With the film industry booming in Los Angeles, many people who want to work in film or television are considering taking classes at community college. With so many film schools in Los Angeles, it may be hard to know where to start. Below are three of the top community colleges for film that you should consider when looking for a place to start your journey into filmmaking.
When it comes to finding the best colleges in Los Angeles, there are plenty of options. Finding a good film school or community college can be even more difficult. But never fear! This article also discusses cheapest community colleges in los angeles for international students, best community colleges in california.
Best Community Colleges In Los Angeles For Film
Introduction
So you have a passion for filmmaking and want to pursue it as a career? Great! But getting started in the film industry can be daunting. You might feel like you need to go to a top-of-the-line film school in order to get your foot in the door, but that isn’t necessarily true. Some of the best community colleges in Los Angeles offer excellent film programs at an affordable price, so you can get started on your dream career without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll cover what makes some community colleges better than others when it comes to their appropriate documention for film programs, then give you our list of the best schools in Los Angeles for aspiring filmmakers.
Los Angeles City College
If you’re looking for a community college that offers a variety of film courses, Los Angeles City College is your best bet. This two-year institution is known for its excellent facilities, including the Film Center and the award-winning LACC Conservatory of Music & Dance. The school’s faculty members have won several accolades for their work in the field of film, and they’ve also worked on such blockbuster movies as Transformers and The Avengers.
As far as programs go, LACC offers an array of options to students interested in filmmaking or related fields:
- Film Production Associate in Arts Degree Program
- Cinematography/Video Assoc in Arts Degree Program
- TV Production Assoc in Arts Degree Program
If you’re looking for a community college with plenty of resources at your disposal both inside and outside the classroom (not to mention one with great instructors), check out Los Angeles City College today!
Santa Monica College
One of the best community colleges in Los Angeles for film is Santa Monica College (SMC).
Located right in the heart of Santa Monica and with free parking, SMC’s Film and Television Department offers excellent programs that are taught by experienced instructors. The school also boasts good facilities and a location that makes it easy to take field trips.
With small classes and an easy-to-get-around campus, SMC’s Film & TV program makes it possible to get individualized attention from instructors who can help you succeed as a student. A great mix of students also ensures that you will never feel isolated or lonely at this community college. With so many resources available on campus, including support groups for women filmmakers and screenwriting workshops led by working professionals, it’s no wonder why SMC’s Film & TV department attracts so many talented people who want their dreams come true!
Pasadena City College
Pasadena City College is home to one of the most comprehensive film programs in Southern California. Students can take courses on directing, cinematography and editing. In addition, PCC offers classes on animation, screenwriting and production design. The college’s state-of-the-art Film Arts Center is a hub for filmmakers from all over Los Angeles County who come to practice their craft at this 250-seat theater that boasts three screening rooms and editing suites.
The school also runs an active student club called “The Film Club” which organizes screenings throughout the year as well as hosting workshops on various topics related to filmmaking such as screenwriting or digital video production techniques. In addition there are special guest speakers scheduled throughout the semester who provide invaluable insight into how they achieved success in Hollywood (e.g., casting directors). At each meeting members get together over food/drinks while discussing upcoming projects or just socializing with colleagues after class ends; it’s always great fun!
An annual event hosted by PCC is known as HUB Fest: Pasadena City College’s Festival Of Emerging Filmmakers which takes place every spring semester at The Pasadena Playhouse Downey Theatre Complex–which includes three theaters: two smaller black box spaces used for performances plus one larger proscenium style stage used primarily for live music concerts but occasionally features plays too!
East Los Angeles College
If you’re looking for an affordable option that’s close to home, East Los Angeles College is a great place to start. It’s a public college with over 30,000 students, and has over 100 associate degrees and certificates. The college has transfer agreements with many universities in California, including Loyola Marymount University and the University of Southern California.
