| Ranking | School | State | Ranking by State | Ranking by Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Savannah College of Art and Design | Georgia | #1 in Georgia | #1 in the South |
| 2 | Gnomon | California | #1 in California | #1 on West Coast |
| 3 | School of Visual Arts | New York | #1 in New York | #1 on East Coast |
| 4 | University of Southern California | California | #2 in California | #2 on West Coast |
| 5 | Texas A&M University | Texas | #1 in Texas | #1 in Southwest |
| 6 | University of California, Los Angeles | California | #3 in California | #3 on West Coast |
| 7 | ArtCenter College of Design | California | #4 in California | #4 on West Coast |
| 8 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pennsylvania | #1 in Pennsylvania | #2 on East Coast |
| 9 | University of Texas at Austin | Texas | #2 in Texas | #2 in Southwest |
| 10 | Rochester Institute of Technology | New York | #2 in New York | #3 on East Coast |
| 11 | Rhode Island School of Design | Rhode Island | #1 in Rhode Island | #4 on East Coast |
| 12 | DePaul University | Illinois | #1 in Illinois | #1 in Midwest |
| 13 | The DAVE School | Florida | #1 in Florida | #3 in the South |
| 14 | Otis College of Art and Design | California | #5 in California | #5 on West Coast |
| 15 | Chapman University | California | #6 in California | #6 on West Coast |
| 16 | University of Utah | Utah | #1 in Utah | #3 in Southwest |
| 17 | New York Film Academy | New York | #3 in New York | #5 on East Coast |
| 18 | Drexel University | Pennsylvania | #2 in Pennsylvania | #6 on East Coast |
| 19 | Columbia College Chicago | Illinois | #2 in Illinois | #2 in Midwest |
| 20 | University of Central Florida | Florida | #2 in Florida | #3 in the South |
| 21 | Georgia Institute of Technology | Georgia | #2 in Georgia | #4 in the South |
| 22 | Brigham Young University | Utah | #2 in Utah | #4 in Southwest |
| 23 | University of Colorado, Denver | Colorado | #1 in Colorado | #5 in Southwest |
| 24 | College for Creative Studies | Michigan | #1 in Michigan | #3 in Midwest |
| 25 | New York University | New York | #4 in New York | #7 on East Coast |
Our 2025 rankings of the Top 25 visual effects (VFX) schools in the U.S., our fourth annual rankings for VFX. For an explanation of ranking criteria, click here.
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has a VFX program that provides opportunities to work with Disney, Electronic Arts (EA)) and even NASA through the school’s in-house design studio known as SCADPro. All students also have access to 800 networked computers and a 60,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art digital media center consisting of a green screen lab and a 75-seat in-house theater. Specific degree options for the VFX program include a BFA in VFX and Technical Animation, a VFX MA, and a VFX MFA. Programs are available at both the Atlanta and Savannah campuses. SCAD VFX graduates go on to land positions at places such as Lucasfilm, Blizzard Entertainment, Disney, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Microsoft, Pixar, Electronic Arts (EA), DreamWorks Animation, Blur Studio, and Pixomondo.
The VFX programs at Gnomon focus on training in industry-standard software such as Houdini, Nuke, ZBrush, Maya, Adobe After Effects, and V-Ray. Specific degree options include the Digital Production BFA and the Digital Production certificate. The school also provides 10-week standalone courses such as Visual Effects Tools and Techniques; Dynamic Effects; and HD Digital Filmmaking for VFX. Courses and programs take place in a production-like 45,000-square-foot facility in North Hollywood. Gnomon graduates enjoy a 95% placement rate and are often hired at studios such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Weta FX, Sony Pictures Animation, DNEG, Nickelodeon, Electronic Arts (EA), Sony Interactive Entertainment, Paramount, Framestore, and Netflix Studios.
The School of Visual Arts (SVA) has a 3D Animation and Visual Effects BFA program featuring courses taught in state-of-the-art computer labs outfitted with the latest industry-standard software. Computer labs are accessible remotely, 24/7/365 from any location. To gain experience before graduation, students have the opportunity to complete an internship with alumni-owned studios such as Augenblick and Titmouse. Graduates have been hired at places such as Lucasfilm Animation, Microsoft, Apple, Nickelodeon, DreamWorks, Sony Pictures Animation, Google, and Walt Disney Animation Studios.
