Top 10 Animation Schools in the U.S. (2026 Guide) – Programs, Strengths & How to Get In
If you’re dreaming of a career in animation—whether that’s 2D, 3D, motion graphics, VFX, or experimental media—you’re in the right place. This guide breaks down 10 of the best animation schools in the United States.
These schools aren’t ranked from best to worst. Each has its own identity, strengths, and creative ecosystem that might be perfect for you depending on your artistic goals.
Whether you want to become an animator for film, games, or creative tech industries, this list will help you discover the program that fits your vision.
1.Pratt Institute – Animation with Purpose (Brooklyn, NY)
Pratt Institute blends analog craft with digital innovation—all rooted in social impact. Students earn a BFA in 2D/3D Animation and Motion Arts, building a foundation across drawing, performance, storytelling, and digital tools.
Beyond technique, Pratt emphasizes narrative depth, responsibility, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Located in Brooklyn, students gain access to NYC’s creative studios, internships, and art community.
2. RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) – Inventive, Concept-Driven Animation
RISD’s renowned Film/Animation/Video (FAV) program is built for artists who push boundaries. Students work across hand-drawn animation, stop-motion, digital techniques, and experimental media.
Facilities include stop-motion stages, sound booths, and advanced editing suites. RISD faculty are working filmmakers and artists who prioritize critique, exploration, and conceptual rigor.
3.CalArts – The Origin of Pixar’s DNA
CalArts is a legendary name in animation, home to the Character Animation and Experimental Animation BFA programs.
Students create original stories, explore diverse visual approaches, and receive training that mirrors modern studio practices. With alumni shaping Pixar, Disney, Netflix, and major film studios, CalArts remains one of the most influential animation schools in the world.
4.USC (University of Southern California) – Where Animation Meets Hollywood
USC’s Animation & Digital Arts program places students directly inside the Los Angeles film industry. Offering BFA and MFA degrees, USC covers 2D, 3D, stop-motion, VR, AR, and emerging technologies.
Students gain industry access through internships, guest lecturers, and the collaborative environment of the School of Cinematic Arts.
5.SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) – Global, High-Tech Animation Training
SCAD offers BFA, MA, and MFA animation degrees with top-tier facilities across campuses in Savannah, Atlanta, and online. Students receive comprehensive training in 2D, 3D, and stop-motion animation.
With strong studio partnerships—including Disney, DreamWorks, and Netflix—and high job placement rates, SCAD is a major destination for animation-focused creatives.
6.UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) – Experimental Meets Industry
UCLA blends fine art, interactive media, and narrative filmmaking through its Design Media Arts BA and Animation MFA. Students explore film, motion graphics, coding, installation, and experimental practices.
Its location in LA opens countless doors to professional studios, production companies, and creative tech spaces.
7.SVA (School of Visual Arts) – NYC’s Animation Powerhouse
SVA offers a BFA in Animation and an MFA in Computer Arts, taught by Emmy-winning faculty and industry leaders.
Students work across 2D, 3D, and stop-motion and regularly showcase films at major festivals. The alumni network is deeply connected to animation studios across New York City, making it an excellent choice for career-oriented artists.
8.Ringling College of Art and Design – The 3D Animation Leader
Ringling’s BFA in Computer Animation is known for its meticulous pipeline training and industry-standard production quality.
Students produce thesis films that regularly win awards and attract top studios such as Pixar and DreamWorks. If you want to work in high-end 3D animation, Ringling is often considered the gold standard.
9.NYU Tisch School of the Arts – Animation for the Next Generation of Storytellers
NYU’s Animation & Digital Arts program blends cinematic storytelling with digital innovation. Offering BFA and MFA degrees, students explore character animation, immersive media, and experimental work.
Studying in NYC gives students direct access to major film festivals, media studios, and creative tech opportunities.
10.BYU (Brigham Young University) – Consistently Award-Winning Animation
BYU’s BFA in Animation focuses on collaboration, storytelling, and technical excellence. Students specialize in character animation, storyboarding, and 3D production.
BYU has won multiple Student Academy Awards and frequently receives recognition at SIGGRAPH, making it a standout program for students aiming toward studio careers.
How New York Art Studio’s Portfolio Program Helps Students Get Into Top Animation Schools
Getting into top animation schools takes more than raw talent, it requires a strategic, professional portfolio that showcases your storytelling, drawing, design, and technical skills in the best light. That’s where NYART Studio’s Art Portfolio program comes in.
Our program is designed to help students build competitive animation portfolios tailored to elite schools like CalArts, SVA, RISD, Ringling, and NYU.
What Makes Our Art Portfolio Program Stand Out:
✔ Personalized Portfolio Guidance
Students receive hands-on support to create polished animation portfolios featuring original concepts, character design, storyboards, and motion pieces. Every portfolio is crafted to highlight your unique creative voice.
✔ Professional Instruction
Learn from instructors who graduated from top art and animation schools (RISD, Pratt, SVA, Parsons, and more). Our experts provide individualized critique to help each student refine their work to professional standards.
✔ Support for All Skill Levels
Whether you’re applying to a BFA, MFA, or design/media program, our Art Portfolio program guides you step by step, from brainstorming ideas to final production.
✔ Structured Programs for Every Student
Portfolio Intensive Programs
Private Lessons for College Admission
F-1 Visa Programs for International Students
✔ Real-World Preparation
Students develop the technical foundation that top schools expect, including figure drawing, visual storytelling, composition, character design, and digital/3D skills.
If you want to stand out in the competitive world of animation, NYART Studio’s Art Portfolio program provides the structure, expert feedback, and professional guidance you need to create a truly compelling portfolio.
📍 Visit us in NYC or explore our programs online:
- Art High School Portfolio Prep – Tailored guidance for students applying to specialized art high schools.
- Art Competitions – Tailored guidance for students applying to Art competitions.
- College Portfolio Program – Comprehensive preparation for students applying to top art and design colleges.
- Private Portfolio Program – One-on-one customized coaching for students seeking personalized portfolio development.
