Brooks Institute of Photography

Brooks Institute was a private, for-profit college in California, specializing in degrees and professional training in photography, filmmaking, and graphic arts. Founded in October 1945 by Ernest H. Brooks Sr. as a school for color photography techniques, it initially operated from multiple campuses in Santa Barbara (Montecito, Riviera, and Jefferson) before consolidating its operations to a campus in Ventura prior to autumn 2015. The institute offered bachelor's and master's programs. Over its 70-year history, it produced notable alumni, including Academy Award winners in visual effects and photography. However, the institution faced scrutiny regarding overstating job placement rates and aggressive recruitment practices. It abruptly ceased operations and closed its doors on August 12, 2016, with the summer 2016 semester being its last.