Top Animation Colleges in USA

Given below is the list of top animation universities in USA:

1. University of California Los Angeles   
2. Ohio State University       
3. Purdue University 
4. University of Arizona
5. Texas A&M University

Let us know about each of these best colleges for animation in USA in detail below:

University of California Los Angeles

The University of California, Los Angeles is a well-known public land-grant research university based in Los Angeles, California. As part of UCLA TFT's Department of Film, Television and Digital Media (FTVDM), students can study Animation, Directing, Cinematography, Documentary, Producing, Screenwriting and Cinema and Media Studies, including practical and theoretical aspects of moving image production.

QS World Ranking 2023	-
Popular Programs	Bachelors in Animation (BFA Animation) Masters in Animation (Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television, Area: Animation)
Program Duration	Bachelors - 4 Years Masters - 2 Years
Average Fees Per Year	Bachelors: 48,347 USD (3,854,256 INR) Masters: 32,858 USD (2,619,462 INR)

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Ohio State University

As a member of the University System of Ohio, Ohio State University has been ranked among the best animation institute in USA by major institutional rankings. This university offers creative degrees in animation that provide students with hands-on experience with state-of-the-art digital media technologies and formats. The area of conceptualization in the Department of Art is dedicated to the exploration of advanced technologies and digital media as driving forces for creative experimentation.

QS World Ranking 2023	140
Popular Programs	Bachelors in Animation (BFA Animation) Masters in Animation (MFA in Design (Digital Animation and Interactive Media))
Program Duration	Bachelors - 4 Years Masters - 2 Years
Average Fees Per Year	Bachelors: 24,759 USD (1,973,804 INR) Masters: 21,675 USD (1,727,946 INR)

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Purdue University

Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue University is a public land-grant research university. The campus is the flagship campus of the Purdue University system. In animation and visual effects courses at one of the best animation colleges in USA, students study rendering, 3D modeling, lighting, motion, character rigging, and texturing.

QS World Ranking 2023	129
Popular Programs	Bachelors in Animation (BFA Animation) Masters in Animation (MS in Computer Graphics Technology - Animation)
Program Duration	Bachelors - 4 Years Masters - 2 Years
Average Fees Per Year	Bachelors: 30,563 USD (2,436,511 INR) Masters: 31,104 USD (2,479,632 INR)

University of Arizona

The University of Arizona is a leading public land-grant research university located in Tucson, Arizona. As a part of the Illustration, Design, and Animation program (IDA), students receive instruction in graphic design, illustration, letterpress, book arts, visual narratives, animation, motion graphics, information design, and interdisciplinary collaborations with the environmental sciences.

QS World Ranking 2023	262
Popular Programs	Bachelors in Animation (BFA Animation) Masters in Animation (MFA in Art - 3D and Extended Media)
Program Duration	Bachelors - 4 Years Masters - 2 Years
Average Fees Per Year	Bachelors: 33,868 USD (2,699,980 INR) Masters: 33,600 USD (2,678,615 INR)

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Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University is a public land-grant senior military college located in College Station, Texas. Students who study animation at Texas A&M are part of the Department of Visualization's broader curriculum, which prepares graduates for success in a wide range of visualization-related careers.

QS World Ranking 2023	164
Popular Programs	Bachelors in Animation (BFA Animation) Masters in Animation (MFA in Visualization)
Program Duration	Bachelors - 4 Years Masters - 2 Years
Average Fees Per Year	Bachelors: 25,266 USD (2,014,223 INR) Masters: 31,428 USD (2,505,462 INR)

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Program Overview for Animation in USA

Typically, a masters in animation in USA or a similar multimedia program takes at least 120 credits to complete. Let us see some key highlights to study animation in USA:

Best Animation colleges in US	University of California Los Angeles         Ohio State University          Purdue University    University of Arizona           Texas A&M University
Annual Average Tuition Fee	UG: 13,465 USD (1,073,439 INR) PG: 30,000 USD (2,391,621 INR)
Top Sports Management Programs in US	Bachelors in Animation Masters in Animation
Course Duration	BFA: 4 Years, MFA: 2 Years

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Eligibility Criteria for Animation Courses in USA

To be eligible for admission to the best colleges for animation in USA, you must meet the following requirements:

• Educational qualification
• English language proficiency test scores
• Standardised test scores for USA

Educational Qualification

Bachelor's degrees in animation require a minimum of 10+2 marks in any subject (Science, Arts or Commerce) from a recognized school or college. A minimum score of 50% is required in the 10+2 examination. Applicants for master's or postgraduate diploma programs are required to hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3 (79-86%).

