Los Angeles is the global heart of the animation industry—home to Disney, Pixar’s satellite hubs, DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network Studios, and countless VFX and game studios. This makes LA one of the best places in the world to study animation. Whether you’re pursuing 2D, 3D, VFX, motion graphics, or game art, the city offers world-class training options at different budget levels.
Below are the top 15 animation schools in Los Angeles and their fees, with detailed breakdowns to help you find the perfect match.
Top 15 Animation Schools In Los Angeles And Fees
1. University of Southern California (USC) – School of Cinematic Arts
USC is widely recognized as one of the best places in the world to study animation due to its ties with Hollywood and its state-of-the-art facilities. The John C. Hench Division of Animation & Digital Arts offers a rigorous program covering 2D animation, 3D animation, visual effects, character design, interactive animation, and experimental animation.
Students gain access to industry-standard tools including Maya, Houdini, Nuke, and Unreal Engine. USC frequently invites recruiters and guest lecturers from companies like Disney, DreamWorks, Sony Pictures Animation, Riot Games, and ILM.
Programs Offered:
- B.A. Animation & Digital Arts
- M.F.A. Animation & Digital Arts
- Minor in Animation
Approximate Fees:
- Tuition: $66,600 per year
- Additional costs (materials, software): $2,000–$4,000 per year
2. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – School of Theater, Film & Television
UCLA’s Animation Division has a strong reputation for developing both artistic and technically skilled animators. The program emphasizes storytelling, cinematography, character performance, and experimental animation.
Students learn stop-motion, 2D, 3D, and VFX production. UCLA graduates have landed roles at Pixar, DreamWorks, Cartoon Network, and Blizzard Entertainment.
Programs Offered:
- M.F.A. Animation
- B.A. Film with Animation Courses
- Certificate animation workshops
Approximate Fees:
- In-state tuition: $17,800 per year
- Out-of-state tuition: $45,000 per year
3. California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)
CalArts was founded by Walt Disney himself and has become one of the most influential animation schools worldwide. The institute is known for producing legendary animators behind major Disney, Pixar, and Cartoon Network projects.
CalArts offers a creative, experimental environment with a strong focus on hand-drawn animation, character animation, storyboarding, and 3D pipelines.
Programs Offered:
- B.F.A. Character Animation
- B.F.A. Experimental Animation
- M.F.A. in Animation
Approximate Fees:
- Tuition: $58,400 per year
4. ArtCenter College of Design (Pasadena)
Located just outside LA, ArtCenter is one of the most respected art and design colleges in the U.S. Its animation-related majors combine technical skill with world-class design education.
Students explore 3D animation, concept art, motion design, digital painting, and storyboarding.
Programs Offered:
- B.F.A. in Entertainment Design
- B.F.A. in Illustration (Entertainment Arts track)
- M.F.A. in Entertainment Design
Approximate Fees:
- Tuition: $51,700 per year
5. Gnomon School of VFX, Games & Animation
Gnomon is known as the “MIT of visual effects.” It is heavily industry-focused and ideal for students interested in 3D animation, gaming, and VFX careers.
Students learn skills used in blockbuster films like Avatar, Marvel movies, and AAA games.
Programs Offered:
- B.F.A. in Digital Production
- 2-year certificate
- 1-year intensive courses
- Specialized workshops
Approximate Fees:
- Three-year BFA: $132,000 total
- Certificate programs: $30,000–$60,000
6. Los Angeles Film School – Animation & VFX Program
The Los Angeles Film School blends film and animation training, giving students experience in both storytelling and technical skills. Its animation curriculum focuses on 3D modeling, character animation, compositing, and digital art.
Programs Offered:
- B.S. Animation
- A.A. Animation
- Online animation programs available
Approximate Fees:
- Bachelor’s program: $8,300 per semester
7. Otis College of Art and Design
Otis is one of LA’s oldest art schools, offering a strong animation and digital media curriculum. Students study motion design, 3D modeling, character animation, and visual storytelling.
