Best Animation Courses in USA - A Complete Guide

In the USA, international students can easily find a variety of animation courses at bachelor’s and master’s levels. Generally, the duration for a bachelor in animation is of 4 years. Whereas the duration of master in animation in USA is of 2 years. You either find a single specialisation in animation or a combination of 1 or 2 more subjects along with animation.

Renowned universities and institutions across the country provide comprehensive programs that cover various aspects of animation, including 2D and 3D animation, visual effects, character design, storytelling, and more. These courses often offer cutting-edge technology and software, allowing students to hone their skills and unleash their creativity.

Now, let’s check the reasons to study animation courses in USA for international students.

• Best animation programs in USA often emphasise hands-on projects and portfolio building. By the time you graduate, you’ll have an impressive portfolio of work to showcase to potential employers, making you more competitive in the job market.  

• Many animation programs in USA includes guest lecture and seminars, which is a great opportunity to make industry connections with of the best experts in the field. This might give you benefits in the future to expand your career. 

• The USA may be the best workplace for international animators as it is home to numerous graphics and animation centres. Employers like Pixer, Disney, Google, DreamWorks, Salesforce, Deloitte, and many more hire students who complete their animation degrees in the US.

• The average yearly wage for animators in the USA is 71,800 USD. According to estimates, graduates of animation programmes in the US earn between 38,100 USD and 109,000 USD annually. Whereas the average annual pay for professionals in the USA with a master's degree in animation is 103,000 USD.

• A full-time animation employee in the US typically sees a 10% pay rise every 16 months, which shows that the business is expanding.

Here are few of the top-notch universities to study animation Courses in USA for international students.

To be eligible for top animation schools in USA, international students are required to fill the following basic eligibility criteria.

• Completion of 12^th grade with a minimum of 50% overall. 

• English proficiency test scores ( minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 in IELTS or equivalent scores in other proficiency tests).

• Few universities may require standardise admission test scores such as SAT. The minimum score required in SAT to enrol in US universities is 500.

• 3 years of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and from a recognised educational institution. 

• A minimum overall score of 70% in bachelor's.

• English proficiency test scores (minimum overall score of 7 with no band less than 6.5 in IELTS or equivalent scores in other proficiency tests).

• Few top-notch universities may require GMAT or GRE scores to enrol international students. The minimum GMAT score that US universities accept is 550. Whereas if we talk about the minimum GRE score required by USA universities, then it is 300.

NOTE: Since animation programs are more about creativity and practical knowledge, universities may ask for a portfolio.  

Below is the list of documents required by top colleges for animation in USA:

• Academic Transcript (10^th, 12^th, and bachelor)

• Certificate of English Proficiency test score

• Standardise Admission Test Score Certificate

• 2-3 Letters of Recommendation (LORs)

• Statement of Purpose (SOP)

• Valid Passport

• Updated CV

• Portfolio (if required)

The cost of studying Animation courses in USA for international students can vary depending on various factors, including the specific institution, program duration, and location.

Generally, the cost of studying undergraduate programs in animation in USA is somewhere around 13,465 USD per year. Whereas if we talk about the cost of studying master in animation in USA, then it is somewhere around 30,000 USD  per year.  Apart from this, the cost of living in USA for international students, then it is around 10,000 USD to 12,000 USD per year, depending upon the location and kind of accommodation you choose to live in.

Scholarships are a great option to reduce your cost of studying in USA. In the US, you can easily find various scholarships as an international student. Here are a few scholarships if you are enrolling for Animation courses in USA.

US offers a plethora of job options for students who have studied animation. The country is home to various top-notch companies which are offering job opportunities to recent graduates from animation courses. Below are the job options after pursuing animation courses in USA

 If you are still unsure or would like to get deeper insight, we encourage you to have a word with our team of expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC).

If you are unable to travel to our offices, we offer online counselling services via our website. Our dedicated counsellors will provide you with the best guidance regarding your application to study in USA. Don't hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or call us at 1800-1230-00011.