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English Language Proficiency Test Scores

A language proficiency test, such as the IELTS or TOEFL, is required for international applicants who do not speak English as their first language. The following IELTS test scores are required to study animation in USA:

• IELTS score for diploma/ undergraduate programs: 6.5
• IELTS score for graduate/ PG diploma/ advanced diploma programs: 7.5

Standardised Test Scores

There may be a requirement for entrance tests for undergraduate and graduate studies in the top animation colleges in USA, such as the SAT, ACT, GMAT, and GRE.

• For Bachelor courses:
  • SAT: 500
• For Master courses:
  • GRE: 300
  • GMAT: 600-750

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Documents Required for Animation Courses in USA

• Academic transcripts of standards 10 and 12 from a recognized university.
• English language certificates such as IELTS and TOEFL.
• A copy of the student’s passport.
• A statement of purpose stating his/her intention of coming to the USA.
• Letters of recommendation from professors at the previous institution.
• Essays describing academic and personal achievements of the candidate.
• Proof of financial support.
• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• An average minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3 on a 4.0 scale (~79-86%)
• Reel or portfolio
• CV
• Personal statement

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Application Process to Apply at Animation Colleges in USA

• Refer to the official website of the university to determine whether or not you meet the eligibility requirements for your intended program.
• Online applications must be submitted along with application fees.
• Follow the upload procedure for supporting documents.
• After submitting your application, you can check your status by logging into the admissions portal.
• Following acceptance, you will receive an offer of admission, which must be accepted.
• Pay the tuition deposit and enroll in the university to guarantee your place.
• Once you have received confirmation of acceptance, you may proceed with the application process for a study permit.

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Cost of Studying Animation in USA

Animation course fees in USA vary depending on the university and program. However, here is the average animation course fees in USA:

Program	Average Tuition Fees Per Year (in USD)
Bachelors Programs	13,465 (1,073,439 INR)
Masters Programs	30,000 (2,391,621 INR)

The cost of living in USA varies depending on the campus location and the lifestyle of the student. There is an average monthly living cost of 2326 USD (185,430 INR) for international students in the US, as well as an average monthly rental cost of 1918 USD (152,904 INR) per month.

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Scholarships Available for Animation in USA

Check out the following scholarships available to take admission in the best animation universities in USA:

Scholarships	Award (in USD)
Obama Foundation Scholars’ Program	Tuition fee, book and coursework funding, monthly stipend
National Overseas Scholarship	Tuition, living cost and miscellaneous expenses
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program	Tuition, living cost, health insurance, travel cost and monthly stipend
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships	Full tuition fee waiver, living expenses, and one-way travel cost
PEO International Peace Scholarship For Women	12,500 (996,508 INR)

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Career Opportunities After Animation in USA

After masters in animation USA, the following professions pay the highest salaries in the United States:

Job Profile	Average Salary Per Year (in USD)
Advertising Account Manager	115,000 (9,167,880 INR)
Art Director	92,000 (7,334,304 INR)
Advertising Manager	151,000 (12,037,825 INR)
Animator	71,800 (5,723,946 INR)
Broadcast Administrator	102,000 (8,131,511 INR)
Advertising Coordinator	72,700 (5,795,694 INR)
Director of Graphic Design	90,700 (7,230,667 INR)

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After you’re familiar with the animation universities in USA, it’s best to choose the university that meets all your course requirements and budget. To know more about available animation courses in USA, connect with skilled professionals at Yocket.