| Ranking | School | City | Ranking by Region | National Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro | #10 in the South | Unranked |
| #2 | East Tennessee State University | Johnson City | #12 in the South | Unranked |
| #3 | Lipscomb University | Nashville | #14 in the South | Unranked |
| #4 | Austin Peay State University | Clarksville | #24 in the South | Unranked |
Our 2026 ranking -our fifteenth annual- of the top animation school programs in Tennessee.
The criteria we used for the animation rankings consists, in no particular order, of the following: Academic reputation, Employment data, Admission selectivity, Depth and breadth of the program, Value as it relates to tuition and indebtedness, Graduation rate, and Retention rate. For an explanation of ranking criteria, click here.
The Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment (CME) at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is the only college of its kind. With a focus on storytelling, entertainment, and news, the college houses the Department of Media Arts—home to the Animation BS and minor. Both programs allow students to complete a paid internship CME’s own MT IMAGINE Animation Studio, where they can participate in 2D and 3D animation, XR virtual production, and VR/AR projects for real-world clients. Students also have access to state-of-the-art animation and graphics computer labs; the Center for Innovation in Media; and a 40-foot Mobile Production Lab. Program alumni have been hired at places such as DreamWorks, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Sony Pictures Imageworks, Blizzard Entertainment, Digital Domain, Warner Bros. Games, Reel FX, Cinesite, Titmouse, Pixomondo, and Tippett Studio.
The following factors contribute to MTSU's position in Animation Career Review's 2026 animation school rankings.
Academic Peer Recognition: Strong Academic Peer Recognition (Tier 3)
Faculty Size: Mid-Sized Faculty (Tier 3)
Graduate Employment: Moderate Employment Outcomes (Tier 3)
Admissions Selectivity: Moderately Selective (Tier 3)
Average Net Cost: Minimal Average Net Cost (Tier 1)
Student Indebtedness: Low Student Debt (Tier 2)
Graduation Rate: Low Graduation Rate (Tier 5)
First-Year Retention Rate: Moderate First-Year Student Retention (Tier 3)
Ranking Factor Tiers: Tier 1 represents the strongest performance and Tier 5 represents the weakest performance within each ranking factor.
The School of Marketing and Media at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) houses the Department of Digital Media (DIGM). Within the department are several paths to study animation including the DIGM BS, MFA, and minor. The BS has an Animation concentration, the MFA allows students to customize a specialization, and students in the minor can study animation through electives. Other DIGM highlights include individual and collaborative projects; access to state-of-the-art production facilities; and internship opportunities. Programs culminate with a final project and portfolio. Graduates can be found at places such as Disney, Red Storm Entertainment, Deck Nine, and Luma Pictures. Program alumni have also worked on productions and games such as Avatar; Guitar Hero; Lord of the Rings; World of Warcraft; The Last Jedi; Halo 5; The Avengers; and Kung Fu Panda III.
The following factors contribute to ETSU's position in Animation Career Review's 2026 animation school rankings.
Academic Peer Recognition: Strong Academic Peer Recognition (Tier 3)
Faculty Size: Mid-Sized Faculty (Tier 3)
Graduate Employment: Strong Employment Outcomes (Tier 2)
Admissions Selectivity: Accessible (Tier 4)
Average Net Cost: Low-mid Average Net Cost (Tier 2)
Student Indebtedness: Low Student Debt (Tier 2)
Graduation Rate: Low Graduation Rate (Tier 5)
First-Year Retention Rate: Moderate First-Year Student Retention (Tier 3)
Ranking Factor Tiers: Tier 1 represents the strongest performance and Tier 5 represents the weakest performance within each ranking factor.
The George Shinn College of Entertainment and the Arts (CEA) at Lipscomb University houses The Animation Program. Pathways include the BA, BFA and minor. Courses are led by Disney Animators, award-winning independent filmmakers, and experts in industry-standard software. Animation students also benefit from internships at major studios; field trips to places such as Los Angeles and Italy to attend animation events; and opportunities to work with real clients in the CEA’s Imagine House. The BFA program culminates with an Animation Capstone. BA students will complete a final project to graduate. Program alumni are often hired at places such as Pencilish Animation Studios, the Tennessee Titans, and Imagine House.
The following factors contribute to Lipscomb's position in Animation Career Review's 2026 animation school rankings.
Academic Peer Recognition: Strong Academic Peer Recognition (Tier 3)
Faculty Size: Mid-Sized Faculty (Tier 3)
Graduate Employment: Moderate Employment Outcomes (Tier 3)
Admissions Selectivity: Moderately Selective (Tier 3)
Average Net Cost: Moderate Average Net Cost (Tier 3)
Student Indebtedness: Low Student Debt (Tier 2)
Graduation Rate: Fair Graduation Rate (Tier 4)
First-Year Retention Rate: Strong First-Year Student Retention (Tier 2)
Ranking Factor Tiers: Tier 1 represents the strongest performance and Tier 5 represents the weakest performance within each ranking factor.
Austin Peay State University (APSU) is home to the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts (CECA), which hosts more than 75 guest artists and over 100 events each year. APSU also houses the Department of Art and Design, which includes 46,000 square feet of state-of-the-art production studios and classrooms. For animators, the department has an Art BFA program with an Animation and Visual Effects concentration. All students have opportunities to Participate in APSU’s Jackson Alley Film Festival and the 24 Hour Animation Contest for Students. Other program highlights include Student Juried Exhibitions with artistic merit awards; professional internships in Nashville, abroad, or virtually; and faculty-led or exchange programs in locations such as South Korea, London, and Paris. The program culminates with the Animation VFX Portfolio course. Graduates have gone on to establish careers at places such as DreamWorks, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Triggerfish Animation Studios.
The following factors contribute to Austin Peay's position in Animation Career Review's 2026 animation school rankings.
Academic Peer Recognition: Strong Academic Peer Recognition (Tier 3)
Faculty Size: Compact Faculty (Tier 5)
Graduate Employment: Limited Employment Outcomes (Tier 5)
Admissions Selectivity: Highly Accessible (Tier 5)
Average Net Cost: Minimal Average Net Cost (Tier 1)
Student Indebtedness: Moderate Student Debt (Tier 3)
Graduation Rate: Low Graduation Rate (Tier 5)
First-Year Retention Rate: Fair First Year Student Retention (Tier 4)
Ranking Factor Tiers: Tier 1 represents the strongest performance and Tier 5 represents the weakest performance within each ranking factor.