The School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) at University of Southern California (USC) is home to the John C. Hench Division of Animation and Digital Arts (Hench DADA). Within the division are the STEM-designated Animation and Digital Arts BFA and MFA programs; a comprehensive 3D Animation minor; and a Game Art BFA. Across degree programs, students may concentrate in Visual Effects. Minor students may select from a number of VFX electives. All Hench DADA students have the opportunity to collaborate on projects with students in divisions such as Production (Live Action) or Interactive Games. Graduates go on to launch their own studios or land positions at places such as Pixar, Sony Pictures Animation, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Nickelodeon, DreamWorks, Illumination and Digital Domain.
The School of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts (PVFA) at Texas A&M University (TAMU) houses a Visualization program with options leading to a BS, MS, or MFA. Through electives, all PVFA students may focus in any area of specialization, including VFX. Students also have opportunities to complete an internship at major animation, game, and design studios; participate in the Semester Away Program including locations such as Italy and Germany; and attend the Annual Career Fair. Graduates of the Visualization programs at TAMU have been hired at places such as Pixar, DreamWorks Animation, Reel FX, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), and Walt Disney Animation Studios. Examples of production credits include Brave, The Peanuts Movie, Black Panther, Coco, Puss In Boots: The Last Wish, and Encanto.
University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) provides several paths to study visual effects. The school’s Department of Film, Television and Digital Media (FTVDM) houses the FTVDM BA, while UCLA Extension has an 11-week Introduction to Visual Effects Creation course and a Post-Production certificate program. Across options, courses are led by professionals from places such as MTV, Amazon Studios, and Netflix. In addition BA and certificate students have the opportunity to complete an internship. FTVDM and UCLA extension graduates have been hired places such as Disney, Pixar, Nickelodeon, and DreamWorks.
ArtCenter College of Design (ArtCenter) has an Entertainment Design BS program that prepares students for careers in VFX, animation, and games, among others. Students may customize coursework to fit their individual goals or select a formal track in Animation, Game Design or Concept Design. All students have access to VFX courses such as Visual Structure; CG 2 Mechanics; Worldbuilding; and Production Design. Graduates are routinely hired at places such as Marvel, Walt Disney Imagineering, Pixar, Riot Games, Microsoft, Paramount, DreamWorks Animation, Blizzard Entertainment, Warner Bros., and Apple.
In collaboration with the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) the school’s Integrative Design, Arts and Technology Network (IDeATe) provides an Animation and Special Effects minor. While this option is open to students in all programs, ideal pairings include the Bachelor of Computer Science and Art (BCSA); the Film and Visual Media BA; the Electronic and Time Based Media BFA; and the Video and Media Design MFA. With the minor, programs culminate with a final project, portfolio, and/or reel. Graduates go on to land positions at places such as Electronic Arts (EA), Disney, Activision Blizzard, Sony Interactive Entertainment, DreamWorks Animation, Warner Bros. Games, Apple, Google, and Zynga.
University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) provides several paths to study VFX including the Radio-Television-Film (RTF) BA and comprehensive minor; the Arts and Entertainment Technologies BS (AET BS); the Computer Science BS with an interdisciplinary Game Development concentration; and a Film and Media Production MFA (FMP MFA). Across programs, graduates have been hired at places such as Disney Animation, Electronic Arts (EA), Google, Sony Pictures Classics, Dell, DreamWorks Animation, Lionsgate, Apple, Paramount Searchlight Pictures, Amazon MGM Studios, and IBM.
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) provides several programs that incorporate VFX studies. These include the Film and Animation BFA with an Animation option/2D Animation, 3D Animation, and Stop Motion tracks; a STEM designated Motion Picture Science BS; and a Film and Animation MFA. All programs are multidisciplinary, with access to the 52,000 square foot MAGIC Spell Studios. Programs culminate with a final project to be presented at film festivals and student showcases. RIT graduates are routinely hired at a variety of places such as Lockheed Martin, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Microsoft, DreamWorks, Apple, Nickelodeon, Oracle, Lucasfilm, Electronic Arts (EA), Disney, Amazon, and Sony.
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) houses the Film/Animation/Video (FAV) Department, home to the FAV BFA program with the option to focus in Animation, Live Action, or Open Media. The program takes place in a professional studio environment, with access to courses such as Digital Effects and Compositing for the Screen; Computer Generated Imagery 3D; and Experimental Film Techniques. All students have opportunities to create final projects that focus on visual effects, animation, or other areas. This culminating project will be presented at the Annual RISD FAV Senior Show. Program alumni can be found at places such as DreamWorks, Pixar, and HBO. Others have gone on to launch their own studios or production companies.
