New York Film Academy
Tuition per year
$37,122
$60,747 with room and board
Peer median $40,478
Undergraduates
849
Student-faculty ratio 4:1
Peer median 9 : 1
Graduation rate
67.7%
4-year; 6-year rate 67.7%
Peer median 52.9%
“Peers” are all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
The New York Film Academy (NYFA) is a renowned institution dedicated to providing hands-on education in the arts of filmmaking, acting, and other related fields. Founded in 1992, NYFA has established a reputation for its immersive programs that emphasize practical experience over traditional classroom learning. The academy's motto, "Learn by Doing," reflects its commitment to ensuring that students engage actively with their craft through real-world projects and collaborations. This approach is particularly appealing to aspiring filmmakers, actors, and artists who wish to gain practical skills and professional insights in a dynamic learning environment.
Located in the heart of New York City, NYFA offers students unique access to one of the world's most vibrant cultural scenes. The school boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including sound stages, editing suites, and screening rooms, which provide students with the tools necessary to refine their talents. The faculty comprises industry professionals with extensive experience in film and television, allowing students to learn from those who have firsthand knowledge of the industry's demands. NYFA is also known for its diverse and energetic campus culture, where students from various backgrounds come together to share their passion for storytelling. Additionally, the academy's strong network of alumni and industry connections aids graduates in securing internships and job placements, fostering a supportive community that continues to thrive long after students complete their degrees.
Trends in Tuition Fees, Graduation Rates, and Retention
The data from the New York Film Academy reveals significant trends in tuition fees, graduation rates, and student retention, which are critical indicators of the institution's overall health and student satisfaction. Over the years, tuition fees have shown a consistent upward trend, with in-state undergraduate tuition rising from $28,000 in 2016 to $36,738 in 2024, representing a 31% increase. This escalating cost can be a significant barrier for prospective students, particularly in an era where student debt is a growing concern in higher education.
Graduation rates have also displayed a worrying decline. The timely graduation rate for undergraduates plummeted from 100% in 2019 to approximately 32.6% in 2023. This decline suggests potential issues within the academic structure or student support systems that may hinder students from completing their degrees on time. A low graduation rate not only affects the institution's reputation but can also impact students' future employability and financial stability.
Retention rates have fluctuated, with a notable drop from about 95% in 2020 to approximately 72% in 2023. A lower retention rate implies that many students are choosing to leave the program before completion, which could be attributed to increased tuition, reduced satisfaction with the educational experience, or inadequate support services.
These trends highlight the pressing need for the New York Film Academy to evaluate their financial strategies and student support systems. Addressing the rising costs, improving graduation rates, and enhancing retention efforts will be vital for ensuring that the academy can attract and retain students effectively in an increasingly competitive educational landscape.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Midsize city
- Nearest major city
- Los Angeles, about 10 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), about 15 mi
- Also known as
- NYFA
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Michael Young (CEO)
- Phone
- 8183333558
- City
- Burbank, California
- Address
- 3300 West Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA 91505
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Cinematography and Film/Video Production · Master's118 (81% international)
- Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects · Master's13 (77% international)
- Acting · Master's13 (92% international)
- Playwriting and Screenwriting · Master's9 (22% international)
- Photography · Master's6 (83% international)
- Game and Interactive Media Design · Master's5 (100% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from New York Film Academy 2023
The graduation data from the New York Film Academy in 2023 reveals some intriguing trends within different programs, particularly in higher education degrees. Notably, the Cinematography and Film/Video Production program stands out with a significant number of master's graduates, totaling 131, of which 79.4% are international students. This highlights the program's global appeal and the increasing interest in film production, which is likely fueled by the growing demand for content in the digital age.
In contrast, the Playwriting and Screenwriting program had a relatively modest output, graduating only 24 master's students, with 37.5% being international. This could suggest a narrower interest in this niche compared to more practical fields like cinematography, which might offer more direct career paths.
Interestingly, the Acting program produced 18 master's graduates, with 61.1% coming from international backgrounds. This reflects the program's ability to attract talent from abroad, possibly due to the allure of Hollywood and its expansive acting opportunities.
