Rochester Institute of Technology recognized by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the top film schools in the United States for the second consecutive year

Rochester, New York – For the second year in a row, Rochester Institute of Technology has found its name on one of the most prestigious lists in the film education world. The Hollywood Reporter, a top entertainment industry publication, has ranked RIT’s School of Film and Animation (SOFA) among the best film schools in the United States for 2025. This year, RIT came in at number 22, a notable rise from its position in the 2024 rankings.

While other schools might rely solely on legacy or location, RIT continues to climb the ranks by blending technical excellence with creative exploration. Its alumni success stories, cutting-edge facilities, and deep investment in student development all contribute to a growing national reputation in the film and animation field.

“The recognition has the potential to attract additional internal and external collaborations and project opportunities for our community, which are essential for the continuous growth of our school,” said Ricky Figueroa, the recently appointed director of SOFA. “It pushes us to keep moving forward and strive for even greater heights.”

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Figueroa, who has been part of the SOFA faculty for nearly two decades, stepped into the director role earlier this year. He previously led the motion picture science undergraduate program and, in February 2025, was named the inaugural John Traver Endowed Professor. His leadership, experience, and commitment to interdisciplinary education are helping drive the school’s rising national profile.

The recognition from The Hollywood Reporter is more than just a ranking—it reflects the school’s growing momentum and consistent delivery of real-world value. The publication highlighted not only RIT’s alumni working in the industry but also its world-class resources, such as MAGIC Spell Studios and industry-grade equipment.

Among the most celebrated RIT alumni are Chris Edwards ’97, CEO and founder of visualization powerhouse The Third Floor, and John Traver ’11, the creative technologist behind the widely used editing platform Frame.io. Their achievements reinforce the importance of RIT’s hands-on, tech-forward curriculum.

“Finding future collaborators and a strong alumni network continue to be some of the biggest selling points for film schools,” The Hollywood Reporter wrote, acknowledging the importance of meaningful industry connections in film education.

In addition to The Hollywood Reporter, other major entertainment publications—Variety, TheWrap, and Animation Career Review—have also recognized RIT in recent months. This growing visibility in the industry has sparked a new wave of enthusiasm on campus and renewed commitment among faculty and students alike.

“This is something that makes our community excited and inspires us for the future. There is nothing better than seeing our students and faculty being recognized among the best in the nation,” said Figueroa.

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Much of SOFA’s appeal lies in its emphasis on experiential learning. The RIT in LA program is a shining example. Now entering its fourth year, this immersive semester-long program lets students live and work in Los Angeles—the heart of the entertainment industry. The program, originally focused on film and animation, now includes tracks in games and transmedia storytelling as well.

Meanwhile, students also have opportunities to collaborate with major industry players through initiatives like the Coca-Cola Refreshing Films program. And with the recent launch of an exchange partnership with the Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (FAMU)—one of Europe’s most respected film schools—RIT continues to broaden its international presence.

Facilities and endowments also play a key role in attracting top talent to RIT. The state-of-the-art MAGIC Spell Studios allows students to experiment with emerging media and production technologies in an environment that mirrors real-world studio settings. With growing financial support for the school, more students have access to the tools and mentorship needed to compete in an increasingly competitive industry.

Ultimately, the recognition by The Hollywood Reporter validates what the RIT community already knows—that SOFA is a place where creativity and technology meet, and where students are empowered to shape the future of visual storytelling.

To learn more about RIT’s School of Film and Animation and its academic offerings, visit the official website.