Best Animation Schools Near Me | Top 40 Colleges For Animation In USA

· Updated July 18, 2024 · 16 minutes · by Kamerpower ·

Best Animation Schools Near Me | Top 40 Colleges For Animation In USA. Animation plays a much bigger role in daily life than most people realize and the animation industry is one of the biggest and most rapidly growing entertainment industries. In addition to being used in television and entertainment, animation is used in:

• Education.
• Travel.
• Video games. 
• Advertising.
• Science.
• Healthcare.

If you’re aspiring to become an animator, hopefully, this article will give you new directions and inspiration. While those in animation often start off with a strong passion, finding success in animation as a career takes a large investment of time and effort.

As animation continues to grow across industries, many animation schools offer animation degrees. However, not all animation schools provide the same level of knowledge. Top animation schools all have the following criteria:

• Training in Storyboarding and Scriptwriting.
• Highest rate of Job Placement. 
• Access to High-End Drawing Tools. 
• Up-to-date Video Editing and Animation Software. 
• 2D Animation. 
• Training in 3D Animation.
• Training in Motion Capture. 

Who & what Is an Animator?

The term animator could arguably apply to anyone who is involved with creating the imagery in a cartoon-based motion picture, and it is often used that way. At major animation studios, people with animator job titles are usually responsible for deciding how cartoon characters move and what facial expressions they make. These animators work alongside storyboard artists, character designers and background artists.

Are Animation Schools or Degree Worth It?

Even though going to animation school isn’t required to get employed in the animation industry, going to animation school is completely worth it. Animation schools provide an invaluable environment for you to learn the essentials of animation–offering the support of instructors, faculty, and peers on your journey. 

Many animation schools have programs and/or courses that focus on a specific type of animation, such as 2D animation, hand-drawn animation, computer animation, 3D animation, and so on. So, you’ll get the chance to target specialties in animating and learn the skills and techniques you need to become a world-class animator. The academic programs and courses also have performance standards that push you to do better with your projects. You’ll have the opportunity to complete many animated projects, which will help you develop and refine your skills while allowing you to develop your portfolio.

• Animation Scholarships: How To Get A Scholarship To Study Animation?

Top 2D Animation Schools in the World

1. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) – Providence, Rhode Island

RISD requires applicants to submit a portfolio showcasing their skills in animation. The portfolio should include examples of 2D, 3D, or stop-motion animation, as well as storyboards and other relevant artwork. Applicants must submit transcripts as admissions requirements from previous academic institutions, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT, are also required for undergraduate applicants. RISD requires applicants to submit a portfolio showcasing their skills in animation. The portfolio should include examples of 2D, 3D, or stop-motion animation, as well as storyboards and other relevant artwork.

Tuition fee: Tuition for RISD’s animation program is approximately $58,052 per year.

2. Vancouver Film School (VFS) – Vancouver, British Columbia

As one of the best 3D animation schools in the world, the school’s animation program focuses on 3D animation, visual effects, and game design, and students have access to cutting-edge technology and software. The faculty includes industry professionals with extensive experience in animation, and the school’s location in Vancouver, a major hub for the film and animation industries, provides students with a wealth of job opportunities.

To apply to VFS’s animation program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Completed online application form.
• Application fee of CAD $150
• Personal statement/essay.
• Resume/CV (if applicable). 
• Official high school and/or college transcripts (if applicable).
• Letter of recommendation from a teacher or employer (if applicable).
• English language proficiency test (if applicable).

3. California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) – Valencia, California.

CalArts is widely regarded as one of the best animation schools in the world. The animation program at CalArts is housed in the School of Film/Video and offers students the opportunity to study a wide range of animation techniques, including 2D, 3D, stop-motion, and experimental animation. The school boasts an impressive list of alumni who have gone on to work at major animation studios such as Pixar, Disney, and DreamWorks. CalArts requires applicants to submit a portfolio showcasing their skills in animation. The portfolio should include examples of 2D, 3D, or stop-motion animation, as well as storyboards and other relevant artwork.

• Tuition: Tuition for CalArts’ animation program is approximately $53,850 per year.

4. University of Southern California (USC) – Los Angeles, California.

The University of Southern California (USC) is a private research university located in Los Angeles, California. USC is known for its strong programs in a wide range of fields, including its highly regarded animation program. USC’s animation program is housed within the School of Cinematic Arts, which is one of the top-ranked film schools in the world. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in all aspects of animation, including 2D and 3D animation techniques, character design, storyboarding, and visual effects. The program also emphasizes hands-on experience with industry-standard software and hardware, as well as opportunities to work on real-world animation projects.