The School of Cinematic Arts at DePaul University (DePaul) houses Film and Television BA, BFA, MS, and MFA degree programs; the Animation BA, BFA, MA, and MFA; the Game Design BS and MFA; and the Game Programming BS and MS, among others. A Visual Effects Animation concentration is available. Across programs, students also have access to the state-of-the-art 60,000-square-foot DePaul Cinespace Studios and the LA Quarter Program with internship opportunities at place such as DreamWorks Nickelodeon, and Disney. Graduates go on to work at places such as Electronic Arts (EA), LAIKA, Cartoon Network, DreamWorks, Blizzard Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation, Nickelodeon, and Disney.
Located on the backlot of Universal Studios, Florida, The DAVE School provides three paths to study visual effects. All programs are campus- and project-based, with opportunities to develop at least two VFX productions. Programs include the school’s flagship Virtual Production (VP) Diploma; the VFX Production Diploma; and the FX Production Diploma. Programs culminate with a demo reel and portfolio. DAVE alumni can be found at places such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), MPC, Disney, Marvel, Sony, Riot Games, Walmart Creative Studio, Apple, Blizzard Entertainment, and FuseFX.
Otis College of Art and Design (Otis College) houses the STEM-designated Animation, and Game and Entertainment Design BFA programs. A comprehensive Digital Media minor is also available to students in other degree programs. All options provide access to courses that explore VFX. Examples include VFX for Games; Digital Sculpting and ZBrush; Stop Motion Animation; Robots, Vehicles, and Spaceships; Lighting: CG and IRL; and Motion Capture. Programs culminate with a senior project. Graduates have been hired at places such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Sony Pictures Imageworks, and Mattel.
Chapman University (Chapman) has an Animation and Visual Effects BFA program with a specialization in Visual Effects. A 21 credit hour VFX minor is also available. All students have access to state-of-the-art facilities such as the 76,000-square-foot Marion Knott Studios; internship opportunities at Pixar, Blizzard Entertainment, and DreamWorks, among others; and student organizations such as the Chapman Animation and Visual Effects Club and Virtual Reality/AR Club. Chapman VFX alumni have landed positions at places such as Marvel, Nickelodeon, DreamWorks, Blizzard Entertainment, Sony Pictures, DNEG, Blur Studio, Obsidian Entertainment, Netflix, PlayStation, and Bento Box Entertainment.
University of Utah (The U or U of U) houses a Computer Science (CS) BS with an Entertainment Arts and Engineering (EAE) emphasis that explores computer-generated special effects, game design and development, and 3D animation. At the graduate level, The U houses a Master of EAE (MEAE) with a Technical Arts track. Examples of specializations within the track include Visual Effects; Technical Animation; Simulation; and Rigging. Upon completion of the programs, students will have a demo reel and/or portfolio of their best work. Across programs, graduates have been hired at places such as DreamWorks, Atari, Blizzard Entertainment, Disney, Microsoft, Nickelodeon, HBO, Pixar, NVIDIA, Bungie, Adobe, and NBCUniversal. Many of these companies and studios were co-founded by U of U alumni.
The 3D Animation and Visual Effects (VFX) School at New York Film Academy (NYFA), houses a 3D Animation and VFX program with BFA and MFA options. Courses and hands-on projects are led by faculty from Disney and DreamWorks, among others. All students have access to state-of-the-art production facilities and internship opportunities. Programs can be completed at the Los Angeles campus. NYFA graduates can be found at places such as DreamWorks, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Digital Domain, Tyler Perry Studios, Gearbox Software, NBCUniversal, and Bad Robot Productions.
Drexel University is home to Antoinette Westphal College of Arts and Design. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), Westphal houses an Animation and Visual Effects BS; the accelerated Animation and Visual Effects BS/Digital Media MS; and an Animation and VFX minor. All students benefit from access to the URBN Center, which features shared making spaces and the Animation Capture and Effects Lab (ACE-Lab); mandatory participation in the Drexel Cooperative Education (co-op) program; and the Drexel in LA program, which highlights internships at places such as Riot Games, and BBC Worldwide Productions. Graduates can be found at places such as Pixar, Xbox (part of Microsoft Gaming), DreamWorks, NCSoft, and Disney.
