2024 Best Colleges with Animation, Video Graphics and Special Effects Degrees in the Chicago Area

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  3,658 reviews

Sophomore: Getting registered can be one of the most frustrating and stressful parts of returning to school. As a non-traditional student, I have had experiences at other schools that made me weary of returning. DePaul’s registration and acceptance process was a breeze! Every person that I have encountered at DePaul University has been extremely helpful and supportive. Attending DePaul University has been the best college experience that I have ever had. The staff are knowledgeable and are genuinely interested in helping the student achieve their goals. Overall my experience has been no less than awesome!... Read 3,658 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $31,872

• SAT range 1050-1260

• Elmhurst, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  1,013 reviews

Freshman: I have been loving Elmhurst University ever since I started attending here. I am an international freshman from Nepal, majoring in BS in Computer Science. Currently, I am in my second semester at Elmhurst, and the experience has been amazing. The campus community is small which makes it easier for students to interact with friends. Moreover, the classes are small as well, leading to an amazing teacher-student cooperative learning environment. There are two Starbucks coffee shops on campus - so you can grab your cup of coffee before and after attending a class (I work at both of them, and it has been a great experience). Furthermore, the food in the cafeteria is really good and affordable -- they also provide meal plans and customized dining options. Overall, I have had a very lively experience so far. I would definitely recommend the prospective students out there to have a visit to the campus!... Read 1,013 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $24,018

• SAT range 1000-1220

• Elgin, IL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  720 reviews

Freshman: Elgin Community College (ECC) is a great place to start your college life. Professors here are very kind and knowledgeable and the academics here is pretty great. The only change I would like to see here at ECC is an improvement in Student Life, as the clubs and school events are pretty lack luster here. I will be graduating with my Associates degree next May and I can't wait!... Read 720 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $4,140

• SAT range —

• Palatine, IL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1,014 reviews

Sophomore: Being a part of the Harper College community was a memorable experience. Harper has so many ways to stay involved in school and within your community. They provide so many financial opportunities for students who are in need. Personally, Harper has helped me a lot with school and has allowed me thrive academically. The professors at Harper are also very friendly and understanding. If i could stay at Harper longer, I definitely would!... Read 1,014 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,112

• SAT range —

• Grayslake, IL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  1,051 reviews

Sophomore: A lot of great Professors and resources, but the college success seminar that's mandatory is not very helpful, and the advisors are overworked. Most of the students here are kind and the Grayslake Campus is pretty nice. They got new chairs this past year and they're great! There are a lot of places that could be added onto the tour that they do, because I remember going on one and I didn't know that they had study rooms and music practice rooms until my 4th semester here.... Read 1,051 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,486

• SAT range —

• Des Plaines, IL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  575 reviews

Graduate Student: My educational and career path has been greatly aided by Oakton Community College. It gave me a strong foundation and priceless experiences that have formed my goals. Going to a community college was the best choice I made. I was fortunate to get a well-rounded education while attending Oakton Community College. The college is well known for its academic offerings, committed professors, and multicultural student body. I gained a comprehensive grasp of my topic of study, and it also assisted me in sharpening vital skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. Oakton provided me with a supportive environment and many resources. I remember the panic about choosing a college after finishing High School. As the first person to attend college in America, I needed more knowledge about college and someone to guide me through this process.... Read 575 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,143

• SAT range —

• Palos Hills, IL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  922 reviews

Freshman: For starters; the Palos Hills Campus is beautiful; with impeccable landscaping and scenic views…It’s better than your average 2 yr college. This location has a lot to offer in regards to student life and the staff seemed professional and friendly for the most part! I got a late start in the registration process but I was able to navigate fairly easily to get started on time for the fall semester. The college is diverse when it comes to the student enrollment, and as a minority student, I didn’t feel any bias concerning race etc. The staff especially in the Liberal Arts Department, which is my field of study…was very kind, and helpful. In regards to the things I didn’t like?…I wish they had dorm rooms so I could live on campus Lol! But the staff in the bookstore seemed a bit rude and disorganized! There were only two lines open and our cashier left her station leaving us hang out in line as other students in the other line were served before us. Overall, I would recommend. 2 thumbs up.... Read 922 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $1,831