The film program offers classes in acting, directing and producing as well as video editing skills in Final Cut Pro X on Mac computers. The faculty includes award-winning filmmakers like Greg Kwedar who recently won an award at the LA Asian Pacific Film Festival for his short film “The High Cost of Free Parking.”
For students interested in pursuing a career behind the camera rather than in front of it (or somewhere else entirely), this could be just the community college for you!
These are the best community colleges for film students in LA
- Los Angeles Valley College
- Santa Monica College
- Colorado Technical University – Los Angeles Campus (Chatsworth)
- Citrus College in Glendora, California
best community colleges in california
| #1 | Irvine Valley College IRVINE, CA |
| #2 | Moorpark College MOORPARK, CA |
| #3 | Mt San Antonio College WALNUT, CA |
| #4 | Las Positas College LIVERMORE, CA |
| #5 | Diablo Valley College PLEASANT HILL, CA |
| #6 | Imperial Valley College IMPERIAL, CA |
| #7 | Santiago Canyon College ORANGE, CA |
| #8 | De Anza College CUPERTINO, CA |
| #9 | Pasadena City College PASADENA, CA |
| #10 | Hartnell College SALINAS, CA |
cheapest community colleges in los angeles for international students
The average nationwide student loan debt is nearly $30,000, but students who go to the cheapest community college in California and put in the work to get good grades can complete their first two years of college on grants and scholarships, avoiding loans completely. The state of California offers special scholarships to students who start off by going to community colleges. Plus, when applying to four year schools, community college students receive preference in the admissions process. Special financial aid is also available, which means that more often than not, hard working students with good grades can skate by without taking out more than $15,000 in loans. To explore some of the differences between community colleges and four-year institutions, check out our article 2-Year Versus 4-Year Colleges.
The following list of community colleges within California was compiled using information from the National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator Database as well as the individual schools’ websites. The order of this list is based on each school’s tuition rate, ranking the highest rate No. 15 and so on.
15. Las Positas College
Livermore, Calif.
Las Positas College is in Livermore, Calif., a mid-sized city just 33 miles west of Oakland’s bustle. Like many community colleges, Las Positas has programs for high school students that allow them to get a jump on college. It’s possible for students to graduate high school with their associate degree and have a two-year head start on college.
Tuition: $1,138
Student Population: 8,631
14. Merced College
Merced, Calif.
Merced College is a mid-sized city, about 120 miles away from San Jose. Merced has an honors program and offers nearly 30 academic programs, including all three major types normally offered by community college–professional programs, academic programs with the goal of transfer and other professional associate programs designed to get students started in their career.
Tuition: $1,138
Student Population: 10,205
13. Cypress College
Cypress, Calif.
Cypress College offers both transfer-oriented degrees and traditional associate degrees. Students can take advantage of distance learning, with which they can create a custom schedule that works around their professional and personal obligations. There are also extensive technical programs available designed to get students straight into their trade of choice.
Tuition: $1,136
Student Population: 15,881
12. Coastline Community College
Fountain Valley, Calif.
Just south of Anaheim and adjacent to Huntington Beach, Calif., Coastline Community College is in California’s famous Orange County. Students planning on transferring into the California State University or University of California public university systems can take specialized transfer tracks to make their transition as seamless as possible.
Tuition: $1,136
Student Population: 10,378
11. Crafton Hills College
Yucaipa, Calif.
With over 40 degrees, Crafton Hills College has a lot to offer students. Programs range from radiologic technology to political science. Language offerings are unusually diverse, featuring Japanese, Arabic, French, Spanish and American Sign Language. The college also gets involved with the community, offering free income tax assistance to local residents, along with other community outreach programs.
Tuition: $1,134
Student Population: 5,697
10. Lassen Community College
Susanville, Calif.
Lassen Community College offers one of the most diverse array of technical programs you can find. Fire technology is one of the more common offerings in California, but it is still worth mentioning. California has a great need of fire fighters because of the wildfire seasons. The most unique technical program offered at Lassen, though, has to be gunsmithing. If you’re interested in guns or gun-related hobbies, check out the gunsmithing program. It’s a great skillset to have because it’s both in-demand and hard to find training for.
