Best Animation Colleges in California?

I'm a budding animator and California seems to be the hub for animation and film. What are some of the best animation colleges in California where I could hone my skills and prepare for a career in animation?

When considering animation programs in California, a few standout schools come to mind.

CalArts is a top-tier choice with its prestigious Character Animation Program, where several alumni have gone on to work at major animation studios like Disney and Pixar. They have both undergraduate and graduate programs. CalArts endorses a lot of experimental animation and new media too if those fields interest you.

USC's School of Cinematic Arts also has a renowned Animation & Digital Arts Program which blends technical knowledge with artistic skill, boasting alumni that have secured roles at DreamWorks Animation, Nickelodeon, and Pixar.

UCLA’s Animation Workshop within the School of Theater, Film, and Television is no less prestigious. While it offers an MFA degree in Animation, undergraduate students can choose a concentration in Animation as part of the Film, Television, and Digital Media major.

San Jose State University’s ShrunkenHeadMan Animation/Illustration Club is also worth considering. The school's Department of Design offers a BFA in Animation/Illustration, and its alumni can be found at major studios like DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, and Disney.

Finally, it's worth noting the programs at San Francisco's renowned Academy of Art University, which offers both BFA and MFA in Animation & Visual Effects.

Each of these schools have slightly different focuses, so you'll want to research each program to see which aligns best with your career goals and personal interests. As always, remember to also consider the overall cost, location, culture, and other factors that are crucial to your college experience.