Top Acting Schools in USA

Mar 4, 2024 | 5 min read

Acting is a very diverse profession and one of the most lucrative career options in the world. we will be looking at some of the best acting schools in the USA for international students.

Are you passionate about acting and looking for the best acting courses abroad? There are some of the finest acting schools in USA where you can find a plethora of acting programs in fields like fine arts, drama, theatre, and many more. This article provides complete information about the top acting schools in USA for international students.

Table of Contents

List of Best Acting schools in USA for International Students
Top Acting Courses in the USA

List of Best Acting schools in USA for International Students

Here are some of the best acting schools in USA that have produced some of the world's greatest actors:

Acting School/University	Annual Average Tuition Fees
New York University- Tisch School of the Arts	$58,226
Chapman University- Dodge College of Film and Media Arts	$58,250
Columbia University- School of the Arts	$60,514
University of North Carolina- School of the Arts	$28,826
University of Minnesota- Department of Theatre Arts & Dance	$25,144
Carnegie Mellon University- School of Drama	$53,660
The Julliard School- Drama Division	$46,410
American Film Institute	$59,951
USC School of Cinematic Arts	$60,446
California Institute of the Arts	$48,680

New York University- Tisch School of the Arts

The Tisch School of the Arts at New York University is one of the finest acting schools in the United States. It provides a variety of performing arts programs for high school students, undergraduates, graduates, and professionals. Some of these courses include acting, directing, drama, cinematic studies, public policy, etc. The school is renowned for training and mentoring popular actors, directors, singers, such as Spike Lee, Alec Baldwin, Martin Scorsese, and Lady Gaga. International students need to provide English proficiency scores (IELTS/TOEFL/ PTE/ Duolingo) to apply to this university.

Read More: New York University

Chapman University- Dodge College of Film and Media Arts

Chapman University provides personalized education to students and prepares them to become innovative thinkers. As a student in Chapman's Screen Acting program, you'll gain experience on stage and in front of the camera through high-quality performance opportunities. This program is only available to undergraduates, and you will have access to many opportunities even as a first-year student. In addition, you will receive a liberal arts education that will enrich your acting skill set. International pplicants need to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language through one of these scores: (TOEFL iBT: 80/ IELTS: 6.5/ Duolingo: 115).

Columbia University- School of the Arts

Columbia University provides an extensive range of arts programs and resources to international students. Located in the centre of the art world ( New York City), Columbia University is also an Ivy league institution. International applicants seeking admission to the School of the Arts should hold the equivalent of an American baccalaureate degree. All international students attending Columbia University must have an F-1 student visa. In addition, student must meet English language proficiency requirements by taking one of these exams: (TOEFL iBT: 100/ IELTS: 7.5/ Duolingo: 120).

University of North Carolina- School of the Arts

UNCSA offers undergraduate degrees in various areas including dance, music, filmmaking, dance, design, drama, filmmaking, production, etc.
University of North Carolina admits students based more on audition/interview than their academic records. However, if the school has to choose between two equally talented students, they will select one with a 3.6 GPA rather than one with a 3.0 GPA. To apply to UNCSA, candidates must hold an F1 visa, submit academic transcripts, and provide english proficiency proof by taking IELTS/ TOEFL/ Duolingo tests.

University of Minnesota- Department of Theatre Arts & Dance

University of Minnesota offers two major programs in the acting field at undergraduate level. These 2 programs are: BA in Theatre Arts and BFA Actor Training program. At the graduate level, students can pursue programs like MFA in Design and Technology, PhD in Theatre Historiography, etc. The university requires applicants to submit a resume, personal statement, English proficiency test scores, and GRE scores (for graduate courses).

Carnegie Mellon University- School of Drama

Located in Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University is one of the leading acting schools in USA. Below are the various phases of education at CMU in the field of acting:

The freshman year (Discovery Year): Fundamental skills are introduced, working towards a freer instrument. (Mind, body, and voice.)
Sophomore (Transformation Year): Strengthening the basics while dealing with more verbally complex material, Shakespeare and contemporary literature.
Junior (interpretation Year): Technique is further developed by utilizing other styles of acting, and working with graduate playwrights and directors.
Senior (bridge between training and profession): Lots of performance and international experience.

The application procedure and timetable are essentially the same for international students as it is for U.S. candidates. However, international applicants need to submit English language proficiency scores.

Read More: Carnegie Mellon University

The Julliard School- Drama Division

Juilliard auditions more than 1,000 applicants each year, but only 20 students are accepted into the freshman class. The audition is the most important part of admission at Juilliard, with academics playing a much smaller role. In order to apply for Julliard School, students must submit their online application with essays. Additionally, they must provide their official transcripts, resume, and English proficiency scores (IELTS/ TOEFL/ PTE).

American Film Institute

The American Film Institute is considered one of the best film schools in America. Students can pursue programs in diverse fields like directing, writing, editing, producing, cinematography, etc. To be considered for admission to the MFA program at the AFI Conservatory, applicants must submit these documents: narrative statement, resume, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. In addition, students must refer to the website for portfolio requirements.

USC School of Cinematic Arts

The USC School of Cinematic Arts was established in 1929 with the purpose of preparing students to excel in the fields of film, television and interactive media. International students get an opportunity to explore their creative potential through the highly specialized programs offered by the school. For admission to the USC School of Cinematic Arts, international applicants must hold an F1 visa, and must show evidence of English language proficiency (TOEL: 95, IELTS: 7, Duolingo: 110).

California Institute of the Arts

This Los Angeles-based college is regarded as the Juilliard of the West. It is one the reputed acting schools in the USA. Last year, 978 auditions were conducted for both BFA and MFA program, but only 24 were accepted. In order to obtain admission to the California Institute of the Arts, international students need to submit transcripts, reference letters, proof of sufficient funds, portfolios, and English proficiency scores (TOEFL iBT: 80, IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 53).