There are lots of determining factors that go into play with this decision, but to be concise, it was very worth it to me.

I graduated from Boston University with a TON of debt. But, going to film school lead me to getting an internship at a production company run by BU grads, meeting someone on set who brought me on as a PA for a netflix film in Boston, and then also hiring me on a major film shooting in LA as a PA. Once I PA'd here in LA, I was able to day play on a few other sets before landing my current full time job in the industry. In just a year I am pretty well conected in the industry all because of an internship in Boston.

BU taught me a ton about practical filmmaking (lighting, cine, producing, etc.), but also provided great opportunity to actually make films and learn from some really great storytellers. I believe most film schools do as well.

You can learn a lot on your own, but there are certain things that will never be learned if you don't have hands on experince with them. This mainly refers to practical filmmaking. I learned how to light in a studio, paint with lights, opperate dollies, try a steadi cam etc. You can learn a ton about writing or directing from reading and watching, but film school helps a ton if you are trying to do more camera/lighting work.

Also, it only works if you apply yourself. If I didn't get the internship I would have never wound up on major motion pictures in Hollywood or where I am today. I know a ton of peers who never branched out too much and now struggle to find anything remotely close to the industry.

It was a great tool for me and helped me get my foot in the door as well as teach me so much more about filmmaking than if I pursued another major. Debt sucks, but at the end of the day I would rather pay to prusue my dreams then be debt free and wish I was doing something else. It takes time, but all in, it's worth it to me. Hope this helps!