• Tuition: Tuition for USC’s animation program is approximately $60,275 per year.

5. Carnegie Mellon University – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a private research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The university is known for its strong programs in computer science, engineering, and the arts, including its highly regarded animation program. CMU’s School of Computer Science offers an interdisciplinary program in Entertainment Technology, which includes a focus on animation.

The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in computer graphics, animation, and game development, as well as broader skills in storytelling, design, and communication. Carnegie Mellon University requires applicants to submit a portfolio showcasing their skills in animation. The portfolio should include examples of 2D, 3D, or stop-motion animation, as well as storyboards and other relevant artwork.

Tuition: Tuition for Carnegie Mellon’s animation program is approximately $58,924 per year.

6. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) – Savannah, Georgia.

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is a private, nonprofit university located in Savannah, Georgia, with additional campuses in Atlanta, Hong Kong, and Lacoste, France. SCAD is known for its comprehensive art and design programs, including its highly regarded animation program. The animation program at SCAD is designed to prepare students for careers in the animation industry, with a focus on both 2D and 3D animation techniques. The program offers a range of courses in areas such as character animation, visual effects, storyboarding, and motion graphics, as well as hands-on experience with industry-standard software and hardware.

Tuition: Tuition for SCAD’s animation program is approximately $38,025 per year.

7. Sheridan College – Oakville, Ontario.

Sheridan College is a renowned animation school located in Canada. The school’s animation program is highly regarded for its focus on 2D animation techniques, including hand-drawn and digital animation. The program also offers courses in 3D animation, visual effects, and game design. Sheridan’s animation alumni have gone on to work at major animation studios such as Disney, Pixar, and DreamWorks. Tuition for Sheridan College’s animation program is approximately CAD 16,932 per year for domestic students and CAD 29,236 per year for international students.

8. School of Visual Arts (SVA) – New York, New York.

SVA’s animation program has a long history of producing top-notch animators. The program focuses on traditional 2D animation techniques as well as digital animation, motion graphics, and visual effects.

The faculty includes industry professionals with extensive experience in animation, and the school’s location in the heart of New York City provides students with access to a wealth of internship and job opportunities. SVA requires applicants to submit a portfolio showcasing their skills in animation. The portfolio should include examples of 2D, 3D, or stop-motion animation, as well as storyboards and other relevant artwork. Tuition for SVA’s animation program is approximately $51,600 per year.

9. Ringling College of Art and Design – Sarasota, Florida.

Ringling College’s animation program is housed in the school’s Department of Computer Animation, which offers courses in 3D animation, visual effects, and game design. The program has a strong focus on technical skills, and students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and software. Ringling College of Art and Design requires applicants to submit a portfolio showcasing their skills in animation. The portfolio should include examples of 2D, 3D, or stop-motion animation, as well as storyboards and other relevant artwork. Tuition for Ringling College’s animation program is approximately $49,940 per year.

10. Gobelins – Paris, France.

Gobelins is a prestigious animation school located in Paris, France. The school’s animation program focuses on 2D animation techniques, including hand-drawn animation and digital animation. The program emphasizes storytelling and visual language, and students have the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, including short films, TV shows, and commercials. Gobelins is a public institution, and tuition is free for EU citizens. Non-EU citizens are required to pay tuition fees of approximately €12,000 per year.

What College Do Most Disney Animators Go To?

The college that is most popular amongst those wanting to be Disney animators is the California Institute of the Arts. Not only is this a school founded by Walt Disney himself, but it also offers possibly the most enriching and promising education for animation. CalArts students also get more opportunities to meet and connect with talented artists that work at Disney. 

What Are The Degree Requirements for Animators?

Most animation jobs have no specific degree requirements, making it entirely possible to get a job within the animation industry without having a Bachelor’s in animation or a related field. Successful animators will need an impressive portfolio to get hired. Animation schools provide excellent opportunities to learn how to animate and build your portfolio, all while receiving guidance and feedback from peers and instructors.

Top 20 Colleges For Animation In USA

What Is The Best School for Animators? There is no easy answer to this question. Every animator is different, and every school provides different learning environments, opportunities, program curricula, and teaching styles. Therefore, you must look at the schools and see which one is the best fit for you.

