themselves in the practical side of filmmaking while being guided by instructors who are often active in the industry themselves.
One of the standout features of the Los Angeles Film School is its commitment to fostering a vibrant campus culture that encourages creativity and collaboration. The school emphasizes a strong sense of community, where students from diverse backgrounds come together to share ideas and collaborate on projects. This environment not only enhances the learning experience but also prepares students for teamwork in the professional world. Additionally, the school hosts various events, workshops, and guest lectures, allowing students to network with industry professionals and gain insights into the latest trends in the film and entertainment sectors. With a focus on preparing students for successful careers, the Los Angeles Film School boasts impressive graduate employment rates, with many alumni going on to work with major studios and production companies.
Trends in Student Enrollment and Graduation Rates
The data from the Los Angeles Film School reveals significant trends in student enrollment, gender ratio, graduation rates, and student retention. Over the span of a decade, from 2013 to 2023, the number of undergraduate students has shown a remarkable increase, from approximately 2,464 to 5,588. This nearly doubled enrollment reflects the growing popularity of specialized education in fields like film and entertainment, which aligns with the industry's expansion.
However, while enrollment numbers soared, the graduation rates present a concerning narrative. The on-time graduation rate dropped from about 78.57% in 2020 to approximately 46.41% in 2023. This decline could indicate various factors, including the challenges students might face in completing their programs, possibly exacerbated by the pandemic’s impact on education. The 150% graduation rate also witnessed a similar downward trend, highlighting potential issues with program structure or student support systems.
Moreover, analyzing the gender ratio among undergraduate students shows a gradual shift. In 2013, the percentage of male students was around 87%, which has decreased to roughly 65% in 2023, reflecting an increase in female representation in the school. This trend can be seen as a positive step towards inclusivity in the film industry, which has been historically male-dominated.
Lastly, retention rates have shown fluctuations, with a notable dip to about 55.65% in 2022, slightly recovering to 55.95% in 2023. This indicates that while the school manages to attract students, retaining them through to graduation remains a challenge. The institution may need to enhance its support services and engagement strategies to improve retention and graduation outcomes moving forward. Overall, while the increased enrollment is a positive sign, the school must address the declining graduation rates and retention issues to ensure student success.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Large city
- Nearest major city
- Los Angeles, about 7 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), about 10 mi
- Also known as
- LA Film School
- Academic calendar
- Continuous
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Mike Myles (Senior Vice President of Operations)
- Phone
- 3238600789
- City
- Hollywood, California
- Address
- 6363 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduate Trends in Arts and Media at Los Angeles Film School
The data from the Los Angeles Film School reveals some intriguing trends in the graduation rates across various fields of study within the arts and media disciplines. Notably, the highest number of bachelor's degree graduates is found in the Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management program, where 116 students graduated, followed closely by Film/Video and Photographic Arts with 113 graduates. This indicates a strong interest in management roles within the creative industry, suggesting that students are increasingly recognizing the importance of business acumen alongside artistic skills.
Interestingly, the Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects program has a modest output of 85 bachelor’s degree graduates, with a significant number of international students (7), reflecting the global appeal and demand for skilled professionals in animation and interactive media. This trend is supported by the rising popularity of animated content across streaming platforms, indicating robust job prospects for graduates in this field.
On the other hand, the associate degree offerings show a different picture. The program in Music Technology stands out with 316 graduates, which is remarkable and indicates a growing interest in technical skills related to music production. This could be attributed to the increasing demand for music professionals in various sectors, including digital media and live entertainment.
Moreover, the absence of master's and doctorate graduates in most programs raises questions about the pursuit of advanced degrees among students in the arts. This may suggest that many graduates are opting to enter the workforce directly after completing their bachelor's degrees rather than continuing their education, which aligns with the industry's trend towards practical experience over formal qualifications.
