20 Best Animation Schools and Degree Programs

Rhode Island School of Design is ranked as the top art school in the country by many different publications and organizations. The school offers a BFA in:

• Film
• Animation
• Video

Tuition Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:

• Tuition: $61,564 for undergraduates
• Additional Fees: Approximately $840 for academic and technology fees, plus a $284 activity fee.
• Room and Board: Around $16,626 per year for standard accommodations with a meal plan.
• Total Estimated Cost (including books, travel, and other personal expenses): Approximately $85,986 per year​

Students work with live action, animation, or a combination of both — and can produce films in a wide range of genres. 

The facilities at RISD offer state-of-the-art technology with digital editing, sound mixing, and puppet animation technology. It is used throughout the industry. Students are provided training in how to use the tools common to the industry. They are also taught how to use:

• Concepts
• Critical Thinking
• Content Development

RISD is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

Notable alumni include:

• Michael Dante DiMartino (1996)- an Animator on “Avatar: The Last Airbender” and “Family Guy”
• Seth MacFarlane- Creator of “Family Guy,” “American Dad,” and “The Cleveland Show”
• Lance Wilder- Animator for “The Simpsons” and “The Critic”

Student Consensus on the Animation Program: Students generally praise RISD’s animation program for its hands-on approach, with abundant access to advanced technology and dedicated studio spaces. The program emphasizes both foundational art skills and the technical aspects of animation, allowing students to develop their unique creative voices.

However, students mention that the workload can be intense, often requiring significant time commitment outside regular class hours, but they feel this rigor prepares them well for careers in animation.

The BFA in Computer Animation at Ringling College of Art and Design allows students to learn to create characters and tell stories using animation created through computers.

Tuition Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:

• Tuition: $55,480 for undergraduates.
• Room and Board: Estimated at around $16,626 per year for standard on-campus housing and a meal plan.
• Total Estimated Cost (with books, personal expenses, etc.): This could bring the total annual expense close to $80,000 for students living on campus

This computer animation degree allows students to focus on learning to combine technical skills with conceptual ideas. The program teaches you how to affect an audience emotionally, visually, and intellectually. 

Josiah Haworth is an associate animator at Blizzard Entertainment. He graduated from the school in 2013. Patrick Osborne is the founder of Paid Time Off. He is a 2003 graduate. Eric Prah graduated in 2012. He is an animator at Blue Sky Studios. Other graduates are employed at:

• JibJab
• WB Games
• Pixar
• Luma Pictures

Ringling College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. It is also accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. It is one of the best animation schools in the world.

Student Consensus on the Animation Program: Ringling’s animation program is highly regarded among students for its industry-focused training and hands-on learning experiences. Students consistently highlight the access to state-of-the-art technology and mentorship from faculty who have extensive industry experience.

Many students feel well-prepared for competitive roles post-graduation, with Ringling graduates often seeing high placement rates in major studios. However, students do note that the program’s rigor demands a significant time commitment and a high level of dedication, which they believe is ultimately rewarding for those passionate about animation.

California Institute of the Arts offers both a Character Animation and Experimental Animation program through the School of Film and Video. The Character Animation program is a BFA degree that provides students with an understanding of the art of storytelling and character performance as it relates to animation.

Tuition Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:

• Tuition: The undergraduate tuition and fees for the year are approximately $56,876.
• Room and Board: Additional on-campus housing and meal plans typically add around $16,000 to the annual cost.
• Total Estimated Cost: Including estimated personal expenses and materials, the total annual cost is about $74,000 to $76,000.

Students may work toward a BFA or an MFA in Experimental Animation. The degrees are designed for students who wish to develop personal visions with the ever-changing parameters of animation.

CalArts was established by Walt and Roy Disney. It was the first higher education in the country to offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in visual and performing arts. The school works to help students find employment after graduation with their “Curating Your Own Life: Transitioning to a Career after CalArts.” 

The course allows students to participate in career-related courses and internships. The college is accredited by the Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Student Consensus on the Animation Program: CalArts is renowned for its animation program, known for producing industry-leading animators and creatives. Students highlight the program’s intense, studio-based learning and direct mentorship from experienced animators. They also appreciate the school’s connections with major animation studios, providing opportunities for internships and career placements.

However, prospective students should be prepared for a rigorous workload that demands both technical skill development and creative exploration, which students feel is essential preparation for careers in top studios and creative firms.

