Tulane vs NYU for film studies: which is better for a student who wants to study film and work in the industry?

For a student whose main goal is to study film and move directly toward industry work, NYU is the clearer choice. Its film program is one of the most established in the country, it sits in New York City, and students have unusually direct access to internships, productions, festivals, alumni, and working professionals while they are still in school. If film is the center of your college decision, NYU offers a much deeper pipeline into the industry.

NYU fits the student who wants an intensive, professionally oriented film environment from the start. Tisch is known for serious training in screenwriting, directing, production, editing, and film history, and the location matters a lot because students can build credits and contacts during the academic year, not just over the summer. That kind of proximity is especially useful if you want to work on sets, intern at production companies or media organizations, and meet people already working in film and television.

Tulane makes more sense for a student who wants film as part of a broader college experience rather than as the single dominant priority. Tulane can offer a lively campus culture, strong academics, and the creative energy of New Orleans, which is a real film city with productions happening nearby. But its film offerings and industry network are not as extensive or as central to the school’s identity as NYU’s.

Tulane could still work well for someone interested in film studies, media, storytelling, or interdisciplinary work who values flexibility and a more traditional residential college feel. A student who wants to combine film with another field, enjoy a strong campus community, and take advantage of New Orleans’ arts scene may find it more personally appealing. For hands-on preparation aimed specifically at breaking into the film industry, though, NYU gives you more built-in structure, name recognition in film circles, and day-to-day professional access.