Digital Film Academy: 60 Students

60Students

41%Grad Rate (6-yr)

Private forprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About Digital Film Academy

Digital Film Academy trains students to work behind the camera in New York's media industry. This private career college focuses entirely on hands-on film and media production using industry-standard equipment and software. With just 60 students enrolled, the school operates more like a specialized workshop than a traditional college. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means direct mentoring from working professionals. Students learn in the heart of one of the world's major media capitals.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $55,151 for their two-year program. Recent graduates earn a median of $25,084 five years after graduation and $17,095 in their first year out. The typical monthly loan payment sits at just $72 because median debt stays relatively low at $6,750. However, only 39% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on time. The employment rate of 73.6% shows most graduates find work, but early earnings may not justify the high tuition costs.

The student body skews heavily male at 88%, reflecting the film industry's gender imbalance. The school draws a diverse group with 28% Black students and 28% Hispanic students. Only 19% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many pay full price for this specialized training.

Academics & Faculty

Digital Film Academy specializes in hands-on digital media production training using industry-standard equipment and software. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means intensive mentorship in small classes, though the 41% graduation rate suggests the program's demands challenge many students. With only 60 total students, everyone gets direct access to professional-grade cameras, editing suites, and sound equipment. The curriculum focuses on practical skills over theory, preparing students for immediate entry into film and media careers. Students work on real productions from day one, building portfolios while learning cinematography, editing, and post-production techniques. The program attracts aspiring filmmakers, content creators, and media professionals seeking concentrated technical training.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate (6-year): 41.4%

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Film/Video and Photographic Arts.	Certificate	$23,456

View all 4 programs →

Campus Life

Digital Film Academy operates from a Manhattan studio space where 60 students work with professional-grade cameras and editing suites. The school sits in the heart of New York City, where winter temperatures drop into the 30s and summers climb into the 80s. You'll need a good coat for January shoots and comfortable walking shoes year-round.

The program attracts a predominantly male student body at 88.33%, with students traveling from across the country to train on the same equipment used in major productions. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get direct mentorship from industry professionals. Most students commute since the school doesn't offer housing, spending weekends exploring NYC's film scene or working on personal projects in the labs.

The diverse student population is 28.33% Hispanic and 28.33% Black, creating a collaborative environment that mirrors the entertainment industry. Students often form crews for weekend shoots in Central Park or Brooklyn, taking advantage of the city's endless backdrop options. The small cohort of 60 means everyone knows each other by name.

Setting: City-Large

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 27°–39°F
July Avg: 70°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 49.5"
Annual Snowfall: 29.8"

Student Demographics

Digital Film Academy draws a remarkably diverse student body, with equal representation from Black and Hispanic students making up over half the enrollment. The school attracts students from across the country, with two-thirds coming from outside New York. Men vastly outnumber women, reflecting the gender imbalance that still persists in film and media production careers. Only 60 students attend at any time, creating an intimate workshop environment. The student mix mirrors the entertainment industry's ongoing efforts toward greater diversity while highlighting the field's continued gender disparities.

Men: 88.3%
Women: 11.7%
White: 20.0%
Black: 28.3%
Hispanic: 28.3%
Asian: 1.7%
In-State Students: 33.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 18.9%

Location

Digital Film Academy sits in the heart of New York City, one of the world's major media production centers. The school operates in Manhattan, where students have direct access to the film and television industry's epicenter. With only 33% of students coming from in-state, the program draws aspiring filmmakers from across the country to this urban campus. The city setting provides unmatched networking opportunities and internship possibilities at major studios, production companies, and media outlets. Students work with the same equipment and software used in professional NYC studios just blocks away. The intense urban environment mirrors the fast-paced film industry students hope to enter. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Digital Film Academy with similar schools in the region.

Address: New York, New York 10036

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (5 years): $25,084
Loan Repayment Rate: 39.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $72/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $6,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Digital Film Academy?

Digital Film Academy maintains a small, focused student body of just 60 students. The school specializes in hands-on film and media production training, attracting aspiring filmmakers who want intensive, practical experience with industry-standard equipment.

How much does Digital Film Academy cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $55,151, with only 18.85% of students receiving financial aid. Those who do receive institutional grants get an average of $5,262, but the high cost reflects the school's specialized equipment and small class sizes.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Digital Film Academy?

The student-faculty ratio is 10:1, allowing for personalized instruction in film production techniques. This small setting enables students to get hands-on experience with professional-grade cameras, editing software, and sound equipment used in the industry.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Digital Film Academy?

The employment rate is 73.6%, though median earnings after one year are $17,095. The 41.40% graduation rate reflects the intensive nature of the program, but those who complete it enter the competitive film and media production field.

Where do Digital Film Academy students come from?

Only 33.33% of students are from New York state, drawing aspiring filmmakers from across the country to its Manhattan location. The student body is 88.33% male and diverse, with 28.33% Black students and 28.33% Hispanic students.

How manageable is student debt at Digital Film Academy?

The median debt is relatively low at $6,750, with monthly loan payments of just $72. However, the loan repayment rate of 39.39% suggests graduates face challenges paying back loans given the typically lower starting salaries in creative industries.