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2026 Best Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects Associate’s Degree Schools

11 Colleges in the United States
927 Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects Degrees Awarded
$38,034 Avg Early-Career Salary

Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. The schools below stand out for the quality of their animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects programs.

For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 295 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects students pursuing a degree.

What’s on this page:

Best Schools for Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects in the United States

These are the top schools for a associate’s degree in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects, based on student outcomes and program quality.

Top Schools in Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects

1

Lake Washington Institute Of Technology is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects. Set in the suburb of Kirkland, Lake Washington Institute Of Technology is a mid-sized public institution. There were roughly 31 animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects students who graduated with this degree at Lake Washington Institute Of Technology in the most recent data year. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of Lake Washington Institute Of Technology earn a median of $60,000 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $19,695 to complete this degree. Read more about the animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects program at Lake Washington Institute Of Technology

2
College Of Dupage crest
College Of Dupage
Glen Ellyn, IL

College Of Dupage came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects schools. College Of Dupage is a very large public school located in the suburb of Glen Ellyn. There were roughly 20 animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects students who graduated with this degree at College Of Dupage in the most recent data year. Graduates of the animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects program make about $43,025 in their early career. College Of Dupage graduates carry a median of $12,492 in student loans. More information about a degree in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects from College Of Dupage

3

Santa Rosa Junior College is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects, ranking #3. Santa Rosa Junior College is a very large public school located in the city of Santa Rosa. There were roughly 16 animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects students who graduated with this degree at Santa Rosa Junior College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degree from Santa Rosa Junior College earn around $80,047 in the first couple years of their career. Santa Rosa Junior College graduates carry a median of $14,692 in student loans. See the full animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects program report for Santa Rosa Junior College

4
Diablo Valley College crest
Diablo Valley College
Pleasant Hill, CA

Diablo Valley College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects schools. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Pleasant Hill. About 11 animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degrees were awarded at Diablo Valley College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degree recipients from Diablo Valley College generally make around $27,813. Students borrow a median of $9,205 to complete this degree. Read more about the animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects program at Diablo Valley College

5

Milwaukee Area Technical College is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Milwaukee, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a very large public university. About 23 animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degrees were awarded at Milwaukee Area Technical College in the most recent year. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of Milwaukee Area Technical College earn a median of $38,325 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $18,296 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects from Milwaukee Area Technical College

6
Ferris State University crest
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI

Ferris State University came in at #6 for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Ferris State University is a large public school located in the town of Big Rapids. Ferris State University graduates 56% of students within six years. There were roughly 15 animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects students who graduated with this degree at Ferris State University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degree from Ferris State University earn around $30,059 in the first couple years of their career. Ferris State University graduates carry a median of $11,678 in student loans. Get the full animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects details for Ferris State University

7

Middlesex County College came in at #7 for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Located in the suburb of Edison, Middlesex County College is a large public university. About 34 animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degrees were awarded at Middlesex County College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degree recipients from Middlesex County College generally make around $20,483. Typical student debt for the program is $8,525. See the full animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects program report for Middlesex County College

8
El Centro College crest
El Centro College
Dallas, TX

El Centro College earned the #8 position for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Set in the city of Dallas, El Centro College is a very large public institution. El Centro College awarded about 47 animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degree recipients from El Centro College generally make around $41,295. Students borrow a median of $14,557 to complete this degree. Read more about the animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects program at El Centro College

9
Salt Lake Community College crest
Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake City, UT

Salt Lake Community College came in at #9 for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Salt Lake Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Salt Lake City. About 27 animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degrees were awarded at Salt Lake Community College in the most recent year. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of Salt Lake Community College earn a median of $23,932 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $11,375 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects from Salt Lake Community College

10

Mt San Antonio College landed the #10 spot for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Set in the suburb of Walnut, Mt San Antonio College is a very large public institution. Mt San Antonio College awarded about 28 animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degree from Mt San Antonio College earn around $44,391 in the first couple years of their career. Mt San Antonio College graduates carry a median of $9,384 in student loans. Get the full animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects details for Mt San Antonio College

11

Johnson County Community College landed the #11 spot for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Overland Park. Johnson County Community College awarded about 13 animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degrees in the most recent data year. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of Johnson County Community College earn a median of $46,473 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $13,532 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects from Johnson County Community College

12

Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College landed the #12 spot for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. This very large public university is located in the city of New York. About 84 animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degrees were awarded at Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College in the most recent year. Graduates of the animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects program make about $23,319 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $8,794 to complete this degree. Get the full animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects details for Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College

13
Orange Coast College crest
Orange Coast College
Costa Mesa, CA

Orange Coast College came in at #13 for 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. About 16 animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degrees were awarded at Orange Coast College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degree recipients from Orange Coast College generally make around $46,306. Typical student debt for the program is $8,978. Read more about the animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects program at Orange Coast College