The program is known for its hands-on approach, creative freedom, and small class sizes.
Programs Offered:
- B.F.A. Digital Media (Animation Track)
Approximate Fees:
- Tuition: $52,800 per year
8. Loyola Marymount University (LMU) – School of Film and Television
LMU offers an Animation B.A. and prides itself on combining artistic development with modern animation technology.
Students receive training in 3D animation, motion capture, rigging, storyboarding, and character design.
Programs Offered:
- B.A. Animation
- Animation workshops
Approximate Fees:
- Tuition: $58,500 per year
9. New York Film Academy – Los Angeles Campus
NYFA offers highly practical, fast-paced animation training. Students work on multiple short films and projects, making it a strong portfolio-building program.
They learn 3D animation, digital character creation, rigging, and story animation.
Programs Offered:
- B.F.A. 3D Animation
- 1-year certificate in Animation
- Short courses and workshops
Approximate Fees:
- BFA tuition: $35,000–$40,000 per year
- 1-year courses: $17,000–$20,000
10. Santa Monica College – Animation Program
SMC is one of the most affordable options on this list and is highly respected for preparing students for transfer to top animation universities or direct studio roles.
Students learn 2D and 3D animation, concept art, game design, and VFX fundamentals.
Programs Offered:
- Associate Degree in Animation
- Certificate in 3D Animation
- Certificate in 2D Animation
Approximate Fees:
- In-state tuition: $1,200 per year
- Out-of-state tuition: $9,000 per year
11. Glendale Community College – Digital Animation Program
Located near major animation studios like DreamWorks and Disney, GCC offers strong entry-level animation training at a budget-friendly price.
Students explore 2D animation, 3D animation, multimedia design, and digital illustration.
Programs Offered:
- A.A. Digital Animation
- Certificate programs
Approximate Fees:
- In-state tuition: $1,300 per year
- Out-of-state tuition: $8,000 per year
12. Woodbury University – Animation BFA
Woodbury’s Animation program emphasizes story-driven animation, character design, and digital pipelines. Students build show reels that attract employers in film, gaming, and advertising.
Programs Offered:
- B.F.A. Animation
- Design-focused creative electives
Approximate Fees:
- Tuition: $45,000 per year
13. Mt. San Antonio College – Animation & Gaming Program
Mt. SAC is another excellent affordable option offering animation and gaming courses led by experienced instructors with industry backgrounds.
The program includes 3D modeling, concept art, and video game animation.
Programs Offered:
- A.S. Animation
- Certificates in Animation and Gaming
Approximate Fees:
- In-state tuition: $1,400 per year
- Out-of-state tuition: $10,300 per year
14. Columbia College Hollywood – Visual Effects & Animation
CCH offers a modern animation and VFX degree designed to equip students with knowledge of 3D pipelines, compositing, and CGI production.
Students work with real-world software like Maya, ZBrush, and After Effects.
Programs Offered:
- B.F.A. Visual Effects & Animation
Approximate Fees:
- Tuition: $27,500 per year
15. The Animation Academy – Burbank
Located near Disney and Cartoon Network, this small, industry-focused school is ideal for students who want specialized training without the cost of a long degree.
The school focuses on fundamentals first: drawing, character design, concept art, and digital illustration.
Programs Offered:
- Certificates in Animation Art
- Character Design
- Visual Development
Approximate Fees:
- Classes range $500–$1,800 each, depending on duration
Conclusion
Los Angeles offers the widest range of animation schools in the world, from elite universities like USC and UCLA to specialized industry training hubs like Gnomon and The Animation Academy.
Your ideal school depends on:
- Your budget
- Career goals (film, gaming, VFX, 2D animation, motion design)
- Preferred learning style (academic vs. hands-on)
- Portfolio needs
- Time commitment
Whether you’re aiming for Pixar, Riot Games, Nickelodeon, or the gaming industry, studying animation in LA puts you close to the studios that shape global entertainment.