collageIf you’re interested in studying animation at a cheap school, there are several options. Here are some of the best cheap animation schools in California. This post discusses the details of Cheap Animation Schools In California, cheap animation schools online, best animation schools in california, top animation schools and ucla animation program.
California is home to many of the best animation schools in the world. It’s also home to a plethora of cheap animation schools, as well as cheap online animation schools. If you’re looking for an animation degree that won’t break the bank, California offers plenty of options. Read on to learn more about Cheap Animation Schools In California, cheap animation schools online, best animation schools in california, top animation schools and ucla animation program.
Are you looking to get into the animation industry, but are worried about the cost of a degree? You’re not alone. Many people who want to become animators or artists don’t want to get overwhelmed with debt, and they can’t afford to spend thousands of dollars on school. Luckily, there are plenty of cheap animation schools in California that can help you learn all about this exciting industry without breaking the bank.
One of the most popular cheap animation schools in California is DreamWorks Animation School. With campuses in both Northern and Southern California, as well as online courses, DreamWorks is one of the best options for aspiring animators who want to learn from some of Hollywood’s best talent without paying an arm and a leg for it. In addition to its campus locations, DreamWorks offers a wide range of online classes that allow students from all over the world to take part in their programs without ever having to leave their home state or country!
Cheap Animation Schools In California
We begin with Cheap Animation Schools In California, then cheap animation schools online, best animation schools in california, top animation schools and ucla animation program.
| School | City | State |
|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green State University | Bowling Green | Ohio |
| Brigham Young University | Provo | Utah |
| California State University Fullerton | Fullerton | California |
| California State University Long Beach | Long Beach | California |
| California State University Northridge | Northridge | California |
| San Jose State University | San Jose | California |
| University of California Los Angeles | Los Angeles | California |
| University of Central Florida | Orlando | Florida |
| University of South Florida | Tampa | Florida |
| University of Texas at Dallas | Richardson | Texas |
Let’s be honest. People like to grumble about how expensive college is today but the truth is, going to college has never been cheap. Sure, tuition has skyrocketed over the years (the average cost for tuition, fees, room and board was $21,728 for all 4-year institutions for the 2014-2015 school year, up from $10,624 for the 1985-86 school year), but parents and students have always struggled to pay tuition and related costs. Even students from affluent families often applied (and still do apply) for scholarships, grants, and other sources of “free” money to help pay for school. In 1985, $10,000 was a lot of money—and for many it still is!
cheap animation schools online
Now we review cheap animation schools online, best animation schools in california, top animation schools and ucla animation program.
Best Animation Schools Online With Cheap Tuition
Each online animation program has different course offerings, requirements, and concentrations, but most programs will cover similar content that’s relevant to careers in animation. Here is the list of the best animation schools online with cheap tuition.
The list of animation schools online are chosen based on the following ranking factors:
Reputation – The schools on our list are highly reputable schools that are doing well based on rankings and recognition.
Accreditation – The accreditation status of an institution or program defines that the program is approved.
Tuition Rate -The schools were selected on the basis of their cost of tuition.
The best online animation schools are…
- Academy of Art University
- Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
- Southern New Hemisphere University
- Full Sail University
- National UIniversity
- Rasmussen College
1. ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY
The Academy of Art University in San Francisco offers online programs in animation and visual effects at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree levels.
In this online animation program, students learn to become excellent storytellers with great visual structure from professionals in the animation industry.
To gain entry, you need to meet minimum technical requirements, which include an up-to-date browser and computer system as well as a webcam, scanner, and the necessary Adobe software (some of which can be downloaded for free). Undergraduate students can tender a portfolio to enhance their application, but these materials are only used for admission to the school’s graduate-level programs.
The Academy provides the coursework—including beautifully designed videos, narrated slideshows, digital documents, interviews with experts, live streams, and more. As you complete assignments, you directly upload your work to the Academy’s custom-designed Learning Management System (LMS) where it’s shared with your class, and your instructor can leave visual markups, video, written, and recorded feedback.
Online degree programs at the Academy of Art University hold accreditation from WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Tuition – $29,301
2. ROCKY MOUNTAIN COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design offers an online animation program at the bachelor’s degree level.
To participate in the online animation program, students need to have personal computers with sufficiently up-to-date operating systems. Computer hardware and software requirements include a Wacom Tablet, Toon Boom Storyboard Pro, and Autodesk. Students must also submit a portfolio along with their admissions materials.