14
Santa Monica College crest
Santa Monica College
Santa Monica, CA

Santa Monica College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects schools. Set in the city of Santa Monica, Santa Monica College is a very large public institution. Santa Monica College graduates 81% of students within six years. About 21 animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degrees were awarded at Santa Monica College in the most recent year. Get the full animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects details for Santa Monica College

15
College Of The Canyons crest
College Of The Canyons
Santa Clarita, CA

College Of The Canyons came in at #15 for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Located in the suburb of Santa Clarita, College Of The Canyons is a very large public university. About 21 animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degrees were awarded at College Of The Canyons in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degree recipients from College Of The Canyons generally make around $51,913. Students borrow a median of $9,776 to complete this degree. See the full animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects program report for College Of The Canyons

16

Joliet Junior College placed #16 among the best animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects schools. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Joliet. There were roughly 16 animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects students who graduated with this degree at Joliet Junior College in the most recent data year. Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects graduates of Joliet Junior College earn a median of $40,118 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $11,995. Read more about the animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects program at Joliet Junior College

17

Miami Dade College landed the #17 spot for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Set in the city of Miami, Miami Dade College is a very large public institution. Miami Dade College awarded about 42 animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degree recipients from Miami Dade College generally make around $12,448. Miami Dade College graduates carry a median of $11,967 in student loans. Read more about the animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects program at Miami Dade College

18

Brookdale Community College placed #18 among the best animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects schools. Brookdale Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Lincroft. There were roughly 13 animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects students who graduated with this degree at Brookdale Community College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects program make about $37,374 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $12,651. Read more about the animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects program at Brookdale Community College

19
Pikes Peak Community College crest
Pikes Peak Community College
Colorado Springs, CO

Pikes Peak Community College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects schools. Pikes Peak Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Colorado Springs. Pikes Peak Community College awarded about 26 animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects program make about $25,596 in their early career. Pikes Peak Community College graduates carry a median of $16,066 in student loans. More information about a degree in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects from Pikes Peak Community College

20

Bergen Community College landed the #20 spot for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Set in the suburb of Paramus, Bergen Community College is a large public institution. There were roughly 16 animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects students who graduated with this degree at Bergen Community College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degree from Bergen Community College earn around $51,280 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $17,720 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects from Bergen Community College

21
Santa Barbara City College crest
Santa Barbara City College
Santa Barbara, CA

Santa Barbara City College earned the #21 position for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Set in the city of Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara City College is a large public institution. There were roughly 11 animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects students who graduated with this degree at Santa Barbara City College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degree recipients from Santa Barbara City College generally make around $68,184. Students borrow a median of $21,090 to complete this degree. Get the full animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects details for Santa Barbara City College

22

San Diego Mesa College landed the #22 spot for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Set in the city of San Diego, San Diego Mesa College is a very large public institution. About 92% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 11 animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects students who graduated with this degree at San Diego Mesa College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degree recipients from San Diego Mesa College generally make around $29,852. Typical student debt for the program is $6,999. More information about a degree in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects from San Diego Mesa College

23

Springfield Technical Community College landed the #23 spot for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. This moderately-sized public university is located in the city of Springfield. About 15 animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degrees were awarded at Springfield Technical Community College in the most recent year. Graduates of the animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects program make about $42,457 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $9,707 to complete this degree. See the full animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects program report for Springfield Technical Community College

24
Sacramento City College crest
Sacramento City College
Sacramento, CA

Sacramento City College came in at #24 for animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects this year. Located in the city of Sacramento, Sacramento City College is a very large public university. There were roughly 12 animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects students who graduated with this degree at Sacramento City College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degree recipients from Sacramento City College generally make around $46,522. Students borrow a median of $13,180 to complete this degree. See the full animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects program report for Sacramento City College

25

Front Range Community College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects schools. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Westminster. About 47 animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects degrees were awarded at Front Range Community College in the most recent year. Graduates of the animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects program make about $24,989 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $13,275 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects from Front Range Community College

Rest of the Top 43 Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects Schools

Not far behind, these schools also delivered a strong animation, interactive technology, video graphics & special effects education:

26
Burlington County College crest
Burlington County College
Mount Laurel, NJ
27
Cerritos College crest
Cerritos College
Norwalk, CA
28
Chaffey College crest
Chaffey College
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
29
Academy Of Art University crest
Academy Of Art University
San Francisco, CA
30
Sierra College crest
Sierra College
Rocklin, CA
31
32
33
Northwest Vista College crest
Northwest Vista College
San Antonio, TX
34
35
36
Hartnell College crest
Hartnell College
Salinas, CA
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Other Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects Degree Levels

Looking for a different degree level? Compare Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects rankings across degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects
Bachelor's Degrees in Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects
Master's Degrees in Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects
View All Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects Rankings >

Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 295 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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