Video Game Artist Salary for 2024
Table of Contents
- Game Artist salary: Overview
- Game Artist salary: Factors
- Game Artist salary: Details
- Other factors that affect Artist salary
- Demand for Game Artists
- Should I become a Game Artist?
When I started playing video games way back in the 1970’s, the “art” was pretty terrible. A game’s screen could only show a few colors at a time. Often, the “character” you were playing was little more than a colored square. Games were so simple that it was common for a single developer to do everything by herself – all the design, all the coding, and all the art.
Over the years, that changed. Gaming systems grew more powerful, exploding from two dimensions into three-dimensions in full color. At the same time, the video game artist’s job became too much for one person to handle. Now, the job that was once done by a single artist has split into many different art specialties. Each one has its own tools and techniques that take a lifetime to master. But when it comes to the paycheck, not all art jobs are created equal.
How much do video game artists make? And how much could you make as a game artist?
Video Game Artist Salary: Overview
If you’re considering a career in game art, understand that there are many different types of art jobs. What kind of art speaks to you? Are you drawn to 3D modeling? Or do you prefer breathing life into characters as an animator? Maybe you love the exploration and architectural focus of environment art? Each has its own job title, support community, and salary range.
Before we dig into the details, here’s a quick overview: Game artist salaries start around USD$35,000 annually for entry-level art positions. They can grow to as much as $90,000 per year, even higher for senior or lead positions. So, how is game artist pay determined?
Game Artist Salary: Factors
Like most jobs, game artist salaries are based on years of experience, areas of expertise, and whether there’s a “lead” or a “senior” in the job title. The more experience you have, the more you’re likely to get paid.
One of the challenges of being an artist is finding a job at a game studio that fits your particular art style. Do you excel at a colorful anime art style, but you work at a company that requires gritty, sepia-tinted first-person shooter art? If so, you may find that you hit a “glass ceiling.” You might be able to make more money at a company that values your anime style. So finding a company that’s a strong match for your skills and style is important.
Game Artist Salary: Details
Okay, let’s take a look at the numbers in detail. These figures are from three sources: GlassDoor.com, Game Developer Magazine’s annual salary survey, and my own experience working with artists in the game industry.
One way to break down the numbers is to look at experience. Here are the average salaries for game artists with various years of experience.
| Under 3 Years | 3-6 Years | 6+ Years |
|---|---|---|
| Game Artist / Animator | ||
| $55,000 | $65,000 | $93,000 |
| Lead Artist / Tech Artist | ||
| N/A | $71,000 | $105,000 |
| Art Director | ||
| N/A | N/A | $110,000 |
Note that there isn’t data for Lead Artists or Art Directors until they have three to six years’ experience. That’s because artists need several years of on-the-job experience before they’ll be promoted into leadership positions.
Another way to break down the numbers is to look at each game artist salary based on job title. This can be more useful because it gives a salary range. It also shows the differences between various areas of art expertise, rather than lumping them all together under one job title.
| Low/year | High/year |
| Game Artist (Generalist) | |
| $40,000 | $95,000 |
| Concept Artist | |
| $45,000 | $100,000 |
| Character Artist | |
| $45,000 | $110,000 |
| Environment Artist | |
| $62,000 | $120,000 |
| Technical Artist | |
| $40,000 | $138,000 |
| Character Animator | |
| $45,000 | $100,000 |
| 2D Artist | |
| $37,000 | $75,000 |
Other Factors That Affect Game Artist Salary
The numbers above are averages from many hundreds of artist salaries, so they’re generalized. In practice, there are other factors that can affect how much each artist is paid:
- Company or studio size. Larger companies usually have bigger project budgets, which allows them to pay their game artists higher salaries. For example, GlassDoor.com shows that some concept artists at Riot Games are being paid as much as $200,000/year. That’s nearly double the top-range artist salary at most other game studios.
- Stylistic fit. Most artists have particular styles they excel at. While a great artist may be able to simulate other styles, it certainly slows them down. If you can get into a studio that’s a strong match for an art style you can do well and quickly, your earning potential will increase.
- Ability to specialize. Or to generalize… Smaller game teams place more value on artists who can work in many different art styles and roles. They don’t require their artists to be great at everything. But they do want artists who are able to pick up any work that may be needed. On the other hand, larger teams tend to value artists who are highly specialized in one area, and can consistently do high-quality, expert-level work. Finding the right team and studio that values your generalist or specialist skill set is important.
Demand for Game Artists
The game industry is a boom-and-bust business. Unfortunately, it’s often the art jobs that are hit the hardest during “bust” cycles. It can be particularly devastating when a big company like Zynga lays off dozens of artists, because they all go looking for new jobs at the same time.
Fortunately, games can’t be made without art. Many companies are willing to hire artists on a contract basis until the boom cycle starts again. The chart below shows the demand for game artists, based on the number of monthly job postings that include “video game artist” in their description at Indeed.com (a job-posting aggregator).