• SAT range —

• Naperville, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  907 reviews

Junior: Great experience so far. I enjoy the connection I have With the professors. The campus is easy to navigate. My experience right now is better than my previous college. I don’t mind taking 4 courses. I wish it was closer to home but I don’t mind traveling to school. I haven’t tried the campus food or delis yet cause my classes are in the evening. It’s also easy to reach out to ask any sort of questions. There’s a campus safety center, and the campus is actually beautiful. I planned on graduating 2025 and I believe my experience will definitely be way better. Something I’d change is the process of actually applying and register to classes were very complicated. If there was a better system for things like that, I’d definitely would like that for everyone else’s experience. The complicated process actually discourage me to even continue with the process. Other than that, everything is good so far and I’m enjoying my attendance at this school!... Read 907 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $26,207

• SAT range 1030-1230

• Glen Ellyn, IL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  1,681 reviews

Sophomore: Overall, the college is great! I was terrified to go to college but I've been fortunate to have good professors and a welcoming environment that made the transition easier! I truly wish they would make it a 4-year school considering its size and creditability. The only complaint I would have is with the cashier and financial aid offices, as they are not very helpful and tend to make you run around in circles to get any questions answered.... Read 1,681 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,440

• SAT range —

• Chicago, IL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  702 reviews

Sophomore: Harold Washington is really great! My professors have been awesome and the education is pretty quality, not to mention the school has so much free help. City Colleges of Chicago has campuses all over the city, but I chose Harold Washington for its primo downtown location. You can have lunch by the river and hang around downtown in between classes. It’s also easy to get to with public transportation!... Read 702 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $4,068

• SAT range —

• Chicago Heights, IL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  454 reviews

Sophomore: Overall, I've had a positive experience at prairie state college so far. While there have been some challenges along the way, I've learned a lot and grown as a person. I've had some amazing teachers who have inspired me to pursue my passions and have helped me develop my skills. I've also made some great friends from clubs I joined and community services I rendered. Of course, there have been some difficult moments too, such as when I struggled with a particular subject or had to deal with drama among my peers. But I've learned from those experiences and have come out stronger as a result. All in all, I'm grateful for the opportunities and experiences that college has given me."... Read 454 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,059

• SAT range —

• Joliet, IL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  971 reviews

Alum: My professors were all very helpful, and I took many of my classes online. I did have communication issues, sometimes getting no / late responses regarding assignment questions while taking online classes, but taking classes in person was great!... Read 971 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,304

• SAT range —

• Chicago, IL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  272 reviews

Alum: Kennedy King represented diversity and inclusion throughout all departments during my time pursuing an associates in Natural Science. I was a returning student looking to complete my associates and then transfer to a 4 year college to complete my bachelors. Transfer resources were great. Additional support from the business, academic, and advising department were excellent. Student body was authentic with people from all backgrounds and age groups. The online portal and web platforms ran smoothly with timely notifications for when things did not. Loaner laptops available along with essentially any assistance to provide schooling materials. Happy to be a grad from here and would 100% recommend... Read 272 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,313

• SAT range —

• Crystal Lake, IL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  498 reviews

Other: I enjoyed my time at MCC, it is a smart way to save money especially if your thinking about attending a university and you just want to get your pre requisites for you major. If you just want to get a degree and start your major by saving your money it’s the way to go. If you want the full college experience from the start and you can afford the cost it might not be for you. Overall it’s a great community college and I learned a lot!... Read 498 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,816

• SAT range —

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  2,756 reviews

Sophomore: I love the diversity, acceptance and creativity found everywhere at Columbia! My innovative major-Contemporary, Jazz and Popular-music allows me to combine jazz studies, performance, production and composition while playing in a wide range of showcase ensembles and independent bands. My instructors all work in their fields and provide hands-on opportunities. As a freshman I was able to work in the field -- rearranging new music for a musical theater project with a composer out of LA-- and get paid due to an internship with a professor. We have wonderful guest artists and composers on campus for workshops and more every semester.A lot of amazing opportunities exist if you are open to them due to the thriving city of Chicago and strong connections/programs in LA. It is a school for artists and creatives from around the world that deserves better rankings on Niche, rankings more in keeping with the kudos it gets from Hollywood Reporter for its music and film programs!... Read 2,756 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $25,262

• SAT range —

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  130 reviews

Niche User: When I enter the little Academy for a meeting to apply I see myself as soon to become a first year student in the academy it's small and has about every Art school I will be needing though Words I say "Not judging the book by it's cover." It's indeed the perfect school I find fitting for myself to go in, meeting the staff and the student coming into the Academy with great inspiration Major for their future career, I believe this College is just for me to be in.... Read 130 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $22,406

• SAT range —