Tuition: $1,127
Student Population: 2,494
9. Victor Valley College
Victorville, Calif.
Victor Valley College seeks to cultivate intellectual excellence and integrity in their students. VVC is located in a mid-sized city, northeast of LA. Students at Victor Valley College will find opportunities to participate in research, performing statistical studies for the district and community leaders. It’s not incredibly advanced, but the research opportunities are there and can lay a groundwork for further research involvement in the student’s undergraduate career.
Tuition: $1,114
Student Population: 11,504
8. Copper Mountain Community College
Joshua Tree, Calif.
While many of California’s community colleges have high students populations, Copper Mountain Community College has one of the smallest student populations among community colleges. This is great for students who want a more-intimate learning environment. Joshua Tree is roughly 120 miles east of Los Angeles and sits in the California High Desert. The town is only around 7,000-10,000 people, providing a unique setting in one of California’s many incredible climates.
Tuition: $1,105
Student Population: 1,783
7. Antelope Valley College
Lancaster, Calif.
Some students may be hesitant to attend a community college because they fear they won’t be able to get into their program or an honors programs. However, Antelope Valley College offers a great honors program that features small class sizes and lively discussion of advanced material. The program will also help prepare students for the rigorous programs they will find at their future four-year colleges.
Tuition: $1,104
Student Population: 14,262
6. Sacramento City College
Sacramento, Calif.
Some California community colleges are absolutely massive, and Sacramento City College is one of them. With over 23,000 students, SCC is bigger than many major public and private universities. Prospective students might balk at the population of the school but SCC goes to great lengths to make sure nobody gets lost in the shuffle. They offer free tutoring services to anybody that needs a tutor, and your tutor will have already successfully passed the class for which you are being tutored.
Tuition: $1,104
Student Population: 23,509
5. Folsom Lake College
Folsom, Calif.
Folsom Lake College actually has three different college centers, one in Folsom, and two others in Placerville and Sacramento. Like most community colleges, Folsom offers programs intended to lay a strong groundwork for further study at university, and some programs are designed to prepare students for careers as soon as they complete their associate degrees. The important thing to remember is regardless of which of these types of programs you go into, your college credits will be transferable should you decide to earn a bachelor’s degree after completing your associate.
Tuition: $1,104
Student Population: 8,034
4. Barstow Community College
Bartstow, Calif.
Students interested in performing arts might be interested to know that Barstow Community College just opened a new performing arts center. BCC strives to train its students to be consummate professionals through a learning environment infused with professionalism, respect and care for the future of each student at the school.
Tuition: $1,104
Student Population: 3,211
3. San Joaquin Delta College
Stockton, Calif.
San Joaquin Delta College offers over 75 AA and AS degrees ranging in subjects from horticulture to mathematics. There are also several practical technical degree programs offered, dealing with everything from automotive technology to refrigeration. The college seeks to provide both students and its community with enriching experiences and events throughout the year.
Tuition: $1,104
Student Population: 17,629
2. American River College
Sacramento, Calif.
In addition to ARC’s affordable tuition, American River College is currently offering over $200,000 in scholarships to students this year. This may not seem like a lot of money compared to the scholarship funds of major universities that can reach into the tens of millions of dollars, but ARC students don’t need that much with such low tuition.
Tuition: $1,104
Student Population: 29,701
1. Saddleback College
Mission Viejo, Calif.
The affordability Saddleback College offers is nothing short of incredible. While the majority of community colleges in California feature very low tuition, Saddleback is the cheapest community college in California by a significant margin. One of the beautiful things about Saddleback’s pricing is that it’s conceivable to pay the entire tuition out of pocket, which in today’s education market is almost unheard of.
Tuition: $762
Student Population: 20,871
