The Top 10 Best Online Animation Schools Under $40,000

Becoming an animator and creating 2D or 3D animated shows may require attending one of the best online animation schools. Fortunately, there are lots of different online programs you can attend and complete, often without breaking the bank. Read on to learn more about the best animation schools online, the programs they offer, and what you can do with an online animation degree post-graduation.

Article Navigation: Can I Do an Animation Degree Online? | The Best Degrees for Animation | Top Online Animation Schools Under $40K | Accredited Online Animation Schools | How to Prepare | Careers in Animation | Are Animation Colleges Worth It? | Find the Best Animation School Online with GetEducated

Can I Do an Animation Degree Online?

Absolutely. In fact, animation is one of the best degree paths suited for online study. In order to complete an animation degree online, you need a handful of tools and software programs, such as:

• Drawing or graphic design programs like Adobe Photoshop and Animate
• An electronic drawing tablet and stylus. Some tablets are small computers in and of themselves, while others hook up to computers and display your drawn assets on a traditional monitor.
• A computer with a good Internet connection

Once you either purchase these tools or join a program that provides you with them, you can normally complete all of your online animation degree work asynchronously. You do not need to attend in-person lectures or online lectures at a particular time in the vast majority of programs (although some schools do require in-person components).

Learning animation online as an adult student carries many benefits, including:

• Completing your education on a flexible schedule
• Attending any school in the country, although keep in mind out-of-state students sometimes pay higher tuition costs
• Not paying for room and board to complete your education

What is the Best Degree for Animation?

The best animation degrees online relay skills related to the graphic design and animation industries, including:

• Artistic principles, particularly those surrounding drawing, coloring, and shading
• Computer software
• Applied mathematics. For example, knowledge of trigonometry allows animators to move characters around more fluidly.
• Communication and teamwork

Depending on your overall career goals, you may wish to pursue a certain type of online degree in animation. Online animation schools offer degrees from the associate level to the graduate level.

An animation associate’s degree online is a great entry-level program. It teaches you the fundamentals of animation software use and artistic skills. Associate of arts degrees are more theoretical. They focus on artistic concepts and foundational knowledge. Associate of occupational studies degrees teach more practical or “job-ready” skills. These can prepare you for certain jobs right after graduation. The best animation certificate programs may include several of the same classes or topics.

However, many animation and similar jobs require a bachelor’s degree. Bachelor’s degrees are four-year degrees that dive further into the core concepts of animation. Particularly computer animation, video game animation, web design, and so on. Many top bachelor's degrees in animation online allow you to focus your degree in areas such as 2D drawing, 3D graphic design, and more.

An Arts Degree Vs. a Fine Arts Degree

Be sure to distinguish between whether a school offers an animation online degree in arts or fine arts. A bachelor’s degree in the arts is more generalized, while a bachelor’s degree in fine arts focuses on a specific artistic area, like graphic design, 3D animation, etc.

Graduate degrees, like master’s degrees in animation online, are even better for those who want to double down on a specific specialty. They may qualify you to take on leadership roles in film studios, video game companies, and marketing agencies. Like bachelor’s degrees, MFA’s are more focused in a specific artistic medium. On the other hand, an MA degree is more generalized.

The 10 Best Online Animation Schools Under $40K

If you’re wondering which college is best for animation degrees, read on! We’ve broken down several of the best online animation colleges for you to consider. Online animation programs can cost anywhere from $6,000 per year to over $30,000 per year. The schools below are ordered from most affordable to most prestigious/expensive.

1. University of Florida

   Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts & Sciences
   Tuition (In-State): $6,381
   Tuition (Out-of-State): $28,659

   The BA in Digital Arts and Sciences from the University of Florida is an affordable choice. Especially for in-state students. This animation online school requires 120 credits. Also, students must complete an artistic portfolio, which will help them find employment after graduation.

   Most semesters are very manageable, totaling 3 to 4 classes. On top of that, students can take a variety of electives to specialize or concentrate their degree. Electives are available in topics like 3D character animation, game development, and audio design for digital production.

   This excellent online animation program blends topics and information for the arts, communications, and engineering. Students who prefer a little extra guidance may prefer this online animation program as well. It has a “critical tracking” element via the online learning portal, which records progress in required courses for graduation. In other words, you can accomplish what you need to graduate from this online program intuitively.

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   Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts & Sciences

    

2. Rasmussen University

   Degree: Associate of Science in Graphic Design/Animation & Motion Graphics
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $10,849

   Rasmussen University’s AS in graphic design is very flexible! It features a curriculum designed by many industry experts. You’ll learn in-demand graphic design and animation skills, covering topics such as:

   – Digital photography
   – Image editing
   – Web design fundamentals

   Furthermore, this job-ready curriculum is perfect to jump right into the animation workforce instead of progressing to a bachelor’s degree. It prepares students to sit for certificates, like the Adobe Certified Associate in Visual Communication in Photoshop. These certificates can also help students acquire employment shortly after graduation.

