DePaul University School of Cinematic Arts

Overview

The School of Cinematic Arts at DePaul University in Chicago offers film production training within one of the largest Catholic universities in the United States. The program has established itself as the leading film school in the Midwest, drawing students who want hands-on production experience in a city with a rich cinematic tradition and a growing production industry.

Chicago's film community has produced distinctive voices in American cinema, and DePaul benefits from this legacy. The city's production infrastructure supports both independent film and major studio productions, with Illinois film tax incentives driving increased activity. DePaul's downtown Loop campus places students near production companies, post-production houses, and the advertising and commercial production industries that form a significant part of Chicago's media economy.

The school's facilities include soundstages, editing suites, color grading rooms, and a sound mixing stage. DePaul has invested in keeping its equipment current, and students work with professional-grade cameras, lighting, and audio equipment throughout their studies.

Programs Offered

• BFA in Film and Television -- the core undergraduate production program
• BFA in Screenwriting -- dedicated writing track for film and television
• BFA in Animation -- 2D and 3D animation
• MFA in Cinema Production -- graduate production with concentrations in directing, cinematography, and post-production
• MFA in Screenwriting -- graduate screenplay development
• MS in Cinema Studies -- a scholarly program in film theory and history

What Students Should Know

DePaul's film program is smaller and more affordable than the major LA and New York schools, and this has practical benefits. Students get more individualized attention from faculty, greater equipment access, and a less competitive internal environment. The program's size means students often fill multiple crew roles on productions, which builds versatile skill sets.

Chicago's cost of living is substantially lower than Los Angeles or New York, which significantly reduces the total financial commitment. Tuition at DePaul is approximately $42,000 per year, and the university offers merit and need-based financial aid.

The school's ties to the Chicago production community are strong, and graduates regularly find work in the city's commercial, documentary, and independent film sectors. Students who plan to work in Los Angeles should be aware that DePaul's alumni network on the West Coast is smaller than those of LA-based schools, though graduates who relocate have found success across the industry.

Notable Alumni

DePaul cinema alumni have built careers in independent film, documentary, television, and commercial production. The school's alumni network is strongest in the Midwest, particularly in Chicago's commercial and documentary filmmaking communities.

See Also

For understanding regional production markets outside LA and NYC, see Regional Filmmaking Guide. To calculate your student film's storage needs, use the Storage Calculator.