1. University of California, Los Angeles

As one of the top universities in the US, UCLA secures its spot as one of the best establishments for those pursuing a career in animation. The School of Theatre, Film & Television offers workshops dedicated to various branches of entertainment, including traditional animation. With many extensive courses about animation and media production, UCLA has both breadth and depth in its animation education. 

2. New York University

The NYU Tisch School of Arts is filled with resources and opportunities for students to blossom into innovative and aspiring animators. On top of having a comprehensive and diverse array of classes and programs for animation, Tisch also has groups and communities for animation students, such as Student Animation League and Animation Alumni Association. 

3. University of Southern California 

USC’s School of Cinematic Arts has a division known as the John C. Hench Division of Animation and Digital Arts. Students have endless opportunities to explore and learn various types of animation, including but not limited to 2D and 3D Animation, Character Animation, Storyboarding, Motion Graphics, VR and/or Immersive Media, Motion Capture, and so on.

4. Savannah College of Art and Design

SCAD is one of the best art schools in the USA. Winning countless awards, the school offers a wide array of excellent academic programs in fine arts, design, fashion, filmmaking, media production, photography, and, of course, animation, among others. If you’re interested in the artistic side of animating, this school has everything you’re looking for.

5. Academy of Art University

The School of Animation and Visual Effects of AcademyArt cultivates designers and creators. 

6. San Jose State University, San Jose, California.

San Jose State University (SJSU) houses the College of Humanities and the Arts, home to the Departments of Design and Art and Art History. The Department of Design has three degree options for animators including a BFA in Animation/Illustration (A/I BFA), a BA in Design Studies Specializing in A/I, and a Master of Design (MDes) with a Specialization in Animation. The Department of Art and Art History has a Digital Media Art (DMA) MFA Program, provided in partnership with SJSU’s Computers in Art, Design, Research, and Education (CADRE) Laboratory for New Media.

7. Rhode Island School of Design

RISD has a Film, Animation, and Video department dedicated to getting students to “explore the art of the moving image.” The school offers a great education for those passionate about art and creativity. 

8. California Institute of the Arts

California Institute of Arts, or CalArts for short, offers one of the best academic programs for animation in the USA. 

9. ArtCenter College of Design, Pasadena, California.

ArtCenter College of Design (ArtCenter) houses an Entertainment Design Program with three tracks: Animation, Concept, and Game Design. Programs lead to a BS. The Entertainment Design BS with an Animation Track explores lighting, character animation, modeling, storyboarding, and art direction. Course examples for the program include 2D Fundamentals, 2D Mechanics, Concept Art, Shorts, Design History of Comic Animation, CG Mechanics, Storyboard, Science & Technology, and Entertainment Design Industry.

10. School of Visual Arts

SVA is another school that is all about artistic creativity. The school has over 1,100 faculty members and hosts a dynamic range of programs. They place an emphasis on critical thinking and artistic innovation, providing a great environment for learning animation.

11. Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston, Massachusetts.

The Animation Department at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) houses more than 20 classrooms, studios, and labs dedicated to animation. The Animation Program, which leads to a BFA, begins with the foundation year, which consists of courses such as Time, Form Study, Drawing Projects, Studio for Drawing, and Visual Language. During the second year of the program, students are introduced to animation basics, experimental animation, and digital 2D animation. 

12. Ringling College of Art and Design

Ringling College of Art and Design is another top-tier school that excels in creative media design and art content production. The school is especially renowned for its computer animation programs. 

13. Academy of Art University, San Francisco, California.

The School of Animation & Visual Effects (VFX) at Academy of Art University (Academy of Art) has an Animation Program with five pathways for artists seeking a career in animation. Options include a certificate and AA, BFA, MA, and MFA degrees in Animation & Visual Effects. The certificate is a top choice for students who would like to dive into animation coursework from day one. In addition to skipping liberal arts coursework, this 120-unit program allows students to complete an internship, a study abroad experience, and a senior portfolio in Animation and VFX.

14. Rochester Institute of Technology.

Known for its computer science, engineering, and art programs, RIT is a prestigious place that values creativity and innovation. RIT is “one of the top universities in the nation working at the intersection of technology, arts, and design.”

15. Pratt Institute.

As a research institute, Pratt Institute uses the power of digital technology to teach Digital Arts and Animation. From virtual reality to artificial intelligence, Pratt puts technological innovation into artistic creation, allowing students to use technology as a tool to mold themselves into artists, designers, and storytellers. 

