DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts has once again been named one of the nation’s leading film schools, earning a place in The Hollywood Reporter’s 2026 ranking of top programs.
The recognition puts DePaul alongside some of the country’s most established film schools and makes it the only Midwest institution included in the Top 10.
“Being named a Top 10 film school again is a testament to the vision and dedication of our faculty, staff and students,” said Anuradha Rana, professor and director of the School of Cinematic Arts. “This recognition reflects the work happening every day in and out of the classroom, and I’m proud of what this community continues to build together.”
The annual ranking highlights schools preparing students for a rapidly changing film and television industry, including the growth of artificial intelligence, virtual production and other emerging technologies.
The Hollywood Reporter also cited DePaul’s financial assistance opportunities—including scholarships, graduate assistantships and grant programs—as important factors in supporting student access and success.
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Hands-on Production Experience
DePaul’s School of Cinematic Arts continues to build its reputation through hands-on learning, industry access and programs designed to help students and alumni move projects into production.
One of those initiatives is Project Bluelight, a long-running program that integrates funded professional film production directly into the classroom and onto working sets.
Through Project Bluelight, faculty receive production support and financing while students work in professional crew positions, gaining practical experience in film, animation and visual effects.
DePaul students recently completed The Lagoon, a new film supported through the program.
The school also launched its inaugural Alumni Vision Fund in January 2026. The initiative gives DePaul graduates access to production resources to create proof-of-concept shorts or trailers for larger projects, including feature films, documentaries and television series.
The fund is designed to help emerging alumni filmmakers move their work closer to financing, development or a production greenlight.
DePaul students and graduates continue to earn recognition both on screen and behind the scenes, contributing to independent productions, studio projects and work that has premiered at major festivals and platforms.
The latest Hollywood Reporter ranking reinforces the School of Cinematic Arts’ position as a major film education hub in Chicago, and one of the strongest programs outside the traditional Los Angeles and New York markets.
