Collage of characters from recent animated movies and games

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

THE HAA ADVANTAGE
A Mentorship-Based Education

At HAA, students experience a one-of-a-kind mentorship-driven education that sets us apart from traditional programs. Unlike other schools where students must work on their projects alone at home, our master-class animation directors are in the room all day, every day, providing real-time support, guidance, and professional feedback.

However, success at HAA is directly tied to your dedication and work ethic. Daily participation, consistent engagement, and a strong commitment to assignments are essential for growth and future job opportunities. Students should be prepared to put in significant effort both during class and through homework to meet the high standards of the industry.

Before enrolling, we encourage students to carefully consider whether they are ready to fully commit to the demands of this program. Those who take full advantage of mentorship, maintain strong attendance, and push themselves to improve daily will see the greatest progress and the strongest career prospects.

Lisa Blanchard

LISA BLANCHARD
Student Success Manager and Admissions
Text: 913-832-6075 | Lisa@HollywoodAnimationAcademy.com

 Contact Lisa in our admissions office to get any answers you need, arrange a campus tour, or request enrollment materials!

2 YEAR CERTIFICATE PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Enrolling for Fall 2025 | Enroll by June 1

  • To be considered for acceptance into Hollywood Animation Academy, students must complete the portfolio review. Intermediate drawing skills are needed to attend our traditional 2 Year Certificate Program. We are now forming a list of students who want to participate in our separate 3D animation-only course path that would not have a drawing requirement. Request our application information to receive an extended list of portfolio guidelines to help you put your samples together.

  • Must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent

  • Understand conversational English

  • Students must also purchase all minimum equipment and supply requirements for homework

MASTERS PROGRAM
Enrolling for Fall 2025 | Enroll by June 1

To qualify for our Masters Program, Students must be graduates of the HAA 2 Year Animation Certificate Program or have advanced skills and a Bachelor’s degree in Animation or higher.

ENROLLMENT | Important Notes

  • Class space is limited. Classes are limited to 12 students. This allows students to receive the coaching attention they need.

  • Students will be enrolled on a first-come, first-serve basis based on class availability and your portfolio review. Register early to secure your spot. We only accept students that we believe have the foundational creative skills to be successful in our program.

  • Hollywood Animation Academy does not give credits toward a degree, our program does not transfer to any other educational institution.

  • Your participation daily and dedication to your assignments is the key to your growth and job acquisition. You should make certain that your attendance at this institution will meet your educational goals.

ONLINE INTRODUCTORY COURSES | Continuous Enrollment

  • We accept students 15 years and older

  • Intermediate drawing skills are needed to attend our Introduction to 2D Animation course. Request our application information to receive an extended list of portfolio guidelines to help you put your samples together.

  • There is no drawing requirement for Introduction to 3D animation.

    Classes are offered throughout the year. Check our calendar for the next course offering or request application information below.

TUITION AND FEES

Hollywood Animation Academy is a private institution that does not offer financial aid or scholarships. This allows us to provide an accelerated career-focused curriculum in just 2 years, without the non-career courses required for federal loan eligibility. We are a state-certified proprietary school in Missouri.

Tuition for the 2-Year Program starting Fall 2025 is $30,000 per year. Payment can be made in two installments of $15,000 each, with the first payment due by July 1, 2025. Payments should be made via wire transfer or ACH, and late payments will incur a 3% penalty on the outstanding tuition. Tuition rates are subject to increase each year.

Because we are a private school, we do not charge a higher tuition rate for out-of-state students. The same course fees and tuition apply to all incoming students.

Due to high demand, we anticipate a waiting list for available seats. If tuition is not paid by the deadline, your seat will not be held.

OTHER COSTS

Students will need to purchase a home computer that meets industry specifications for homework. Minimum requirements include:

  • 32 GB processor

  • RTX 3060 graphics card or higher

  • 22-inch Huion drawing tablet

  • 22-inch side monitor

  • The estimated cost for these items is $2,000. 

PC workstations will be provided at the school for students daily work and they do not need to bring any of their own equipment from home.

Additional software costs include:

  • Autodesk Maya Indie license for $300 (required for homework)

  • ToonBoom licenses (provided for both school and home use)

  • Adobe account (approximately $20 per month for website and software subscription, starting in the final semester)

The total cost of equipment and software, excluding tuition, will not exceed $3,000

VETERAN’S BENEFITS

We may qualify for Veterans' scholarships starting in 2025. For more information, please check with the admissions office to confirm eligibility.

For any further questions or details, please contact our office.

Want to learn more in person? We’d love to host you in an in person or virtual tour of our campus and classrooms.