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Veda Burman Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist
Masters in Animation in USA is a globally recognized program, offered in 1-2 years. The animation sector is experiencing rapid growth, with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting an 8% increase in job opportunities for animators and special effects artists between 2022 and 2032. For admission to the program, universities expect a GPA of 2.5 to 3 on a 4.0 scale (79-85%) in your bachelor’s degree.
The tuition fees for MS in Animation in USA ranges between 11,220 USD to over 61,000 USD (9.66 to 52.55 lakhs INR) annually. However, you may avail various scholarships in USA for Indian students to fully or partially cover these high expenses. Graduates of MS in Animation in USA benefit from diverse career opportunities and also earn competitive salaries. Currently, the average salary for an Animator in the USA is 71,800 USD (61.85 lakhs INR).
Also Check: High Paying Jobs in USA
Top Universities for Masters in Animation in USA
The USA is home to numerous universities offering Masters in Animation and Computer Graphics. Some of the top universities for Masters in Animation and VFX in USA are listed below:
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | University | Course | Tuition Cost in USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| #42 | University of California, Los Angeles | Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television, Area: Animation | 11,220 |
| #=89 | Purdue University | MS in Computer Graphics Technology - Animation | 28,794 |
| #125 | University of Southern California | MFA in Animation and Digital Arts | 55,320 |
| #154 | Texas A&M University | MFA in Visualization | 11,571.80 |
| #208 | Ohio State University | MFA in Design (Digital Animation and Interactive Media) | 46,832 |
| #=293 | University of Arizona | MFA in Art - 3D and Extended Media | 34,100 |
| #=596 | University of Texas - Dallas | MFA in Art, Technology, and Emerging Communication - Animation | 21,946 |
| #661-670 | The City University of New York | MFA in Cinema Arts - Digital Animation & Visual Effects | 25,650 |
| #791-800 | University of Kentucky | MFA in Art Studio - Animation and Virtual Reality | 18,119 |
| #1001-1200 | Rochester Institute of Technology | MFA in Film and Animation | 59,102 |
| #1401+ | California State University - Long Beach | MFA in Studio Art (Illustration/ Animation) | 18,400 |
| - | Pratt Institute | MFA in Digital Arts - Digital Animation and Motion Arts | 61,740 |
| - | DePaul University | MA in Animation | 22,920 |
| - | New York Institute of Technology | MFA in Digital Art and Design Animation | 48,600 |
| - | Academy of Art University | MFA in Animation and Visual Effects | 42,210 |
| - | California State University - Northridge | MA in Visual Arts - Animation | 32,043 |
| - | School of the Art Institute of Chicago | MFA in Studio - Film, Video, New Media and Animation | 57,780 |
| - | Fairleigh Dickinson University | MA in Animation | 31,980 |
| - | Lynn University | MFA in Visual Effects Animation | 27,000 |
Also Explore: Cost of Living in USA
Why Study Masters in Animation in USA?
USA is the home to international students due to the advanced infrastructure and teaching methods of the country. Students prefer MS in Animation in USA due to some of the following reasons:
- Growing Job Opportunities: In USA, employment of special effects artists and animators is projected to grow 8% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations, with 96,600 job openings by 2032.
- Annual Job Growth: About 9,400 openings for special effects artists and animators are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
- Lucrative Salary: An Animator in the USA earns an average salary of 71,800 USD (61.85 lakhs INR) per year with an average salary growth rate of 23% in the first 2-5 years.
Remember! Consumer demand will continue for more realistic video games, film, and television special effects, and three-dimensional movies, thus leading to an increasing demand for Animation courses in the USA.
Masters in Animation in USA Admissions
The admission process for an MS in computer graphics in USA involves various eligibility criteria and document requirements. The details of applying for a Masters in Animation in USA are provided here.