Columbia College Chicago provides several paths to study visual effects. These include Animation and Computer Graphics BA with a Cinema Visual Effects (CVFX) concentration, and the Film and Television BA with an Editing and Post-Sound concentration. Across programs, students have opportunities to work with studios such as DreamWorks and Nickelodeon through the Columbia College Chicago Semester in LA (SiLA) program. Students will also work and learn in the 35,500-square-foot facility known as the Media Production Center (MPC). Programs culminate with a short, festival-quality film. Graduates have landed positions at places such as Pixar, Microsoft, DreamWorks, Weta FX, Bethesda, Cartoon Network, Disney, BioWare, Warner Bros., Nickelodeon, and Bungie.
The School of Visual Arts and Design (SVAD) at University of Central Florida (UCF) houses an Emerging Media MFA with an Animation and Visual Effects track designed for students seeking leadership roles in the entertainment industry. This 60-credit-hour program features access to labs and studios equipped with industry-standard software, along with courses and projects led by connected industry professionals. The program culminates with a VFX or animation thesis. Graduates have been hired at places such as the U.S. Navy, Electronic Arts (EA), NASA, Disney, Lockheed Martin, Epic Games, Pixar, Blizzard Entertainment, Nickelodeon, Riot Games, Weta FX, Blizzard Entertainment, Netflix, and Reel FX.
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) has a Computational Media BS (BSCM) program with a Games concentration. Consisting of courses such as Digital Video Special Effects; Constructing the Moving Image; and Game AI, the BSCM program is ideal for students seeking careers in VFX. To enhance the degree, students may add the Film Studies minor, which includes courses such as Advanced Video Production; Video Editing and Post-Production; and Experimental Film. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in areas such as visual effects, special effects creation, and interactive game design. Georgia Tech alumni have been hired at places such as Boeing, Electronic Arts (EA), Disney, Apple, Google, Adult Swim, NBCUniversal, Microsoft, Cartoon Network, Amazon, CNN, and Meta.
Brigham Young University (BYU) houses the BYU Center for Animation, which provides an Animation BFA and a Computer Science BS (CS BS) with an Animation and Games emphasis. Both programs explore the technical aspects of VFX though required courses, projects, and electives. Course examples across programs include 3D Visual Effects; Lighting for 3D Graphics; Materials and Surfacing; Advanced Shading; Technical Animation; Motion Concepts; and Animated Film Production. Some top employers for BYU Animation and CS graduates include Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Disney Interactive, Digital Domain, Pixar, DreamWorks, Riot Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Sony, and Nickelodeon.
The College of Arts and Media (CAM) at University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) houses the Department of Visual Arts (VA) and the state-of-the-art Digital Animation Center (DAC). A Visual Arts BFA with an emphasis in 3D Graphics and Animation is jointly provided through the VA Department and DAC. Course examples include VFX Rigging and Animation; DAC: Visual Effects; Character FX; Editing and Post-Production Techniques; and Lighting, Grip, and Sound. The program culminates with an industry-ready film to be presented at the CU Denver Visual Arts BFA Thesis Show at Redline. Graduates have landed positions at places such as Pixar, Lucasfilm, and Sony.
The College for Creative Studies (CCS) is a Toon Boom Center of Excellence (COE) that provides two paths to study visual effects. This includes a Film BFA and the STEM-designated, Unreal authorized Entertainment Arts BFA with an Animation emphasis. Across programs, students have the opportunity to study visual effects through electives and produce their own films highlighting skills in their chosen focus area. Other program benefits include access to state-of-the-art production facilities; experiential learning opportunities such as internships, exhibitions, and faculty-led study abroad courses; and industry partnerships. Graduates go on to land positions at places such as Blizzard Entertainment, Disney, Marvel, Pixar, DreamWorks, Hulu, Activision, Cartoon Network, Sony Pictures, HBO, Nickelodeon, Google, Lucasfilm, Warner Bros., Netflix, Universal, DC Comics, Titmouse, and ABC.
New York University (NYU) is home to Tisch School of Arts (Tisch), which houses a Film and Television BFA with an Animation area; a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Virtual Production; and the STEM-designated Interactive Telecommunications Program (ITP) MPS. All programs include or provide access to courses that explore VFX. Examples include Visual Effects and Compositing; Advanced 3D Animation Production; World-Making with Unity; Light and Interactivity; and Sound Design for Virtual Production. Graduates are often hired at places such as DreamWorks, Pixar, and Disney Animation.