   The AS is a transfer-friendly program. It enables students to transfer most of the college credits they’ve already earned at Rasmussen or elsewhere. Self-directed assessments further allow students to opt out of classes. If you can prove you have the expertise needed to “pass” a class, you can save that time and money. Thanks to this element, many students may be able to complete their AS animation degree from Rasmussen faster than expected.

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   Associate of Science in Graphic Design/Animation & Motion Graphics

    

3. Session College for Professional Design

   Degree: Associate of Occupational Studies in Digital Media
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $12,440

   The Associate of Occupational Studies from Session College is a top choice for online animation students. This intensive two-year degree is ideal to enter the motion graphics, animation, or video production and editing industries.

   To begin with, the first year of the program focuses on design and art fundamentals. Then the second year emphasizes technologies and techniques. Students are heavily trained in programs like Adobe Premiere, After Effects, and Animate. These skills help to build an excellent portfolio. The program also culminates with a guided portfolio review to make sure students can showcase the portfolio to potential employers.

   There are weekly deadlines with this online animation program, helping students stay on track. However, the program’s course materials are all asynchronous and there are no set login times. In this way, students can complete the program around their own schedules. This accredited and fully online animation degree is ideal if you’re working while attending school. Explore this flexible option from Session College.

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   Associate of Occupational Studies in Digital Media

    

4. National University

   Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Design
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $13,320

   National University’s BA in Digital Media Design provides a wide range of learning opportunities for students. Each course takes four weeks to complete and the school is WASC-accredited. Students can jump into the program year-round, as start dates pop up every month or so. An alumni network of over 220,000 students further adds more value to this online degree after graduation.

   Students will complete courses like the history of visual storytelling, digital image compositing, and motion graphics.

   All students must complete a final project or a thesis design portfolio, depending on their preferences. Overall, the program requires the completion of 180 quarter units. As a full-on bachelor’s degree, it’s perfect for those with an associate’s degree (and can thus transfer their general education credits). It’s also a military-friendly program. There are special scholarships and financial aid specifically for veterans.

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5. University of Advancing Technology

   Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Game Art & Animation
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $18,794

   If you’re interested in learning how to animate for video games, then the BA in Game Art and Animation from the University of Advancing Technology is perfect. It provides students with insight into animation and art development at all levels of game development. That includes 2D and 3D art and animation assets.

   Students will learn in-depth artistic principles and skills related to video game art and animation creation. For example, lighting, color theory, anatomy, etc. Importantly, the program prepares students for jobs in the gaming industry. Specifically for careers like character artist, texture artist, character animator, and rigger.

   If you’re not sure what to expect, then take advantage of immersive tours on the school website. The online learning platform is powered by Syncflex. This software facilitates flexible and versatile learning for students around the globe. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and all students benefit from networking with peers and professors.

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   Bachelor of Arts in Game Art & Animation

    

6. Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design

   Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $22,067

   The BFA in Animation from Rocky Mount College is an excellent online animation program from one of the best online animation schools. There are two bachelor’s degrees available for 2D and 3D animation – students need to choose which they want to focus on before applying for the program.

   In either case, students learn how to hone their animation skills with technical and in-depth online training. All students complete highly detailed, robust portfolios that prepare them for employment. They’ll learn topics like storyboarding, line of action, character design, and 3D modeling.

   The program requires the completion of 123 credits. Specifically, students learn how to use important 2D and 3D drawing and tech tools. Note that a stylus and high-resolution computer are needed for the completion of this program, which has a little extra cost to the program overall. Some students can take advantage of special grants and scholarships to help pay for necessary materials.

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   Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation

    

7. Academy of Art University

   Degree: Associate of Arts in Animation & Visual Effects; Associate of Arts in Visual Development; Master of Arts in Animation & Visual Effects; Master of Arts in Visual Development; MFA in Animation & Visual Effects
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $26,728

   The Academy of Art University is one of the best schools for animation degrees because it offers many types of programs. These range from the associate level up to the master’s level. All the programs take place in a studio production environment called Studio X. This is a collaborative and in-house student-powered production studio. Here, students work on real projects with real clients from around the world.

   In this way, any of the programs you take here could help you gain valuable work experience. Not to mention, add your name to projects seen by the public. Students gain job-ready skills and learn how to use industry technologies and tools right from the get-go.

   Students also have the opportunity to prepare 3D animated films, which can eventually win awards. In any case, all students benefit from collaborative work opportunities and classes taught by world-renowned faculty. Choose this if you want an online education in animation but also want to work with others and enjoy a more collaborative learning experience.

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   Associate of Arts in Animation & Visual Effects
   Associate of Arts in Visual Development
   Master of Arts in Animation & Visual Effects
   Master of Arts in Visual Development
   MFA in Animation & Visual Effects

    

8. Maryville University

   Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Media
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $27,166

   Maryville University is another of the best animation schools online, thanks to its BFA degree. Focusing on digital media, it’s a 100% online program and NASAD accredited. All in all it enables students to build dynamic portfolios, take advantage of professional faculty feedback, and evolve digital media skills with Adobe tools.

   Furthermore, students don’t need to worry about application fees, and no SAT or ACT scores are required. This online degree prepares students for a variety of animation jobs, and students can study on their own schedules since there are no campus visits required.

