Playwriting and Screenwriting programs in California
17 colleges in California offer Playwriting and Screenwriting, from certificate (1 to 2 years) to master's degree. The most graduates in 2023-24 came from Loyola Marymount University, Chapman University, and Los Angeles Film School.
Updated · Sources: IPEDS 2023-24, College Scorecard
Whittle is an independent career guide, not an official website of any college listed here and not affiliated with or endorsed by them. Cost and outcome figures are U.S. Department of Education averages and may not match what you'd pay; confirm tuition, aid, and admissions with each college.
Colleges
Sorted by graduates in Playwriting and Screenwriting. No college pays to be on this list or to rank higher.
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Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA · 4-year · Private nonprofit
Bachelor's degree Master's degree- Average net price
- $48,381
- Graduation rate
- 79%
- Median earnings (10 yrs)
- $78,349
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Chapman University
Orange, CA · 4-year · Private nonprofit
Bachelor's degree Master's degree- Average net price
- $46,555
- Graduation rate
- 82%
- Median earnings (10 yrs)
- $70,070
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Los Angeles Film School
Hollywood, CA · 4-year · Private for-profit
Bachelor's degree- Average net price
- $30,980
- Graduation rate
- 41%
- Median earnings (10 yrs)
- $31,632
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University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA · 4-year · Private nonprofit
Bachelor's degree Master's degree- Average net price
- $32,740
- Graduation rate
- 92%
- Median earnings (10 yrs)
- $92,498
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New York Film Academy
Burbank, CA · 4-year · Private for-profit
Certificate (1 to 2 years) Associate's degree Bachelor's degree Master's degree- Average net price
- $39,011
- Graduation rate
- 68%
- Median earnings (10 yrs)
- $29,633
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California State University-Fullerton
Fullerton, CA · 4-year · Public
Master's degree- Average net price
- $6,555
- Graduation rate
- 70%
- Median earnings (10 yrs)
- $62,951
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California State University-Northridge
Northridge, CA · 4-year · Public
Master's degree- Average net price
- $7,021
- Graduation rate
- 57%
- Median earnings (10 yrs)
- $59,115
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Academy of Art University
San Francisco, CA · 4-year · Private for-profit
Bachelor's degree Master's degree- Average net price
- $40,613
- Graduation rate
- 34%
- Median earnings (10 yrs)
- $39,008
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Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA · 4-year · Private nonprofit
Master's degree- Average net price
- $58,098
- Graduation rate
- 83%
- Median earnings (10 yrs)
- $82,939
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Biola University
La Mirada, CA · 4-year · Private nonprofit
Bachelor's degree- Average net price
- $31,495
- Graduation rate
- 68%
- Median earnings (10 yrs)
- $56,778
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Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA · 4-year · Private nonprofit
Bachelor's degree Master's degree- Average net price
- $22,212
- Graduation rate
- 62%
- Median earnings (10 yrs)
- $66,677
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National University
San Diego, CA · 4-year · Private nonprofit
Master's degree- Average net price
- $22,878
- Graduation rate
- 43%
- Median earnings (10 yrs)
- $67,548
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University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA · 4-year · Public
Master's degree- Average net price
- $12,470
- Graduation rate
- 86%
- Median earnings (10 yrs)
- $84,943
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California Institute of the Arts
Valencia, CA · 4-year · Private nonprofit
Master's degree- Average net price
- $46,080
- Graduation rate
- 67%
- Median earnings (10 yrs)
- $41,198
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La Sierra University
Riverside, CA · 4-year · Private nonprofit
Bachelor's degree- Average net price
- $45,566
- Graduation rate
- 60%
- Median earnings (10 yrs)
- $61,824
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Mount Saint Mary's University
Los Angeles, CA · 4-year · Private nonprofit
Master's degree- Average net price
- $21,413
- Graduation rate
- 53%
- Median earnings (10 yrs)
- $72,379
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Pacific Union College
Angwin, CA · 4-year · Private nonprofit
Associate's degree- Average net price
- $41,008
- Graduation rate
- 58%
- Median earnings (10 yrs)
- $70,484
Program 50.0504, CIP 2020. Colleges and award levels from IPEDS 2023-24 completions; costs and outcomes from College Scorecard (June 2026).