16. Gnomon School of Visual Effects.

Gnomon is an animation school that prides itself on getting students equipped for almost every position in the entertainment industry.

17. Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, Maryland.

Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) requires all undergraduates to complete The First Year Experience (FYE), which explores contemporary art and design practice. The rigorous curriculum also highlights skill-building, technology, and 2D, 3D, and 4D media. Upon completion of The FYE, students will move on to their chosen major. Housed in the Animation Department at MICA is the BFA and Minor in Animation. 

18. Full Sail University

Full Sail University specializes in entertainment, media, arts, and technology education. With access to cutting-edge technology and invaluable knowledge of entertainment media, countless have found success as animators.

19. School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.

The Film, Video, New Media, and Animation Department (FVNMA) at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has a Studio Program that offers a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate and BFA and MFA degrees in Studio. The BFA has Liberal Arts or Visual Critical Studies Thesis Options and all programs offer extensive coursework in animation. Course examples across pathways include Puppet Animation, 3D Character Animation, Sonic and Optics, Type and Image in Motion, Advanced Experimental 3D, Advanced Drawing for Animation, Motion Graphics and Visual Effects, Advanced Screenwriting, Writing and Art Direction for Animation, Visualization and Storyboarding.

20. Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.

The School of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts at Texas A&M University (TAMU) houses the Visualization Program has three degree pathways for animators including the BS, MS, and MFA in Visualization. The Visualization MFA is one of a few programs of its kind in the U.S. and possibly the only one in the state of Texas.

21. Otis College of Art and Design, Los Angeles, California.

Otis College of Art and Design (OTIS) has two pathways to becoming an animator: the Animation BFA and the Animation Certificate. The BFA explores 3D modeling, storyboarding, animation, character design, rendering and sound. Students will gain experience in 2D and 3D computer animation, 3D production, and visual development, as well as software such as Houdini, Maya, ToonBoom, Unreal, Nuke, Adobe Suite, Zbrush, and Cinema 4D.

22. University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.

The College of Arts and Humanities at the University of Central Florida (UCF) houses the School of Visual Arts & Design (SVAD), home to the Emerging Media Program. Degree options for animators are available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The Emerging Media BFA has Character Animation and Experimental Animation Tracks and the MFA has an Animation & Visual Effects Track. Character Animation and Experimental Animation are portfolio-based, highly competitive tracks that takes two years to complete, full-time.

List of 40 Best 2D & 3D Animation Schools in USA

• Pratt Institute New York.
• Gnomon School of Visual Effects.
• University of California, Los Angeles
• New York University
• Brigham Young University
• ArtCenter College of Design.
• Rochester Institute of Technology.
• University of Colorado, Denver.
• Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design.
• Clemson University South Carolina.
• University of the Arts Pennsylvania.
• Arizona State University.
• California State University, Long Beach.
• The New School/Parsons New York.
• Loyola Marymount University.
• Cleveland Institute of Art.
• Kansas City Art Institute.
• University of Florida Florida.
• Drexel University Pennsylvania.
• University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
• California State University, Los Angeles.
• California Institute of the Arts
• Savannah College of Art and Design.
• Ringling College of Art and Design.
• School of Visual Arts New York
• University of Southern California
• Rhode Island School of Design.
• Full Sail University Florida.
• Academy of Art University California.
• DePaul University Illinois.
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
• Carnegie Mellon University.
• Texas A&M University.
• California College of the Arts.
• Otis College of Art and Design.
• The Ohio State University.
• University of Central Florida.
• San Jose State University California.
• California State University, Fullerton.
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design.
• College for Creative Studies.
• Massachusetts College of Art and Design.
• Columbia College Chicago Illinois.
• University of Texas at Dallas.
• Columbus College of Art & Design.
• DigiPen Institute of Technology Washington.
• Maryland Institute College of Art.
• Florida State University.
• Laguna College of Art and Design. 
• Purdue University.

What is the overview of Animation Jobs?

Animation differs from other creative professions where jobs are scarce and salaries tend to be modest, according to people who have spent decades in the animation industry. Animation is a growing occupation with some lucrative employment options, a powerful labor union that lobbies for high wages and good working conditions, and influential talent agents. The median salary reported by U.S. special effects artists and animators in May 2021 was $78,790, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which predicts that the number of jobs in this field will be 16% higher in 2030 than it was in 2020 – a growth rate that is double the average among all occupations.