Overall, the data reflects diverse interests among students at the Los Angeles Film School, with particular strengths in management and technical fields that align with current industry demands.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Design. | $48,271 | ||
| Playwriting and Screenwriting. | - | ||
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production. | $18,622-$30,469 | ||
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts, Other. | $18,622-$30,469 | ||
| Music Theory and Composition. | $25,633-$31,013 | ||
| Music Technology. | $25,633-$31,013 | ||
| Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management, General. | $39,209 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects. | $34,277 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communication, General. | - |
Students
5,472 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 62:38 · Freshman retention 51.2%
- Continuing undergraduates 4,401
- First-year undergraduates 818
- Transfers and others 253
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (5,472)
Data insights
Demographic Insights at Los Angeles Film School
The 2023 data from the Los Angeles Film School reveals notable trends in student demographics, particularly in gender distribution among different student classifications. The undergraduate freshmen, numbering 1,109, exhibit a male percentage of 65.6%, indicating a strong male presence in this category, while females constitute 34.4%. Similarly, for undergraduate juniors, with a total enrollment of 4,183, the male ratio remains significant at 65.0%, with females at 35.0%.
Interestingly, the transfer student group shows a slightly lower male representation, with 59.1% males and 40.9% females among 296 students. This shift may reflect differences in backgrounds and motivations among transfer students compared to the traditional first-time and continuing students.
Examining the ethnic composition within the freshmen group, it appears that white students make up a significant portion, with 145 individuals recorded. This trend is consistent across the student body, suggesting that while diversity is increasing, there still exists a predominant demographic that may warrant further exploration and initiatives to enhance inclusivity.
In recent years, film schools across the country have been increasingly scrutinized regarding their diversity and inclusion efforts, which aligns with broader societal calls for equity in education and the arts. As the landscape of the film industry evolves, it is crucial for educational institutions like the Los Angeles Film School to not only attract a diverse student body but also to foster an environment that supports all students in their creative endeavors. Overall, the data points to a dynamic yet imbalanced representation of gender and ethnicity, highlighting areas for growth and improvement in the future.
Analysis of Age Composition at Los Angeles Film School
The age distribution of students at the Los Angeles Film School reveals a predominantly younger demographic, with the majority of students falling within the 18-29 age range. This trend is consistent with national statistics indicating that film schools typically attract younger individuals, often fresh out of high school or college, eager to pursue careers in the entertainment industry. Specifically, the largest age group is students aged 25-29, constituting approximately 34% of the total male student population and 23% of the total female student population.
Interestingly, there is a notable absence of graduate students in the data, which may suggest either a lack of graduate programs or a focus on undergraduate education within the institution. Furthermore, the data shows a significant gender disparity in the student body, with males consistently outnumbering females across all age categories. For instance, in the 22-24 age group, there are 726 male students compared to 398 female students, indicating a male-to-female ratio of approximately 1.83:1.
The age composition aligns with broader trends in the entertainment industry, where younger individuals are often favored for their fresh perspectives and recent educational experiences. However, the limited representation of older students may reflect systemic barriers that could deter mature individuals from pursuing careers in film. As the industry continues to evolve, it may benefit from fostering an inclusive environment that encourages participation from a more diverse age range, thereby enriching the creative landscape and addressing potential biases in storytelling.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.
89 in 2025 · 5.8% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Los Angeles Film School
The data on international students at the Los Angeles Film School over the years presents a fascinating narrative of fluctuating enrollment figures. Starting from 2007, the percentage of international undergraduate students has seen a notable decline, despite a general increase in total undergraduate enrollment. For instance, in 2007, international students accounted for approximately 10.27% of the total undergraduate population, but by 2022, this figure had plummeted to just 2.37%.
This downward trend could be attributed to various factors, including changes in immigration policies, economic conditions, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global travel and education. The peak of international student enrollment occurred in the mid-2010s, where the numbers rose significantly, with 194 international students in 2017 representing 6.20% of the undergraduate body. However, the subsequent years exhibited a worrying decrease, highlighting a growing concern for the institution regarding attracting and retaining international talent.