Eligibility Criteria for Masters in Animation in USA
The eligibility criteria of each university or college for a Master in Animation in USA are distinct and slightly different from each other. The general admission requirements and supporting documents for admission to MS in animation in USA are listed below:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Official academic transcripts
- An average minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3 on a 4.0 scale (79-85%)
- English proficiency test score
- TOEFL iBT: 80-100
- IELTS: 6.5 or above
- Personal statement
- Multiple LORs
- Real or portfolio
- CV
US Student Visa Application
International students require a US student visa for admission to any master's program in a US university. US student visas can be categorized into 3 types, F, M, and J visas, based on the type of program and duration of stay in USA. The general application requirements for a US student visa are listed below:
- Completed admission form
- Academic transcripts
- Payment receipt of the admission form
- LOR for USA
- Personal essay
- Statement of intent
- Copy of passport
- Scores of standardized exams to study in USA.
Scholarships for Master in Animation in USA
To help reduce the cost of pursuing a Master’s in Animation in the USA, many universities offer various scholarships to study in USA international students. Additionally, various organizations provide both need-based and merit-based scholarships specifically for international students. The table below highlights some of the most popular scholarships available in the USA.
To ease the cost of studying Masters in Animation in USA, several universities offer scholarships and other financial aid to international students. Furthermore, various organizations provide international students with need-based and merit-based. The following table consists of some of the most popular scholarships for international students in the USA.
| Scholarships | Eligibility | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program | Indian students having 5 years of professional experience | Tuition, living costs, health insurance, travel costs, and a monthly stipend |
| Obama Foundation Scholars Program | International students making a difference in society, the public sector, and the private sector | Tuition fee, book and coursework funding, monthly stipend |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation, Scholarships | Meritorious Indian students completing the UG program | Full tuition fee waiver, living expenses, and one-way travel cost |
| PEO International Peace Scholarship For Women | Women pursuing graduate programs in USA | 12,500 USD |
| National Overseas Scholarship | Graduate students in USA with at least 55% aggregate in UG | Tuition, living costs, and miscellaneous expenses |
Masters in Animation in USA Placements
Animators in USA currently earn an average salary of 71,800 USD (61.85 lakhs INR) per year. Some popular jobs after Masters in Animation in USA and their corresponding salaries are as follows:
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Equivalent Salary for Indians (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Audio and Video Equipment Technician | 56,800 | 48.93 lakhs |
| Creative Designer | 73,700 | 63.49 lakhs |
| Artist | 75,600 | 65.13 lakhs |
| Art Manager | 97,500 | 84 lakhs |
| AI Advertising Analyst | 101,000 | 87 lakhs |
| Broadcast Administrator | 102,000 | 87.88 lakhs |
| Content and Media Production Lead | 109,000 | 93.91 lakhs |
| Advertising Account Manager | 115,000 | 99.08 lakhs |
| Creative Content Strategist | 117,000 | 1 crore |
| Advertising Manager | 151,000 | 1.30 crore |
Pursuing a Master’s in Animation in the USA opens up a world of opportunities for aspiring animators and visual effects artists. Graduates benefit from diverse career paths, lucrative salaries, and access to innovative industries like film, gaming, and digital media. With globally recognized programs, advanced facilities, and a growing demand for skilled professionals, the USA is a top destination for animation studies.
FAQs
Ques. What are the top universities for a Master’s in Animation in the USA?
Ans. Some of the top universities for a Master’s in Animation in the USA include the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Purdue University, University of Southern California (USC), and Texas A&M University. These institutions offer specialized programs in animation and computer graphics, with tuition fees ranging from 11,220 USD to 61,740 USD annually.
Ques. What is the job outlook for animators in the USA?
Ans. The job outlook for animators in the USA is promising, with an 8% growth projected between 2022 and 2032. This growth is driven by increasing demand for video games, special effects in films, and 3D media, resulting in approximately 9,400 job openings annually.
Ques. What are the average salaries for animation professionals in the USA?
Ans. Animation professionals in the USA earn competitive salaries, with an average annual salary of 71,800 USD (61.85 lakhs INR). Roles like Art Manager, Creative Content Strategist, and Advertising Manager can earn significantly higher, with salaries exceeding 100,000 USD annually.
Ques. Are scholarships available for international students pursuing animation in the USA?
Ans. Yes, scholarships such as the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship and the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship are available for international students. These scholarships offer benefits like tuition waivers, living expenses, and travel allowances, making it more affordable to study in the USA.
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