What are the top visual effects schools in the South for 2025?
| Ranking | School | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Savannah College of Art and Design | Georgia |
| 2 | The DAVE School | Florida |
| 3 | University of Central Florida | Florida |
| 4 | Georgia Institute of Technology | Georgia |
| 5 | Florida State University | Florida |
Our 2025 rankings of the Top 5 visual effect schools in the South, our fourth annual rankings for VFX. For reference, we define the South as Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas. For an explanation of ranking criteria, click here.
1. Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, Georgia
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.
2. The DAVE School, Orlando, Florida
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.
3. University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
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.
4. Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia
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.
5. Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
Florida State University (FSU) is home to the College of Motion Picture Arts (MPA), which houses the MPA BFA with a concentration in Animation and Digital Arts, and the MPA MFA Conservatory program. Students in both programs can focus their studies in VFX. Course examples across programs include Visual Effects Cinematography; Visual Effects Aesthetics; History and Practice of Visual Effects and Animation; and Advanced Workship in Area of Specialization. Other program features include 24/7 access to state-of-the-art facilities; a maximum of 15 students per class; and internships at places such as Pixar, DreamWorks, Blizzard Entertainment, and Disney Animation. FSU MPA graduates enjoy a 92-96% industry placement rate within one year of graduation. They can be found at places such as Disney, NBCUniversal, DreamWorks, ESPN, Netflix, AMC Entertainment, HBO, Apple, and Comcast Corporation.