The University of Southern California offers a BA in Animation and Digital Arts that allows students to gain a liberal arts background with a professional specialization. 

Tuition Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:

• Tuition: USC’s tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students is estimated at $68,237 per year, as the school does not differentiate costs based on residency.
• Room and Board: Estimated additional costs for housing and meals amount to about $16,000, depending on specific housing arrangements.
• Total Estimated Cost: With additional fees and personal expenses, the annual cost for USC undergraduates typically totals around $82,000.

Students may concentrate their studies on any of the following:

• Character Animation
• Experimental Animation
• Visual Effects
• 3D Computer Animation
• Science Visualization
• Interactive Animation

Pre-professional courses are taken at the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences. The major courses are selected from the School of Cinematic Arts. All students must complete a senior project in order to graduate.

This best animation school in California is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Art Clokey, clay animator and creator of “Gumby,” graduated from USC in 1956. George Lucas, the creator of “Star Wars,” is also a graduate of USC. Over 70% of USC graduates are employed after graduation.

Student Consensus on the Animation Program: USC’s animation program is widely respected for its integration of cutting-edge technology and a curriculum that emphasizes both technical skill and storytelling. Students highlight the benefit of small class sizes and individual mentorship from faculty, many of whom have extensive experience in the animation industry. With USC’s proximity to Hollywood, students often gain valuable networking opportunities and internships at leading animation studios.

Savannah College of Art and Design offers BFA, MA, and MFA degrees in animation. Animation majors are provided instruction in:

• 2D
• 3D
• Stop-Motion
• Digital Modeling
• Rigging, Lighting
• Look Development

Tuition Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:

• Tuition: Undergraduate tuition at SCAD is approximately $39,330 per year, which is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students.
• Room and Board: Costs for on-campus housing and meal plans average around $16,500, depending on the chosen options.
• Total Estimated Cost: Including fees and personal expenses, students can expect a total cost close to $56,000 to $60,000 annually.

Students at this art school will also learn essential animation skills like:

• Onion Skinning
• SVG Animation
• How to make Graphics for macOS, Windows, and Android

Animation students are able to collaborate on projects, learning the importance of teamwork in the animation industry. 

Graduates have found positions at well-known companies like:

• Disney
• Pixar
• 20th Century Fox
• Cartoon Network
• Nickelodeon

Students have access to professional-grade technology, allowing them to master industry technology that they will use in their careers.

SCAD is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. A stunning 98% of graduates of this top animation school in the United States reported that they were employed within ten months of graduation.

Student Consensus on the Animation Program: SCAD’s animation program is highly respected, particularly for its cutting-edge facilities and an emphasis on both 2D and 3D animation. Students benefit from SCAD’s strong ties to the animation industry, often mentioning valuable networking opportunities and career support that help graduates enter well-regarded studios and companies. Many students appreciate the practical, hands-on approach, though they also note the program’s intensive workload. SCAD’s environment is described as fostering creativity and innovation, preparing students well for professional demands in the animation field.

Carnegie Mellon University offers a concentration in Animation and Special Effects that allows students to develop an understanding of the many aspects of animation. Students learn:

• Rendering
• 3D
• 2D
• Performance Capture
• Special Effects

Tuition Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:

• Tuition: Undergraduate tuition and fees are approximately $77,474 per year for both in-state and out-of-state students.
• Room and Board: Additional costs for housing and meals are estimated at around $16,000, depending on specific residence options.
• Total Estimated Cost: With other fees included, the total cost for undergraduate students is close to $84,000 annually.

Students in any major may add the concentration to their curriculum. Students are also able to integrate their integrative design, arts, and technology courses with the animation concentration. Carnegie Mellon provides students with collaborative studios that promote hands-on learning. This gives them the ability to apply what they learn in class to a real-world situation.

Carnegie Mellon is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Ivan Sutherland, who is considered the creator of computer graphics, graduated from the school in 1959. Andy Warhol graduated from the university in 1949.

Student Consensus on the Animation Program: Carnegie Mellon’s animation program, part of its School of Art and Entertainment Technology Center (ETC), is known for its interdisciplinary approach, merging animation with technology and storytelling. Students appreciate the program’s hands-on experience, especially through collaborative projects that simulate real-world scenarios.

