The Best Animation Programs?

<p>Now, this question may have been asked before, but, here we go-- </p>

<p>After researching quite a bit online, I have yet to find a good comparison to the animation programs offered by several different colleges. They list what courses they have and some students' work, but not the feel for what the programs really offer. Ringling, CCAD, RISD, MICA, CaLArt, CIA, SAIC, SCAD, Kent, and Columbia College of Chicago (among many others) are some of the colleges that I've looked at. I'd love to visit them all, but sadly the buckeye state doesn't have many of these colleges at home. </p>

<p>So, what are the animation programs like at some of these colleges? Workload, staff experience, job placement, up-to-date-ness of technology, ect.
And what are the overall experiences of the colleges themselves? Available scholarships, difficulty of entrance, atmosphere, other positive/negative factors, ect.</p>

<p>I myself am (mostly) split between technological (like programming) and artistic skill sets, so an art college might not be the best fit for me (although it seems the most valuable animation programs seem to be in more artsy colleges). I have great grades and a good ACT, although my portfolio, in my opinion, needs the most work. My biggest concerns for picking a college is the price (student loans really undermine my resolve to pick a college), housing (which is not always covered by scholarships, so loans), and if the education at a certain college is worth it all.</p>

<p>I know there is no such thing as "the best" program-- it all depends on the individual. I'm just asking for experiences in these areas to really see what would make a good fit. Any help at all is greatly appreciated!</p>