   There are six different start dates throughout the year, and all students will learn from industry leaders. Ample financial aid, such as art student-specific scholarships and generous transfer credit policies, make this an accessible program in more ways than one. Students will learn topics like print production, motion graphics, and graphic and interaction design.

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   Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Media

    

9. Los Angeles Film School

   Degree: Bachelor of Science in Animation
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $32,500

   At the Los Angeles Film School, students can pursue a BS in Animation. It teaches all students the 12 founding principles of animation, along with how to use industry-standard software to design a professional animation reel. You can use that reel for job applications and to showcase your skills to future employers.

   Students must choose a concentration in visual effects or game art. However, both build on the animation principles and focus on applied learning techniques used by Hollywood film production companies.

   Even better, all students receive a powerful PC laptop. This comes preloaded with the software needed to complete the animation classes and create beautiful artwork anywhere and anytime. Students interested in hybrid learning can visit film sets and production stages. This allows you to work in hands-on learning environments with professional faculty in the Hollywood and game design industries.

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   Bachelor of Science in Animation

    

10. Savannah College of Art and Design

    Degree: Master of Arts in Animation; Master of Arts in Motion Media Design; MFA in Animation; MFA Arts in Motion Media Design
    Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $39,605

    The Savannah College of Art and Design is another of the best animation schools online, thanks to the plethora of graduate degrees offered. Depending on your preference, you can earn degrees in:

    – Motion media design
    – Fine arts in animation
    – General animation

    Bachelor’s degrees are available as well. All students can take advantage of accelerated and continuous programs to finish their education faster. For example, an animation student can complete a BFA and MA in four years by studying in summer semesters.

    Regardless, all students can access high-performance digital workstations. They can attend classes taught by world-renowned faculty. Also, they can join special conferences, like AnimationFest: a perfect place for students to collaborate, meet with peers, and learn about the new advancements in the animation industry. A variety of minors are available for degree students in topics like motion media design, illustration, and sequential art.

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    Master of Arts in Animation
    Master of Arts in Motion Media Design
    MFA in Animation
    MFA in Motion Media Design

     

Accredited Online Animation Schools

As you look for the best online animation programs for your needs, make sure that the National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits your chosen program. This is a programmatic accrediting organization. Basically, it ensures a given art or design program is rigorous, exhaustive, and modern. That way, your degree is useful in today’s art and animation industry.

On top of programmatic accreditation, you should look for animation courses and schools with regional accreditation. Regional accrediting bodies like the HLC and SACSCOC accredit entire institutions or universities. They indicate that a given school is worth your time and money due to its student resources, quality of courses, and faculty knowledge.

How to Prepare for Animation School Online

Because animation schools require you to create your own artwork, online animation programs also require you to have the right tools and software programs before you can complete your classwork.

For online animation degrees, you generally need the following:

• A computer with a solid Internet connection
• A computer with sufficient hardware to run modern art programs. A modern desktop or laptop with 6GB of RAM and 3.0 GHz processing speed should be sufficient for most programs. However, each program will list its tech requirements on its online page.
• A drawing tablet and stylus. As noted earlier, some drawing tablets can operate as small computers by themselves, while others require a functioning computer to connect to.
• Software licenses for programs like Adobe Animate and Adobe Photoshop

Some programs, such as the Los Angeles Film School’s Bachelor of Science in Animation, provide students with laptops. This can make certain programs much more attractive, particularly if you are on a tight budget.

Admission requirements for art programs typically focus on whether or not you have minimum GPA requirements and artistic portfolios. Most programs don’t require a GPA of more than 3.0, and most also don’t require SAT or ACT scores. However, most online animation programs do require you to have a portfolio of work to submit with your application. The portfolio should showcase your current artistic skills and potential.

Careers in Animation

Once you have your animation degree, a world of potential employment prospects may open up to you. For example, once you have a bachelor’s degree, you can become a:

• Special effects artist and animatorwith an average salary of $78,790 per year
• Art director, with an average salary of $100,890 per year
• Graphic designer with an average salary of $50,710 per year
• Web developer and digital designer with an average salary of $78,300 per year
• Craft and fine artist, with an average salary of $49,960 per year

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the art and animation industry overall is set to grow at a rate of about 5% over the next ten years.

Are Animation Colleges Worth It?

Animation colleges online can absolutely be worth it! Particularly if you want to pursue a career in the animation industry. The animation industry is fiercely competitive. Only the best artists manage to work for top film, video game, and cartoon studios.

The right animation college online can ensure that your starting salary is higher than it would be otherwise. For example, animators can earn anywhere between $40,000 and $93,000 per year according to Payscale. Having a degree under your belt, in addition to a stunning portfolio, can help you demand a higher salary from an employer shortly after graduation.

On top of that, having a degree may qualify you for some of the most in-demand jobs in this industry. If you’ve ever wanted to work for Pixar as an animator, for example, you’ll be much more likely to get one of those jobs if you have a degree from an accredited institution.

Find the Best Animation School Online with GetEducated

One of the best online animation schools could be just what you need to kick-start your animation career! And, not to mention, get the skills you need to bump up your portfolio. Use GetEducated to find the perfect online animation program for your needs today!