The program is demanding but offers excellent preparation for careers in animation and visual effects, with many students finding opportunities in both tech and entertainment industries.

Rochester Institute of Technology offers a BFA in film and animation, which focuses on production. Students begin work on 16mm film, digital video, and animation from the first year of study and build on their production work throughout the program. 

Tuition Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:

• Tuition: The estimated undergraduate tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students is about $69,496 annually.
• Room and Board: Housing and meal plans cost an additional estimated $15,000, depending on specific options chosen by the student.
• Total Estimated Cost: Including fees and personal expenses, students can expect the total cost to reach around $85,000 annually.

Students may choose an animation concentration. The program uses lectures, laboratories, and guest speakers to help students develop their animation skills.

Students at this top animation college in New York produce several animations throughout the program, working through all phases of production, including scripting, budgeting, shooting, and editing. 

RIT is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Over 87% of the school’s graduates are employed in their field of study. Elan Lee, an alternate reality game designer, graduated from the RIT in 1998.

Student Consensus on the Animation Program: RIT’s animation program, part of the School of Film and Animation, is highly rated for its blend of technical and artistic training. Students frequently highlight the program’s hands-on approach, which includes extensive use of cutting-edge software and technology in both 2D and 3D animation. However, students also report that the high cost of tuition can lead to financial stress in the absense of good financial aid.

The University of California, Los Angeles offers one of the best animation schools in the United States. 

The program strikes a balance between technology and creativity. This provides knowledge in:

• Scriptwriting
• Editing
• Storytelling

Tuition Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:

• In-State Tuition: $30,632 annually.
• Out-of-State Tuition: $60,704 annually.
• Additional Costs: Including room, board, and personal expenses, the total annual cost for students can be estimated to approach $80,000 for out-of-state students and $50,000 for in-state students, depending on personal expenses and specific housing arrangements.

Students work in the Walter Lantz Digital Animation Studio. They gain real-world experience in an industry where technology changes rapidly. Upon completion, students are provided the opportunity for a full year of animation studies as well as an internship.

Students must be pursuing a BA in Film and Television when they apply to the UCLA Animation Workshop. Erick Oh, a 2010 graduate, is an animator at Pixar and has worked on such films as:

• “Cars”
• “Brave”
• “Monsters University”
• “Inside Out” 

Shane Acker graduated from the program in 2004. He expanded an Academy Award-winning short film, “9,” into a feature film for producer Tim Burton. UCLA is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Student Consensus on the Animation Program: UCLA’s animation program, housed within the School of Theater, Film, and Television, is highly regarded for its balance between foundational art skills and the technical aspects of modern animation. Students often note the program’s focus on storytelling and creative expression, with access to professional-grade facilities and equipment that enhance learning.

The program’s Los Angeles location also provides numerous opportunities for internships and industry networking, which many students find valuable in building a career.

The University of Central Florida offers a BA in Visual Media as well as a BA in Digital Media Game Design, both of which include a strong animation component. 

Tuition Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:

• In-State Tuition: Estimated at $17,866 per year.
• Out-of-State Tuition: Estimated at $33,965 per year.
• Additional Costs: For students living on campus, room, board, and personal expenses can add up to a total annual cost of around $25,000 for in-state students and $42,000 for out-of-state students, depending on housing choices and personal spending.

The University of Central Florida is located in proximity to:

• Walt Disney World
• Universal Studios
• SeaWorld

This gives students ample opportunities for internships and work experience that allows them to gain hands-on experience while studying animation. 

UCF is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Over 60% of graduates from this top animation college in Florida said the college contributed to their career success after graduation. The average salary for a UCF graduate ten years after graduation was almost $114,700. Almost 60% were in the field in which they received their degree.

Student Consensus on the Animation Program: UCF’s animation program, especially within the School of Visual Arts & Design, is praised by students for its combination of theoretical instruction and hands-on experience in both 2D and 3D animation. Students highlight access to industry-standard software and facilities, as well as the collaborative, project-based learning environment that mirrors professional studios.

Additionally, being located in Orlando, near major animation and entertainment companies, provides students with valuable networking opportunities.

The Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore is among the best animation schools in the U.S. MICA offers a BFA in Animation where students learn to create original contemporary artwork. Animation majors are provided a thorough understanding of: 

• Character 
• Narrative
• Keyframes
• Vector Graphic Animation
• Animation Software Technology

Tuition Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:

• Tuition: Both in-state and out-of-state tuition are set at approximately $69,105 per year, as MICA does not differentiate by residency.
• Room and Board: Costs for on-campus housing and meal plans average around $16,500 annually, depending on selected options.
• Total Estimated Cost: With additional fees, supplies, and personal expenses, the total estimated annual cost is around $85,000.

Students can complete creative works using 2D, stop motion, and 3D animation or a combination of several approaches. All student courses are linked to the art world and related to:

• History
• Literature
• Science

The school also has a partnership with Johns Hopkins Medical School, allowing students to attend courses at both schools.

MICA is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 visual arts colleges in the country. MICA is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Higher Education. It is also accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art & Design. Alumni include:

• Kit Turley (2010)-Production Coordinator at Walt Disney Animation Studios
• Errol Webber (2008)- the youngest Cinematographer to shoot an Oscar-winning film
• Sarah Kujubu (2012)-Production Manager at DreamWorks Animation

Student Consensus on the Animation Program: Students in MICA’s animation program praise the school for its emphasis on both traditional and digital animation skills, allowing them to develop their personal style while learning industry-standard techniques.

The curriculum includes extensive practice with 2D and 3D animation and provides opportunities to work on professional-quality projects. Students appreciate the supportive environment and personalized feedback from faculty who are often working professionals in the field.

Brigham Young University is one of the best animation schools offering media arts designed for students who wish to enter film-related careers after graduation. Students must master film culture, history, and theory. They will develop the skill sets necessary to work in their chosen field of animation. 

This provides students with a broader education than if they were only studying animation. In addition, Brigham Young requires a rigorous liberal arts component in all of their degree programs, providing students with education outside the art world as well. 

Young animators at this college can enjoy the Center for Animation. This:

• Showcases Films
• Spotlights Alumni
• Manages the Animation Emphasis for Students

This top animation college only enrolls 100 students per year.

BYU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design Commission on Accreditation. The average salary for a BYU Arts, Entertainment, and Media graduate is approximately $60,000. 

Don Bluth is a director, producer, and animator of films. This includes:

• “The Land Before Time”
• “An American Tail”
• “Anastasia”

Through the Tisch School of Arts, NYU offers both a BS and a BFA in Film & Television that includes a concentration in animation. Notable alumni include Alex Woo and Andrew Coats of Pixar Animation. 

Tisch is one of the best animation schools in New York. It includes studies of many different aspects of film and television. This gives students knowledge and skills outside the realm of animation while also preparing them for a career in their chosen field.

Animation majors master animation software tools like Adobe Flash and Moho (formerly Anime Studio).

This animation degree takes five years to complete and includes courses designed to provide knowledge of the business side of the art world. NYU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The Pratt Institute of New York offers a BFA in Digital Arts and Animation. Students are taught 2D and 3D animation as they develop skills and learn the history of new media. 

Pratt Institute has nine state-of-the-art animation studio classrooms and a high-speed fiber channel network. There are audio recording studios and dedicated green screen facilities. 

Graduates of this top digital animation degree will develop both the skills and expertise ready to make a contribution to the animation field. Notable alumni include:

• Joseph Barbera-Animator and Co-Creator of “Tom and Jerry”
• Eric Goldberg- Animator for Walt Disney and Warner Brothers

Pratt Institute is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, as well as the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

The Columbia College of Chicago is one of the best animation schools in the United States. It offers a BA degree in both traditional and computer animation. 

Students in the computer animation program choose a concentration in either computer animation or visual effects. This allows them the flexibility to tailor their education to their career.

Students in the traditional animation program choose a concentration in either stop-motion animation or hand-drawn animation. They use the best drawing tools and teach cut-out animation skills. Both concentrations provide training in 2D and 3D animation.

Students may also choose a BFA in Animation that adds additional liberal studies to the program. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Notable alumni include: 

• Everett Downing, Story Artist for DreamWorks
• Mauro Fiore, Academy Award-Winning Cinematographer of “Avatar” 
• Aaron Hartline, Animator for “Up”

Ohio State University is among the colleges with animation majors. Ohio State offers both an undergraduate and graduate degree in Arts and Technology. It includes a concentration in animation. Students develop knowledge and skills in many aspects of animation:

• Video Games
• Stop Motion Studio Drawing
• 3D Animation
• Digital Imaging

You’ll also learn foundational animation skills like:

• Tweening
• Frame Animation
• Image Syncing
• Video Editing

You’ll leave this program with a comprehensive toolset for entering the workforce as a professional animator.

