2026 Best Value Film Studies Schools in the Southwest Region

1

Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ

For return on investment in film studies, no school beat Arizona State University this year. Arizona State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tempe. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Film Studies graduates carry a median of $20,534 in student loans. Film Studies graduates of Arizona State University earn a median of $55,876 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,534 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.

2

University Of Arizona
Tucson, AZ

University Of Arizona is a great value for students pursuing a degree in film studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the film studies program here. Early-career film studies graduates make about $26,054. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Norman, OK

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus earned it the #3 place for film studies. Located in the suburb of Norman, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete the film studies program here. Film Studies graduates of University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus earn a median of $32,126 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants.

4

University Of New Mexico Main Campus
Albuquerque, NM

Students looking for strong value in film studies will find it at University Of New Mexico Main Campus, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Albuquerque, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,140, with out-of-state students paying around $33,060. Students borrow a median of $15,851 to complete the film studies program here. Soon after graduation, film studies degree recipients from University Of New Mexico Main Campus generally make around $49,983. Set against $15,851 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of New Mexico Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants.

5

Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX

A rank of #5 makes Southern Methodist University one of the best values for film studies. Southern Methodist University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Dallas. In-state tuition and fees average $67,040. Students borrow a median of $20,712 to complete the film studies program here. Early-career film studies graduates make about $70,632. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Methodist University admits about 63% of applicants.