Best colleges for animation programs?

I'm a high school junior passionate about animation. I'm looking for colleges with strong animation programs, both in terms of education and industry connections. What schools should I be considering?

If animation is your passion, you have a myriad of college choices that could provide excellent opportunities for you! Here are some schools with strong animation programs that can surely meet your academic and industry expectations:

1. California Institute of the Arts (CalArts): This is renowned for its animation program and it's where many Pixar and Disney artists have been trained. Their curriculum combines practical training and theory, allowing students to create their own world through animation.

2. University of Southern California: The USC School of Cinematic Arts offers both B.A. and B.F.A programs in Animation & Digital Arts. USC has great industry connections due to its location in Los Angeles.

3. Ringling College of Art and Design: Located in Florida, their animation program is considered one of the best in the country. They emphasize storytelling, character performance, and visual language, preparing students for a variety of roles in the animation industry.

4. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD): SCAD offers a B.F.A., M.A., and M.F.A. in Animation. Students have the opportunity to study different types of animation including 2D, 3D, stop motion, and digital modeling.

5. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD): This is another school that's often listed as a top choice for studying animation, particularly if you're interested in artistic, traditional, and experimental forms of animation.

Remember, when considering these schools, you should also look at their course catalogs, faculty, alumni success, facilities, location, and your financial situation to ensure it’s a good match overall. Also, take into consideration opportunities for internships, study abroad programs focused on animation, and partnerships with animation studios or companies.