2027 Best Value Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects Schools
[Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects](/majors/communications-tech-support/graphic-communications/animation-interactive-technology-video-graphics-and-special-effects/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 156 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects schools.
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Finding the Best Value Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects School for You
Where you study animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects affects both what you pay and what you earn. That is why we built our Best Value Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects Schools ranking. It weighs the cost of a degree against the outcomes graduates go on to achieve, so you can find the strongest return on your investment.
Read more about our methodology
Customizing Your List
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we offer several rankings, including this Best Value Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects Schools list, to help you choose. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.
To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.
See how we build our rankings
2027 Best Value Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects Schools in the United States
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects Schools
Moorpark College earned the #1 spot for value among animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects schools in the United States. Located in the suburb of Moorpark, Moorpark College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,426, compared with $9,615 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates is $17,075. Soon after graduation, animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degree recipients from Moorpark College generally make around $105,599. Set against $17,075 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Middlesex County College earned it the #2 place for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects. Set in the suburb of Edison, Middlesex County College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,764, while out-of-state students pay about $7,356. Typical student debt for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates is $8,525. Soon after graduation, animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degree recipients from Middlesex County College generally make around $20,483. Set against $8,525 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects will find it at Cuny Hunter College, which ranked #3. Located in the city of New York, Cuny Hunter College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,382, while out-of-state students pay about $15,332. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates carry a median of $11,091 in student loans. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of Cuny Hunter College earn a median of $51,372 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Hunter College admits about 54% of applicants.
Joliet Junior College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects, landing the #4 spot this year. Joliet Junior College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Joliet. In-state tuition and fees average $4,530, with out-of-state students paying around $13,800. Students borrow a median of $11,995 to complete the animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects program here. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of Joliet Junior College earn a median of $40,118 early in their careers. Set against $11,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
El Centro College came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best value animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects schools. El Centro College is a very large public school located in the city of Dallas. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,730, while out-of-state students pay about $6,900. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates carry a median of $14,557 in student loans. Early-career animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates make about $41,295. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Santa Monica College ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects schools. Set in the city of Santa Monica, Santa Monica College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,156 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,708. Median earnings reach $42,193 ten years out.
Santa Ana College earned the #7 position for value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Set in the city of Santa Ana, Santa Ana College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,180, compared with $10,756 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,196 to complete the animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects program here. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of Santa Ana College earn a median of $39,633 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,196 median debt.
Florida State College At Jacksonville came in at #8 for value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Located in the city of Jacksonville, Florida State College At Jacksonville is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,657, compared with $9,631 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates is $19,139. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of Florida State College At Jacksonville earn a median of $30,795 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,139 median debt.
College Of The Canyons placed #9 among the best values for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects. Located in the suburb of Santa Clarita, College Of The Canyons is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,166, compared with $10,958 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates is $9,776. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of College Of The Canyons earn a median of $51,913 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,776 median debt.
Pasadena City College placed #10 among the best values for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects. Located in the city of Pasadena, Pasadena City College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,180, compared with $10,924 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,191 to complete the animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects program here. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of Pasadena City College earn a median of $38,841 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,191 median debt.
Lewis And Clark Community College landed the #11 spot for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects value this year. Lewis And Clark Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Godfrey. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,340, while out-of-state students pay about $7,840. Typical student debt for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates is $9,602. Early-career animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates make about $41,313. Set against $9,602 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Moraine Valley Community College landed the #12 spot for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects value this year. Moraine Valley Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Palos Hills. Students from in state pay about $3,822 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,846 for out-of-state students. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates carry a median of $11,149 in student loans. Early-career animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates make about $43,844. Set against $11,149 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Indian River State College came in at #13 for value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Set in the suburb of Fort Pierce, Indian River State College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,764, with out-of-state students paying around $10,201. Typical student debt for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates is $12,500. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of Indian River State College earn a median of $28,874 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
San Joaquin Delta College earned the #14 position for value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. San Joaquin Delta College is a very large public school located in the city of Stockton. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,180, with out-of-state students paying around $9,772. Students borrow a median of $6,382 to complete the animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects program here. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of San Joaquin Delta College earn a median of $65,168 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Hartnell College came in at #15 for value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Located in the city of Salinas, Hartnell College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,404, while out-of-state students pay about $10,398. Typical student debt for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates is $6,000. Soon after graduation, animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degree recipients from Hartnell College generally make around $35,080. Set against $6,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College came in at #16 for value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College is a very large public school located in the city of New York. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,170, compared with $8,050 for out-of-state students. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates carry a median of $8,794 in student loans. Early-career animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates make about $23,319. Set against $8,794 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Victor Valley College came in at #17 for value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Victor Valley College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Victorville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,425, compared with $10,125 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates is $7,995. Soon after graduation, animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degree recipients from Victor Valley College generally make around $37,755. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Antelope Valley College came in at #18 for value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Antelope Valley College is a large public school located in the suburb of Lancaster. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,124, compared with $9,548 for out-of-state students. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates carry a median of $10,729 in student loans. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of Antelope Valley College earn a median of $50,744 early in their careers. Set against $10,729 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Northwest Vista College came in at #19 for value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Set in the city of San Antonio, Northwest Vista College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,412 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,952 for out-of-state students. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates carry a median of $9,189 in student loans. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of Northwest Vista College earn a median of $29,349 early in their careers. Set against $9,189 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Miami Dade College landed the #20 spot for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects value this year. Set in the city of Miami, Miami Dade College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,838, while out-of-state students pay about $9,661. Typical student debt for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates is $11,967. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of Miami Dade College earn a median of $12,448 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Santa Rosa Junior College ranked #21 on our 2027 list of the best value animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects schools. Set in the city of Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa Junior College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,318 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,308 for out-of-state students. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates carry a median of $14,692 in student loans. Soon after graduation, animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degree recipients from Santa Rosa Junior College generally make around $80,047. That is a strong return on a $14,692 median debt.
Kalamazoo Valley Community College came in at #22 for value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Located in the suburb of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Valley Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $4,144 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,094. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates carry a median of $15,525 in student loans. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of Kalamazoo Valley Community College earn a median of $44,198 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,525 median debt.
Norco College earned the #23 position for value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Set in the suburb of Norco, Norco College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,428, compared with $12,498 for out-of-state students. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates carry a median of $8,203 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,206. Set against $8,203 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
San Diego Mesa College came in at #24 for value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Located in the city of San Diego, San Diego Mesa College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,146 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,002 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates is $6,999. Early-career animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates make about $29,852. Set against $6,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Palomar College ranked #25 on our 2027 list of the best value animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects schools. Located in the suburb of San Marcos, Palomar College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,354, while out-of-state students pay about $10,650. Median earnings reach $42,300 ten years out.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects Schools
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects:
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Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects is one of many programs to choose from within the area of study. See all related rankings.
Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 156 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 156 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