The data also shows that there are no graduates at the bachelor's or doctorate levels for any of the programs surveyed, indicating a concentrated focus on master’s level education. This trend could be indicative of the industry's emphasis on higher-level training, preparing graduates for the competitive landscape of creative professions.
Overall, the graduation data provides valuable insights into the preferences and trends in arts education, highlighting the prominence of international students and the growing fields within the film and performing arts sector.
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 | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game and Interactive Media Design. | - | |||
| Playwriting and Screenwriting. | $20,659-$24,416 | |||
| Acting. | $20,659-$24,416 | |||
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production. | $22,445 | |||
| Photography. | $22,445 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects. | - |
Students
1,132 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 56:44 · Freshman retention 65.9%
- Continuing undergraduates 556
- First-year undergraduates 160
- Graduate students 283
- Transfers and others 133
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (849)
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at New York Film Academy in 2023
The student demographic data from the New York Film Academy for the year 2023 reveals interesting trends regarding gender distribution and diversity among various student categories. The total number of undergraduate freshmen stands at 270, with male students comprising 58.1% and female students 41.9%. This indicates a slightly higher representation of male students in this category.
In the undergraduate junior category, the total number is 584, where males make up 62.0% and females 38.0%. This higher ratio of male students suggests a potential ongoing trend within the film industry, where male representation historically has been more dominant. The undergraduate transfer students show a similar trend, with 57.7% males and 42.3% females among 142 students.
Graduate students, however, present a more balanced gender ratio, with males at 51.2% and females at 48.8%. This shift indicates a growing interest and participation from female students at the graduate level, potentially reflecting broader societal changes in gender representation in higher education and creative fields.
The data also includes a breakdown of ethnic diversity among students, although the details for undergraduate juniors and transfers are not available. Among freshmen, white students form a significant portion at 57, with a male representation of 59.6%. The overall trend suggests that while there is an increase in female participation in graduate programs, the undergraduate levels still show a notable male dominance, particularly in junior years. This highlights the need for continued efforts to promote gender equity and diversity in filmmaking and related disciplines, ensuring that all voices are represented in the industry.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at New York Film Academy 2023
The age distribution of students at the New York Film Academy in 2023 reveals a diverse and predominantly young demographic. Most notably, the largest age group is between 18 and 21, comprising nearly 60% of the total student population. This reflects a trend in arts education where younger individuals often pursue their creative passions immediately after high school, aiming to establish careers in the competitive film industry.
Interestingly, the gender balance also showcases a significant representation of women, particularly in the undergraduate categories. Female students aged 20-21 outnumber their male counterparts, indicating a growing interest among women in film studies and production. This aligns with broader trends in higher education, where female enrollment in traditionally male-dominated fields has been steadily increasing.
Moreover, the presence of older students aged 25-29 and beyond suggests that the academy attracts not only fresh high school graduates but also individuals seeking to pivot in their careers or fulfill lifelong ambitions in filmmaking. This diversity in age can enrich the learning environment, as students share various perspectives and experiences.
However, the numbers drop significantly in the older age brackets, with only a handful of students over 40. This could imply that the academy may need to consider additional outreach or programs tailored to mature students who might be interested in returning to education.
Overall, the age and gender composition at the New York Film Academy reflects both current educational trends and the evolving landscape of the film industry, where inclusivity and diverse experiences are increasingly valued.
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.
425 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
217 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at New York Film Academy
The data on international student enrollment at New York Film Academy reveals significant fluctuations over recent years. In 2018, the institution experienced a remarkably high percentage of international undergraduate students, with 94.35% of the student body comprising non-domestic learners. This trend, however, saw a sharp decline in subsequent years, particularly in 2019, where the percentage dropped to 49.23%.
By analyzing the data, it becomes evident that the COVID-19 pandemic likely contributed to the decline in international enrollment, as travel restrictions and health concerns impacted student mobility globally. The numbers remained low in 2021, indicating the ongoing challenges faced by international students during this period. Interestingly, there was a slight rebound in 2023, with 47.89% of undergraduates being international students, suggesting a gradual recovery as conditions improved.
On the graduate level, the percentages also reflect a similar pattern, with a peak of 94.35% in 2018 and a subsequent decline, reaching a low of 62.24% in 2020. The numbers climbed again in 2023 to 74.39%, indicating a resurgence of interest among international students in pursuing graduate studies at the academy.
