2027 Best Value Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

[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 24 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects schools.
What’s on this page:
2027 Best Value Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region
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
Middlesex County College tops our 2027 list of the best value animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects schools in the Middle Atlantic Region. Located in the suburb of Edison, Middlesex County College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,764 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,356. Students borrow a median of $8,525 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 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 #2. Set in the city of New York, Cuny Hunter College is a very large public institution. 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. Early-career animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates make about $51,372. That is a strong return on a $11,091 median debt. The acceptance rate is 54%.
Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects, landing the #3 spot this year. Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College is a very large public school located in the city of New York. In-state tuition and fees average $5,170, while out-of-state students pay about $8,050. Students borrow a median of $8,794 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 Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College generally make around $23,319. Set against $8,794 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cuny Hostos Community College earned it the #4 place for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects. Located in the city of Bronx, Cuny Hostos Community College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,254, with out-of-state students paying around $8,134. Students borrow a median of $9,007 to complete the animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects program here. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of Cuny Hostos Community College earn a median of $10,309 early in their careers. Set against $9,007 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 Niagara County Community College, which ranked #5. Set in the rural area of Sanborn, Niagara County Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,894, with out-of-state students paying around $12,030. Students borrow a median of $13,970 to complete the animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects program here. Early-career animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates make about $36,258. Set against $13,970 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Lehigh Carbon Community College came in at #6 for value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Lehigh Carbon Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Schnecksville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,280, while out-of-state students pay about $13,270. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates carry a median of $14,450 in student loans. Soon after graduation, animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degree recipients from Lehigh Carbon Community College generally make around $39,957. Set against $14,450 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Bergen Community College ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects schools. Bergen Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Paramus. In-state tuition and fees average $4,913, with out-of-state students paying around $9,294. Typical student debt for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates is $17,720. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of Bergen Community College earn a median of $51,280 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,720 median debt.
University Of Baltimore placed #8 among the best values for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects. University Of Baltimore is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Baltimore. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $23,984. Students borrow a median of $29,681 to complete the animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects program here. Early-career animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates make about $56,837. Set against $29,681 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Baltimore admits about 79% of applicants.
Brookdale Community College placed #9 among the best values for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects. Brookdale Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Lincroft. In-state tuition and fees average $6,270, compared with $10,140 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates is $12,651. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of Brookdale Community College earn a median of $37,374 early in their careers. Set against $12,651 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Montclair State University landed the #10 spot for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects value this year. Located in the suburb of Montclair, Montclair State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,912, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates carry a median of $25,286 in student loans. Soon after graduation, animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degree recipients from Montclair State University generally make around $44,369. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Morgan State University came in at #11 for value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Located in the city of Baltimore, Morgan State University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,229, compared with $19,124 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates is $31,000. Early-career animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates make about $24,843. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
Suny College Of Technology At Alfred came in at #12 for value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Set in the rural area of Alfred, Suny College Of Technology At Alfred is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,892, with out-of-state students paying around $16,837. Typical student debt for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates is $27,000. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of Suny College Of Technology At Alfred earn a median of $21,373 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Suny College Of Technology At Alfred admits about 76% of applicants.
Suny College At Oswego landed the #13 spot for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects value this year. Set in the town of Oswego, Suny College At Oswego is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,825, while out-of-state students pay about $18,735. Typical student debt for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates is $25,163. Early-career animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates make about $41,899. That is a strong return on a $25,163 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%.
New Jersey Institute Of Technology earned the #14 position for value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Set in the city of Newark, New Jersey Institute Of Technology is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $19,974 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $37,664. Typical student debt for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates is $25,875. Soon after graduation, animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degree recipients from New Jersey Institute Of Technology generally make around $39,134. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 65%.
William Paterson University Of New Jersey landed the #15 spot for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects value this year. Set in the suburb of Wayne, William Paterson University Of New Jersey is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,704, while out-of-state students pay about $25,344. Typical student debt for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates is $25,644. Early-career animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates make about $46,981. Set against $25,644 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
Fashion Institute Of Technology came in at #16 for value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Set in the city of New York, Fashion Institute Of Technology is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,174, compared with $22,696 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,875 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 Fashion Institute Of Technology generally make around $12,261. That is a strong return on a $19,875 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted.
Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham landed the #17 spot for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects value this year. Set in the suburb of Madison, Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,468. Typical student debt for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates is $24,701. Early-career animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates make about $53,216. That is a strong return on a $24,701 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.
Point Park University earned the #18 position for value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Point Park University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pittsburgh. Students from in state pay about $39,570 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates is $28,323. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of Point Park University earn a median of $40,759 early in their careers. Set against $28,323 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.
Rochester Institute Of Technology ranked #19 on our 2027 list of the best value animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects schools. Set in the suburb of Rochester, Rochester Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $59,210 in tuition and fees. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degree recipients from Rochester Institute Of Technology generally make around $32,044. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted.
New York University came in at #20 for value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Set in the city of New York, New York University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $62,796 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates is $21,897. Soon after graduation, animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degree recipients from New York University generally make around $64,516. Set against $21,897 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%.
Drexel University earned the #21 position for value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,412. Typical student debt for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates is $28,838. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of Drexel University earn a median of $31,790 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $28,838 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%.
Maryland Institute College Of Art came in at #22 for value in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Maryland Institute College Of Art is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Baltimore. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,800. Typical student debt for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates is $27,000. Early-career animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates make about $37,067. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Maryland Institute College Of Art admits about 77% of applicants.
Pratt Institute Main ranked #23 on our 2027 list of the best value animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects schools. Pratt Institute Main is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Brooklyn. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,845. Typical student debt for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates is $26,724. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of Pratt Institute Main earn a median of $20,048 early in their careers. Set against $26,724 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Pratt Institute Main admits about 73% of applicants.
School Of Visual Arts ranked #24 on our 2027 list of the best value animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects schools. Set in the city of New York, School Of Visual Arts is a mid-sized private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $51,400 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects graduates is $27,000. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of School Of Visual Arts earn a median of $22,478 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
Narrow Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects Schools by State
More Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects Rankings
View All Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects 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 · 24 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 24 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.