The online Animation program teaches students how to use the techniques learned to generate original animation and compelling narratives.
Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
TUITION – $544 per credit hour
3. SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY
SNHU awards an online BA in Graphic Design and Media Arts with a concentration in 3D Modeling and Animation.
SNHU’s 3D modeling and animation degree furnish you with the skill set to be a player in the multidimensional design world. You’ll examine the stages of game models, including observational and conceptual drawing. Furthermore, you’ll master the basics of modeling using a wide range of techniques.
Students get involved in hands-on projects using emerging technology and are well equipped to take on jobs in game development, advertising, marketing, virtual education, and other fields that use graphics to provide spectacular interactive experiences.
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution that holds accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.
TUITION – $320/credit (120 total)
4. FULL SAIL UNIVERSITY
Full Sail University offers a wide selection of degrees related to Animation and Graphic Design such as an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Animation.
The Computer Animation bachelor of science degree program guides students through the same production process used in professional studios – from storyboarding, sketching, and visual development to modeling and character animation, and final compositing. This 29-month online degree has focused on animation highlights including character rigging, character design & creation, and animation production.
Full Sail holds accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
TUITION – $746/Credit Hour
5. NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
This Bachelor of Arts Digital Media program provides hands-on experience using the very latest tools and technologies that make up the current media arts workspace. As a student in the digital media design degree, you’ll be on top of the latest methodologies used for visual communication in business, marketing, education, and entertainment.
The knowledge and experience gained in digital media design courses prepare you for a transmedia, visually literate future that incorporates web design, audio, video, special effects, layout and design, image creation and editing, and game design.
At the end of the online flexible class, students will learn how to…
- Develop a personal vision in the creation of original multimedia content.
- Create active and interactive content with graphics, animation, sound, and video using media authoring software.
National University has been accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
best animation schools in california
Next, we find out what are the best animation schools in california, top animation schools and ucla animation program.
| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California Institute of the Arts | Valencia |
| 2 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles |
| 3 | University of California Los Angeles | Los Angeles |
| 4 | Gnomon School of Visual Effects | Hollywood |
| 5 | ArtCenter College of Design | Pasadena |
| 6 | California State University-Long Beach | Long Beach |
| 7 | San Jose State University | San Jose |
| 8 | Academy of Art University | San Francisco |
| 9 | California College of the Arts | Multiple |
| 10 | Otis College of Art and Design | Los Angeles |
| 11 | California State University-Fullerton | Fullerton |
| 12 | Laguna College of Art and Design | Laguna Beach |
| 13 | Loyola Marymount University | Los Angeles |
| 14 | Chapman University | Orange |
| 15 | California State University-Northridge | Northridge |
| 16 | California State University-Los Angeles | Los Angeles |
| 17 | Woodbury University | Burbank |
| 18 | California State University-Chico | Chico |
| 19 | Cogswell Polytechnical College | San Jose |
| 20 | SAE Expression College | Emeryville |
Our 2019 rankings of the top 20 animation school programs in California. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.1. California Institute of the Arts, Valencia, California
In 1961, California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) became the nation’s first postsecondary institution to offer graduate and undergraduate degrees in both the visual and performing arts. Established by Walt and Roy Disney, the school serves around 1,500 students enrolled in more than 70 programs across six schools including the School of Critical Studies, The Sharon Disney Lund School of Dance, the School of Art, the School of Film/Video, The Herb Alpert School of Music at CalArts, and the School of Theater.
The School of Film/Video is the largest school at CalArts, accounting for nearly 30% of the student population. Programs offered here include a BFA in Character Animation and BFA and MFA degrees in Experimental Animation. The BFA in Character Animation is a four-year program that the school says is “designed for students who seek an understanding of the art of character performance and storytelling in animation.” Courses for the program are taught by “experienced professionals who work at the forefront of traditional, CG and independent animation.”
Course highlights include Advanced Life Drawing, Animation Layout, CG Foundation I-II, Character Animation I-IV, Digital Methods I and Digital Methods II: Sound, Film Workshop I-IV, Story I and Story II: Storyboarding, and 2D Character Animation I-II. In addition, all Character Animation students are required to take Acting for Animators once during their BFA degree.