The college also offers a Master of Fine Arts in Design with a concentration in Digital Animation and Interactive Media. In addition to their major, students are required to complete a rigorous liberal arts component as part of their degree program.

Ohio State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Notable alumni include Charles Scuri, considered the father of digital art and computer animation. Also, Jeff Smith, creator of the comic book series “Bone.” Graduates of Ohio State have a 61% employment rate.

The University of Pennsylvania offers a Digital Media Design program through the School of Engineering and Applied Science. Penn’s program combines 3D animation software skills with motion graphics and computer information and sciences. This provides a broad spectrum overview of digital media in today’s world.

Graduates of the University of Pennsylvania, one of the top animation schools, are employed by:

• Zynga Games
• Microsoft
• Pixar
• Disney
• Electronic Arts.

Ariela Nurko and Paul Kanuk, both alumni of the University of Pennsylvania program, worked on the Oscar-nominated film “Brave.” 

Animation majors take courses like physically based animation, computer graphics, automata, and 3D to provide as much knowledge to students as possible. Penn is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Laguna College of Art and Design is one of the best animation schools in California. It offers an animation degree program that is dedicated to training exceptional storytellers. 

Students develop skills using the latest tools, including Adobe Animate and open-source animation software with advanced features. Students are taught by instructors with professional experience in the animation industry.

They help prepare young animators for a career in the field. Graduates have found employment at well-known animation studios like:

• Pixar
• Industrial Light & Magic
• Cartoon Network

Each year, the school hosts the LCAD Animation Film Festival. It highlights the best work from the animation department. Guest instructors have included:

• Chris Sanders, Director of “The Croods” and “How to Train Your Dragon”
• John Kricfalusi, Creator of “Ren & Stimpy”
• James Lopez, Creator of “Hullabaloo” 

The college is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. It is also accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

Florida State University offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Motion Picture Arts with a concentration in Animation and Digital Arts. The program explores the many different methods for using animation in the filmmaking industry. 

Students at this top animation school in Florida work with the most current technology available in the animation world and begin working with 2D animation software from the first class they take in the program. 

Students are provided instruction in the Adobe Creative suite of animation tools, like Photoshop and After Effects. They are prepared for essential animating tasks like:

• Cinematography
• Live Action
• Editing
• Sound

They’re also taught film history to give them a background in how far the industry has come. Courses include 3D, texturing, visual effects, and more to give the student a well-rounded background in animation. FSU alumni include:

• Ron Friedman, Screenwriter for “Chicken Little” and “Open Season”
• Amy Kennedy of Princess Pictures
• Matthew Lopez, Screenwriter for “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”
• Jonathan King, Executive Vice President of Participant Productions

The college is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Like many colleges for animation, the curriculum at MassArt exposes students to a variety of animation techniques. You will study areas such as:

• Character Animation
• Documentary
• Stop Motion
• Digital Animation

This animation degree prepares students to be well-rounded animators when they seek employment after graduation. The program allows students to engage in conventional as well as experimental techniques throughout their studies.

MassArt was founded as a training school for:

• Artists
• Designers
• Architects

The school is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. It is also accredited by the Northeast Association of Schools and Colleges.

Notable graduates of the college include:

• Sonya Rapoport- a Multimedia Artist
• Chris Beatrice-Game Designer

The School of Visual Arts in New York offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation degree that provides students with all the tools they need to succeed. You will be trained on the most up-to-date animation software and hardware used by professional animators to create visual art.

Graduates of the program have gone on to work for well-known animation studios like:

• Disney
• DreamWorks
• Warner Brothers
• Nickelodeon

The curriculum for the animation degree includes:

• Storyboarding
• Sound Design
• Layout Courses

Animation majors must also complete two anatomy courses to complete the program, which will help them understand the full muscle and bone system. This cross-platform foundation equips graduates with success in character animation, making SVA NYC one of the top animation programs.

The school has also been named one of the best Art and Design Schools by Salary Potential by Payscale. The School of Visual Arts is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. It is also accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.