In summary, the trends in international student enrollment at New York Film Academy present a clear picture of the challenges and recovery associated with global events, particularly the pandemic. The fluctuations highlight the importance of adaptability for educational institutions in attracting international talent, especially in the creative arts sector.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$60,747
- Undergraduate tuition
- $37,122
- Room and board
- $23,625
- Graduate tuition
- $36,320
Peer median tuition + room and board $58,844 · all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.
Tuition rose 33% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 19%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$61.1M
Expenses$69.6M
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
-
Occidental CollegeLos Angeles · 7.3 mi
Liberal Arts #38
-
University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles · 8.2 mi
U.S. News #20
-
University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles · 9.5 mi
U.S. News #27
-
California Institute of TechnologyPasadena · 12.0 mi
U.S. News #5
-
Pomona CollegeClaremont · 35.7 mi
Liberal Arts #3
-
Scripps CollegeClaremont · 35.9 mi
Liberal Arts #38
-
Claremont McKenna CollegeClaremont · 35.9 mi
Liberal Arts #3
-
Harvey Mudd CollegeClaremont · 35.9 mi
Liberal Arts #8
-
University of California-IrvineIrvine · 44.9 mi
U.S. News #34
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near the New York Film Academy:
-
University of California-Los Angeles (加州大学洛杉矶分校) - Ranked 15 in the 2024 US News rankings, UCLA is a leading public research university known for its diverse academic programs and vibrant campus life.
-
University of Southern California (南加州大学) - With a rank of 28, USC is a prestigious private research university offering a wide array of programs and a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation.
-
California Institute of Technology (加州理工学院) - Ranked 7th, Caltech is renowned for its strength in science and engineering and has a close-knit community focused on research and academic excellence.
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Pomona College (波莫纳学院) - With a rank of 4, Pomona is a highly regarded liberal arts college known for its rigorous academic programs and beautiful campus.
-
Claremont McKenna College (克莱尔蒙特麦克纳学院) - Ranked 11th, this college focuses on business, government, and public affairs, providing an excellent education in a collaborative environment.
These institutions offer a variety of programs and opportunities for students interested in different fields, making them great options for further education.
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
Analysis of Crime Rates at New York Film Academy (2013-2023)
The crime data from the New York Film Academy over the past decade presents a fluctuating picture of campus safety. Notably, the year 2017 stands out with a significant spike in incidents, recording a crime rate of 15.53 per 1,000 students. This sharp increase may reflect broader societal trends or specific campus issues that year, warranting further investigation.
Following this peak, crime rates saw a gradual decline, with 2020 reporting no recorded incidents. This could be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to reduced campus activities and a significant drop in student presence. The subsequent years from 2021 to 2023 show a slight resurgence in crime, yet the rates remain relatively low compared to the 2017 high. The overall trend suggests a return to normalcy, but the presence of incidents such as domestic violence and drug-related arrests still poses concerns for campus safety officials.
It's crucial for institutions like the New York Film Academy to maintain vigilance and continue implementing effective safety measures and support systems. Community awareness and educational programs on issues like substance abuse and domestic violence can play a vital role in prevention. This data not only highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring but also calls for a commitment to fostering a safer learning environment for all students.
For further details on crime rate calculations, you can refer to the following link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.
Notable Alumni
All 63Notable alumni of New York Film Academy include Shaquille O'Neal (Former NBA center and sports analyst), Naya Rivera (Actress and singer known for Glee) and Aubrey Plaza (Actress, comedian and producer).
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Shaquille O'Neal 1972–
Former NBA center and sports analyst
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Naya Rivera 1987–2020
Actress and singer known for Glee
-
Aubrey Plaza 1984–
Actress, comedian and producer
-
Kangana Ranaut 1986–
Indian actress, filmmaker and Member of Parliament
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Paul Dano 1984–
Actor and filmmaker
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Lana Condor 1997–
Actress who debuted in X-Men: Apocalypse
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Bill Hader 1978–
Comedian, actor and filmmaker
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Imran Khan 1983–
Actor and director of Indian origin
-
Dayana Mendoza 1986–
Venezuelan model, Miss Universe 2008
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.