The Experimental Animation program emphasizes “the creative development of a personal aesthetic in an artist-centered environment. A broad range of animation approaches, processes, and techniques are covered in lecture courses, seminars, workshops, visiting artist lectures, internships, and independent studies.”
Students in the programs will also “work closely with a mentor in developing skills, course schedules, and projects, and also benefit from working among artistic peers in a studio environment.” Sample BFA courses include Animation Production, Cinematic Voices: In Person, Concept Development, Hybrid Imaging, Motion and Meaning, and Sound Image. A Senior Project is also part of the program.
The MFA program covers history, styles, techniques, and technology of animation arts. Students can expect to take courses such as Drawn Techniques for the Experimental Animator, Hybrid Imaging, History of Experimental Animation, Interactive Media, and Stop Motion Basics. “As a culminating project” students will “conceive, design, and produce a thesis that reflects the student’s personal artistic sensibilities.”
In addition, all students are required to take production courses in other Schools at CalArts (Art, Dance, Theater, Music), in order to develop interdisciplinary approaches. Study abroad opportunities are also offered. Crowned the “Harvard Business School of Animation” by the Los Angeles Times, CalArts has produced hundreds of successful alumni who have generated billions at the box office worldwide. The school lists Tim Burton, Mark Andrews (director and screenwriter of Pixar’s Oscar winning animated feature Brave), Eric Darnell (co-director of Antz, Madagascar, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa and Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted, and Mark Osborne (director of Kung Fu Panda) among its most famous alumni.2. University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
Established in 1880, University of Southern California (USC) serves 47,500 students enrolled in more than 200 undergraduate programs, 300-plus graduate programs, and more than 150 minors. Undergraduate offerings for aspiring animators include a BA in Animation and Digital Arts and a BFA in Cinematic Arts, Film & Television Production with Animation and Interactive Media electives. Graduate offerings include MFA degrees in Animation and Digital Arts and Interactive Media with heavy Animation electives.
Minors in Animation & Digital Arts, 3-D Animation in Cinematic Arts, and Game Animation are also available. Course highlights for the programs include Animation Design and Production, Basic Animation Production Technologies, Contemporary Topics in Animation and Digital Arts, Digital Narrative Design, Directed Studies in Animation, Expanded Animation, Expanded Concepts in 2-D/3-D Animation, Fundamentals of Animation, Storytelling for Animation, The Digital Actor, and 3-D Character Performance Animation.
Animation and Digital Arts programs are offered through The John C. Hench Division of Animation and Digital Arts (Hench DADA) of the School of Cinematic Arts (USC Cinematic Arts). The BFA in Cinematic Arts, Film & Television Production with Animation and Interactive Media electives is offered through the Division of Film and Television Production, USC Cinematic Arts.
Graduates of the animation programs at USC Cinematic Arts have landed positions at DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures, Nickelodeon Animation Studios, Pixar, Rhythm and Hues, Industrial Light & Magic, Digital Idea, Illumination Entertainment, Digital Domain and many others.3. University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
Founded in 1919 as the Southern Branch of the University of California, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) serves nearly 45,500 students from all 50 states and more than 100 foreign countries. The school offers 125+ undergraduate majors across 109 academic departments, and more than 40 graduate programs including the Animation Workshop of the School of Theater, Film and Television.
Founded in 1948 by Disney animator William Shull, the UCLA Animation Workshop is a three-year MFA program that accepts just 12 new students each year. Per the school, “the first year of the program is devoted to learning the principles of making a traditional hand-done, animated film and the second year is devoted to creating computer animation; the film may be 2D, 3D, or a combination.” The third year of the program “begins with the creation of an interactive animation project or game. Electives and outstanding requirements are completed. Most significantly, the student forms a Thesis Committee and begins production on their thesis film.”
Graduates of UCLA’s animation programs have landed positions at Pixar, they have worked with directors such as Tim Burton, and on films such as The Simpsons Movie and Monster House.4. Gnomon School of Visual Effects, Hollywood, California
Gnomon School of Visual Effects was established in 1997. Called “the MIT of visual effects” by Fast Company, “Gnomon offers a variety of educational options to help students reach their goals in the entertainment industry, with both degree and vocational certificate programs, specialized courses for high school students and over 100 individual courses for professional enrichment.” The school, which has 600 graduates to date, offers a BFA and a Certificate in Digital Production.
