Biola University’s Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts is one of the top 25 film schools in the nation, according to industry publication TheWrap. The school ranked #22 on list, placing above notable programs such as the New York Film Academy and Ithaca College, Ringling College of Art & Design, Cal State Northridge, Rutgers University, Hofstra University, among others. Last year, the Snyder School ranked #40, making this year’s recognition a notable 18-spot jump.

“We are deeply honored that TheWrap has once again ranked Biola’s Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts among its top film schools,” said Tom Halleen, founding dean. “Climbing from #40 to #22 is a significant and appreciated recognition of the growing strength and quality of our program, made possible through the passion and dedication of our faculty, staff, students and alumni.”

Biola is commended for training students in both craft and character, equipping them to be “great at what they do and great at who they are.” The recognition highlights the school’s “forward-looking” four-screen approach, which teaches techniques applicable to film, TV, computer and mobile screens. TheWrap also notes the Snyder School's advancement in AI training and the Biola AI Lab, which is in partnership with Biola's Crowell School of Business and the university's School of Science, Technology and Health. The ranking praises the Snyder School for retaining 91% of its students.

The publication also highlighted the transformational gift from Lynsi Snyder-Ellingson, president and owner of In-N-Out Burger, which is propelling the construction of a donor-funded, 45,463-square-foot production facility set to open in mid-2026. Adding to current facilities, the new studio building will include a third soundstage along with private editing suites, color grading suites, audio mixing suites, a scoring and Foley recording stage, new technology/ motion capture stage, game design lab, movie prop and memorabilia displays and a 280-seat theater.

“Our new studio facility would not be possible without the profound generosity of so many partners,” said Halleen. “At the end of the day, this is just a building. What matters most is what goes inside and what comes out from it … and that's our students.”

This is the sixth consecutive year the Snyder School has been recognized by TheWrap, adding to recent accolades from The Hollywood Reporter and Filmmaker Magazine. The publications highlighted the Snyder School’s rapid growth. It is Biola’s fastest-growing school, with enrollment increasing more than 50% in the past five years. Industry publications also note Biola’s investment in industry-grade equipment and a new facility to support that growth.

During their time at the Snyder School, students have opportunities to write, film and produce their own films. Fantasy film Nod and action film Roman Candle: A Love Story, both created by Biola students, made their mainstage debut on PBS SoCal’s Fine Cut Festival of Films in September. Out of 430 film submissions from over 53 schools, only 33 were selected as finalists, two of which were made by Biola students.

Additionally, the Snyder School students have been multiple College Television Award nominees, one a Student Academy Awards semi-finalist, four PBS SoCal Fine Cut Festival of Films nominees, seven consecutive years of student films recognized at the Newport Beach Film Festival Collegiate Showcase and multiple student films selected for Oscar qualifying festivals including LA Shorts, Dances With Films and the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

After graduating from the Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts, alumni make their mark in the film and video game industries. Alumnus Kip Henderson (B.A. ’19) released Taria & Como, a pixel-art video game on the platform Playdate. Alumna Hannah Chu (B.A. ’15) served as the senior assistant to the producer of the recent Disney and Pixar film, Elio and is currently the senior assistant to the director on Disney and Pixar’s upcoming feature film Gatto, which releases in 2027.

Biola University is the only member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) recognized for housing one of the world's top film schools. As reflected in many esteemed industry publications, the Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts is one of the world's best. The industry calls out Biola's unique sense of community that champions "collaboration rather than competition" — and its record of equipping students to be effective storytellers and leaders across film, television, game development and interactive media.

With the new studio facility set to open in mid-2026, now is the time to apply to the Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts.

Written by Sarah Dougher, media relations specialist. For more information, email media.relations@biola.edu.