Such trends are not isolated to the Los Angeles Film School but reflect broader patterns observed in higher education across the United States. As universities grapple with the financial implications of declining international enrollment, it is crucial for institutions to reassess their strategies for engaging and supporting international students. Strengthening outreach, enhancing support services, and creating a welcoming environment could be vital steps toward reversing this trend and fostering a diverse student body that enriches the educational experience for all.
Cost
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$111M
Expenses$113M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
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University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles · 5.9 mi
U.S. News #27
-
University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles · 6.8 mi
U.S. News #20
-
Occidental CollegeLos Angeles · 7.0 mi
Liberal Arts #38
-
California Institute of TechnologyPasadena · 11.9 mi
U.S. News #5
-
Pomona CollegeClaremont · 35.1 mi
Liberal Arts #3
-
Scripps CollegeClaremont · 35.3 mi
Liberal Arts #38
-
Claremont McKenna CollegeClaremont · 35.3 mi
Liberal Arts #3
-
Harvey Mudd CollegeClaremont · 35.4 mi
Liberal Arts #8
-
University of California-IrvineIrvine · 41.8 mi
U.S. News #34
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near the Los Angeles Film School:
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University of Southern California (南加州大学) - Ranked 28th in the 2024 US News rankings, USC is a prestigious research university known for its strong programs in film, business, and the arts.
-
University of California-Los Angeles (加州大学洛杉矶分校) - With a rank of 15, UCLA is a leading public research university that offers a variety of programs, including highly regarded film and television studies.
-
California Institute of Technology (加州理工学院) - Ranked 7th, Caltech is renowned for its science and engineering programs, making it a unique presence among the surrounding schools.
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Loyola Marymount University (洛约拉马利蒙特大学) - This university, ranked 93rd, offers a solid liberal arts education with strong programs in film and television.
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Pepperdine University (佩珀代因大学) - With a rank of 76, Pepperdine is known for its scenic campus and strong emphasis on character development alongside academics.
-
Claremont McKenna College (克莱尔蒙特麦克纳学院) - Ranked 11th, this liberal arts college is known for its focus on economics and government, providing a different academic perspective in the area.
These institutions not only offer diverse academic programs but also contribute to a vibrant educational atmosphere surrounding the Los Angeles Film School.
Peer median 1.3 · all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Trends in Crime Rates at Los Angeles Film School
The data regarding crime rates at the Los Angeles Film School presents a fascinating glimpse into the safety trends over the years. From 2013 to 2023, there was a notable fluctuation in the average number of offenses per 1,000 students, highlighting a significant peak in 2018 at 8.27. This year marked a worrying increase in crime, particularly in categories such as drug-related arrests and alcohol offenses.
Interestingly, the figures show a gradual decline in crime rates following 2018, with the average dropping to just 0.29 by 2023. This decline suggests effective measures may have been implemented to enhance campus safety and reduce criminal activities among students. The sharp drop in 2021 and 2022 could also reflect the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw many institutions shift to online learning, potentially minimizing on-campus interactions and thus, opportunities for crime.
The data also indicates that violent crimes such as assaults and domestic violence were present but did not constitute a large portion of the total offenses. This may reflect a broader trend in educational environments where non-violent crimes, particularly substance abuse-related incidents, are more prevalent than violent offenses.
Overall, while the spikes in crime during certain years are concerning, the recent downward trend is promising. Continuous efforts to maintain a safe environment will be crucial in ensuring that these positive developments persist. For a detailed explanation of crime rate calculations, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of Los Angeles Film School include Flying Lotus (Record producer, DJ, filmmaker and rapper), Brandon Trost (Cinematographer and director) and Kyle Newacheck (Director, actor and co-creator of Workaholics).
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Flying Lotus 1983–
Record producer, DJ, filmmaker and rapper
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Brandon Trost 1981–
Cinematographer and director
-
Kyle Newacheck 1984–
Director, actor and co-creator of Workaholics
-
Xavier Lamar Truesdell 1985–
Actor, model and songwriter
-
Storm Saulter 1983–
Jamaican filmmaker and photographer
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.