2027 Best Value Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects Schools in California
[Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects](/majors/communications-tech-support/graphic-communications/animation-interactive-technology-video-graphics-and-special-effects/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 48 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects schools.
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2027 Best Value Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects Schools in California
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects Schools
Our analysis ranked Moorpark College the best value for a degree in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects in California. Set in the suburb of Moorpark, Moorpark College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,426, while out-of-state students pay about $9,615. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates carry a median of $17,075 in student loans. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of Moorpark College earn a median of $105,599 early in their careers. Set against $17,075 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #2 makes Santa Monica College one of the best values for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects. Santa Monica College is a very large public school located in the city of Santa Monica. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,156, compared with $10,708 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,193.
Students looking for strong value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects will find it at Santa Ana College, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Santa Ana, Santa Ana College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,180 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,756. Typical student debt for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates is $11,196. Early-career animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates make about $39,633. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects will find it at College Of The Canyons, which ranked #4. College Of The Canyons is a very large public school located in the suburb of Santa Clarita. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,166, while out-of-state students pay about $10,958. Typical student debt for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates is $9,776. Early-career animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates make about $51,913. That is a strong return on a $9,776 median debt.
Hartnell College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Salinas, Hartnell College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,404, while out-of-state students pay about $10,398. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates carry a median of $6,000 in student loans. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of Hartnell College earn a median of $35,080 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
San Joaquin Delta College placed #6 among the best values for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects. Set in the city of Stockton, San Joaquin Delta College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,180 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,772. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates carry a median of $6,382 in student loans. Soon after graduation, animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degree recipients from San Joaquin Delta College generally make around $65,168. Set against $6,382 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Victor Valley College earned the #7 position 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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,425, while out-of-state students pay about $10,125. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates carry a median of $7,995 in student loans. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of Victor Valley College earn a median of $37,755 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $7,995 median debt.
Pasadena City College placed #8 among the best values for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects. Pasadena City College is a very large public school located in the city of Pasadena. Students from in state pay about $1,180 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,924. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Antelope Valley College landed the #9 spot for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects value this year. Antelope Valley College is a large public school located in the suburb of Lancaster. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,124, with out-of-state students paying around $9,548. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates carry a median of $10,729 in student loans. Soon after graduation, animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degree recipients from Antelope Valley College generally make around $50,744. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Norco College ranked #10 on our 2027 list of the best value animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects schools. Located in the suburb of Norco, Norco College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,428 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,498. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates carry a median of $8,203 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,206 ten years after entry. Set against $8,203 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Palomar College came in at #11 for value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Set in the suburb of San Marcos, Palomar College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,354 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,650 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,300.
Santa Rosa Junior College earned the #12 position for value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Set in the city of Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa Junior College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,318, with out-of-state students paying around $11,308. Students borrow a median of $14,692 to complete the animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects program here. Early-career animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates make about $80,047. Set against $14,692 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
San Diego Mesa College placed #13 among the best values for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects. Located in the city of San Diego, San Diego Mesa College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,146, compared with $10,002 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates is $6,999. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of San Diego Mesa College earn a median of $29,852 early in their careers. Set against $6,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Chaffey College came in at #14 for value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Located in the suburb of Rancho Cucamonga, Chaffey College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,184, compared with $11,120 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates is $6,952. Soon after graduation, animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degree recipients from Chaffey College generally make around $23,532. Set against $6,952 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Allan Hancock College landed the #15 spot for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects value this year. Allan Hancock College is a large public school located in the city of Santa Maria. Students from in state pay about $1,156 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,892 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,786 ten years after entry.
Fullerton College came in at #16 for value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Located in the suburb of Fullerton, Fullerton College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,151, compared with $12,379 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $43,366 ten years out.
Mt San Antonio College earned the #17 position for value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Mt San Antonio College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Walnut. Students from in state pay about $1,364 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,464. Students borrow a median of $9,384 to complete the animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects program here. Soon after graduation, animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degree recipients from Mt San Antonio College generally make around $44,391. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
De Anza College ranked #18 on our 2027 list of the best value animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects schools. Set in the city of Cupertino, De Anza College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,571, while out-of-state students pay about $12,596. Students borrow a median of $7,271 to complete the animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects program here. Median earnings reach $56,596 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Sacramento City College earned the #19 position for value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Sacramento City College is a very large public school located in the city of Sacramento. In-state tuition and fees average $1,288, while out-of-state students pay about $12,616. Students borrow a median of $13,180 to complete the animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects program here. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of Sacramento City College earn a median of $46,522 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,180 median debt.
Orange Coast College came in at #20 for value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Set in the city of Costa Mesa, Orange Coast College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,392, while out-of-state students pay about $11,640. Typical student debt for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates is $8,978. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of Orange Coast College earn a median of $46,306 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
City College Of San Francisco earned the #21 position for value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Located in the city of San Francisco, City College Of San Francisco is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,696, compared with $14,656 for out-of-state students. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates carry a median of $10,332 in student loans. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of City College Of San Francisco earn a median of $100,031 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,332 median debt.
Mt San Jacinto Community College District placed #22 among the best values for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects. Located in the suburb of San Jacinto, Mt San Jacinto Community College District is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,448, with out-of-state students paying around $12,728. Students borrow a median of $8,770 to complete the animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects program here. Early-career animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates make about $37,488. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Diablo Valley College landed the #23 spot for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects value this year. Set in the suburb of Pleasant Hill, Diablo Valley College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,312 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,320 for out-of-state students. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates carry a median of $9,205 in student loans. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of Diablo Valley College earn a median of $27,813 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Sierra College placed #24 among the best values for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects. Sierra College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Rocklin. In-state tuition and fees average $1,446. Typical student debt for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates is $12,733. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of Sierra College earn a median of $29,214 early in their careers. Set against $12,733 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
American River College came in at #25 for value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Located in the suburb of Sacramento, American River College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,288 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,616 for out-of-state students. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates carry a median of $14,105 in student loans. Soon after graduation, animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degree recipients from American River College generally make around $76,077. Set against $14,105 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Rest of the Top 48 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:
More Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects Rankings
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced 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 · 48 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 48 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.