Individual animation courses are available and may be “mixed and matched” to suit students’ career goals. Options include Acting for Animators, Introduction to 3D with Maya, Character Sculpture, Color Theory and Light, History and Principles of Animation, History of Visual Effects, Animation and Visual Effects, Character Animation, Modeling, Motion Graphics, Storyboarding, Texturing and Shading, Timing for Animation, Animation for Games, Character Design, Character Modeling and Sculpting, Previsualization and Animatics, Stylized Character Creation, and Creature Animation.
Gnomon graduates have landed positions at some of the world’s top studios. Walt Disney Animation Studios, Industrial Light & Magic, DreamWorks, Digital Domain, Blizzard Entertainment, Reel FX, Electronic Arts, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Nickelodeon Animation, Rhythm & Hues, and Marvel Entertainment are just a few.5. ArtCenter College of Design, Pasadena, California
Founded in 1930, ArtCenter College of Design serves approximately 2,100 students enrolled in 11 undergraduate and seven graduate degree programs in a variety of Industrial Design, Visual, and Applied Arts Disciplines. The school, which also offers a joint MS/MBA program with the Drucker-Ito School of Management, has two campuses in Pasadena and satellite studios in Los Angeles (at the Peterson Automotive Museum), and Berlin. Programs for aspiring animators include Entertainment Design with a Track in Animation or Concept.
The Animation Track develops students in the disciplines of character animation, storyboarding, modeling, art direction, and lighting for 3D and 2D animation, while the Concept Track focuses on the skills and creative ability required of entertainment industry concept designers. Both programs lead to a BS in Entertainment Design.
Entertainment Design graduates from both Tracks are prepared for career opportunities as performance and action animators with companies such as Pixar, Disney, DreamWorks, ILM, Sony, Blur, 343 and Riot.
top animation schools
What are the top animation schools in the U.S.?
| Ranking | School | State | % |
|---|
| Ranking | School | State | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California Institute of the Arts | California | Top 1% |
| 2 | Ringling College of Art and Design | Florida | Top 2% |
| 3 | Savannah College of Art and Design | Georgia | Top 2% |
| 4 | University of Southern California | California | Top 3% |
| 5 | School of Visual Arts | New York | Top 3% |
| 6 | Rhode Island School of Design | Rhode Island | Top 4% |
| 7 | University of California Los Angeles | California | Top 4% |
| 8 | Pratt Institute | New York | Top 5% |
| 9 | Gnomon School of Visual Effects | California | Top 5% |
| 10 | New York University | New York | Top 6% |
| 11 | Full Sail University | Florida | Top 6% |
| 12 | Rochester Institute of Technology | New York | Top 7% |
| 13 | Brigham Young University | Utah | Top 7% |
| 14 | Academy of Art University | California | Top 8% |
| 15 | ArtCenter College of Design | California | Top 8% |
ucla animation program
If you’re an aspiring animator with a passion for storytelling, UCLA Animation Workshop is the place for you.
The program has been turning out innovative and accomplished artists for more than half a century, never more so than in the past decade, as the popularity and commercial impact of the genre has exploded. Striking a balance between technology and creativity, the program at the Workshop allows students to learn every phase of the filmmaking process, from scriptwriting to editing, allowing them to become masters of a demanding craft while also becoming master storytellers. The tenet that has guided the program since its inception in 1948 is “one person, one film.”
Working in the state-of-the art Walter Lantz Digital Animation Studio (made possible by generous gifts amounting to nearly $1 million from the Walter Lantz Foundation), students gain hands-on knowledge about the latest CG innovations that continue to transform the animation field.
The department is resuming Graduate Animation admissions for students entering in Fall 2022.
All MFA programs in Film, Television and Digital Media are full-time programs. The department admits new students only once each year for the Fall Quarter.
Applicants must submit all required application materials to be considered for admission.
Online and Mailed Application Deadline: February 1, 2022
By the time of entrance, MFA applicants must:
- Have at least a 3.0 GPA.
- Satisfy the University of California’s Graduate Admission Requirements.
- Complete equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree.
APPLICATION WORKSHEET AND INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO APPLY
Please complete all of the following steps:
Step 1: Online
- Complete the Application for Graduate Admission.
- MUST be paid and completed online by February 1, 2022.
- Indicate MFA, Film and Television, Animation as the program.
- Upload the Statement of Purpose
- Submit a 1-2 page document
- Upload a Portfolio Breakdown
- Upload a Portfolio Submission
- Submit an Original Storyboard
- Submit Other Creative Work
- Upload unofficial copies of all transcripts
- Submit three letters of recommendation
- Enter the names and emails of all recommenders into the Application for Graduate Admission
Step 2: Mail
- Mail an official copy of all transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
- Note: Community college transcripts are not necessary.
- Request that all test scores be sent directly to UCLA.
- Only test scores taken by December 31, 2021 will be accepted.
- The GRE UCLA Code is 4837 and the Department Code is 2409.
- Note: The GRE is not Required for MFA Applicants.
Mailing Address
Please send all applicable materials to:
Graduate Film Admissions: Animation
UCLA Department of Film, Television and Digital Media
103 East Melnitz Hall, Box 951622
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1622
Online and Mailed Application Deadline: February 1, 2022.
For more information on requirements and applying to UCLA as an international student, visit https://grad.ucla.edu/admissions/international-applicants/.
English Proficiency: Any international applicant whose first language is not English must certify proficiency in English when applying to UCLA, and, if admitted, upon arrival. Such applicants must submit scores received on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as part of their application. The UCLA Code is 4837 and the Department Code is 2409. Only test scores taken by December 31, 2021 will be accepted For more information about this requirement, visit https://grad.ucla.edu/admissions/english-requirements/. International applicants who have received a bachelor’s degree from an American institution are not required to take the TOEFL.
Academic Records: Although the Application for Graduate Admission enables applicants to upload an unofficial copy of their academic records, all applicants are required to submit official records from each academic institution attended. For more information about this requirement, visit https://grad.ucla.edu/admissions/required-academic-records/.
Undergrad Degree Requirement: Applicants must complete equivalent to a 4 year US Bachelor’s Degree. International students who hold three-year ordinary pass degrees, or who hold professional diplomas in accounting, business, librarianship, social work, physical education, health education and so on, or four-year degrees, diplomas or higher certificates from technical, vocational or post-secondary specialized schools are NOT eligible for graduate admission. For Academic Requirements by Country or Educational System, visit: https://grad.ucla.edu/admissions/required-academic-records/.
Proof of Funding for Visa: U.S. immigration law requires that international applicants, if admitted, show documented evidence that sufficient funds to cover all tuition, fees, transportation, and living expenses are available for the first year of their studies at UCLA. This must be proven before a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or DS2019) for a visa can be issued. For more information about this requirement, visit https://grad.ucla.edu/admissions/visa-procedures/.
For U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents interested in receiving financial aid in the 2022-2023 year, note that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) deadline for UCLA is March 2, 2022. Applicants must complete the FAFSA by this date if they want to be eligible for all awards, work-study, and scholarships that UCLA offers. If applying after March 2, please check with the Financial Aid Office for available funding opportunities. www.financialaid.ucla.edu
DREAM ActFor non-US Citizens or non-Permanent Residents who are approved to pay in-state tuition because they graduated from a high school in California; they will need to complete the California DREAM application by the March 2, 2022 deadline. The DREAM application can be accessed at https://dream.csac.ca.gov. If applying after March 2, please check with the Financial Aid Office for available funding opportunities. www.financialaid.ucla.edu
Please visit the FAQ page for additional information, call 310-206-8441, or email filmgrad@tft.ucla.edu.
At UCLA Animation Workshop, we believe that one person, one film is the cornerstone of a masterful animation career.
For more than 50 years, we’ve been turning out innovative and accomplished artists who are on the forefront of the animation industry. We’ve never been more successful than in the past decade, as the popularity and commercial impact of the genre has exploded.
We strive to strike a balance between technology and creativity, giving our students every opportunity to learn every phase of the filmmaking process—from scriptwriting to editing—so they can become masters of a demanding craft while also becoming master storytellers.
The tenet that has guided us since 1948 is “one person, one film.”
Working in our state-of-the art Walter Lantz Digital Animation Studio (made possible by generous gifts amounting to nearly $1 million from the Walter Lantz Foundation), we gain hands-on knowledge about the latest CG innovations that continue to transform the animation field. Our studio is a matchless resource for instruction, research and student film production.
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