This approach can give false positives. For example, a job posting might actually be for a Game Designer, but it would show up in the data if it mentioned “must work well with artists.” But that’s okay for our purposes. We’re interested in the trends, not the absolute numbers.
This chart shows that demand for game artists has some serious ups and downs, but is steadily increasing over time.
Should I Become A Game Artist?
Are you passionate about making games? Are you unable to remember a time when you didn’t draw or paint whenever you got the chance? Then you might just love making art for games. Few artists outside of games get a chance to have their work brought to life by an army of designers and programmers. And there’s nothing like seeing a player become totally immersed in the environments or characters that you built with your own hands.
*Salary figures are in US dollars.
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Image: David Castillo/freedigitalphotos
Sources: Glassdoor.com | Gamasutra.com | Indeed.com
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This is very resourceful information. I’m trying to get a grasp on this because it’s something I’m very interested in and no one seems to understand it. I’m twenty years old, nearly finished my Bachelor of Arts is History and I’m dead set on becoming an artist in the gaming industry.
I’m having trouble finding a school with the proper credentials and teachings that’ll enable me to work successfully. I’ve had a lot of negative responses from family/friends etc. but this is a more sensible break down of the realities and I thank you for it. I’m already an artist and I know I’m naturally talented at anything creative so I feel this not only would suit me professionally, but make me extremely happy.
Any advice on what schools to attend to qualify for this? I’m interested in all of it (and still trying to decide if I should do 2D, 3D or both).
Hi Felicia. Unfortunately, it’s common for parents and peers to not really understand video games, or the video game industry. Most people don’t understand that it’s a multi-billion dollar industry with thousands of jobs, many of them very high-paying compared to the average.
I don’t recommend one school over another on this website – you’ll have to do your research, ask around, contact some schools to get more information and make your decision. But if you definitely have a passion for game art and you’re good at it, then any art school that focuses on art for games or interactive media should prepare you for a job in the game industry.
While it’s important to become comfortable with 2D art techniques, its absolutely critical that you focus on 3D art if you want to get into games. Good luck, and have fun!
Hey Felicia, I was reading your comment and I had to reply. I’m currently enrolled at Full Sail University for my Bachelors of Science in Game Art, they even have an online course, and they send you a laptop and any other things you may need. I hope this helped!
I think that is great Felicia. Your story sounds familiar to my own. Currently I am an art director at Redgames.co have worked it EA and Ubisoft and have loved all of it. It’s a great career for me. From my experience working with and talking to other artists stories I think it is less about getting into the right school, than what you can show in your portfolio. That always trumps wherever you go to school. I know many successful artists that never even went to college. There are many resources out there. Maybe reach out to some of your favorite artists and ask what they suggest.
Great advice, Ron! Thanks for sharing.
Great information on this page. I’m currently 21 years old and have always wanted to become an animator. However the stories I heard about the employment rates, the hours on the job and the salaries do deter me.
Do you think it would be good to get a degree into animation or would it be better to skip the degree and try to get an internship and get some work experience under my belt?
What’s the best way to start out and break into the industry?
Hi Diran, you’re right to be slightly deterred by the long hours and lower-than-average salaries. The game industry is competitive, and some studios take advantage of young peoples’ enthusiasm to work overtime to ship a good product.
You may have a difficult time getting an internship unless you already have an animation portfolio to prove to potential employers that you have talent. If you don’t yet have enough work to build a portfolio, then getting an animation degree would be one route. There are also some non-degree programs that might be good for you – for example I’ve heard of great results from Animation Mentor.
I’m 13 and really interested in being a artist do u think it would be good to be a game tester while I’m getting my college degree
Hi Joshua! Yes, if you are able to get a part-time job as a tester in the same town where you go to college, then that would be a good way to earn some extra money and learn more about the industry while you go to school. But if you can’t get a testing job (maybe because the game companies in your town only offer full-time positions) then any job you can get to pay for school will be fine – the important thing is to get your degree.
Hi Jason, I’m 17, I will be 18 in December, I finished high school this year but I didn’t graduate because I didn’t pass the reading requirement, I don’t know what career I’m going to do yet but I’ve been thinking about game artist. I took art in my senior year, I learn something a little bit in art but I think I still have a lot to learn , so, I have two questions for you : Can anybody be a game artist ? We all know that to be an artist you need to be able to come up with a lot of ideas, I have nothing in my brain, is going to school and get a degree in art will help me develop my ideas ?
Please, help, thank you for responding !
To be a game artist, you need to have talent and skill in creating game art, and you need to know how to use various art tools. If you haven’t spent much time yet growing your art skills, then you might need to practice more to build your skills and your portfolio before you can get hired. Going to art school can help, but art school isn’t guaranteed to make you succeed if you don’t have some talent and passion for art already.
Greetings, I really liked this Article, I am one of those artist who loved drawing since i was born, I continued and graduated from the Art Institute, while my passion and education is high for 3 years since i have graduated i have not been able to find an art job anywhere that would hire me. I am really focused, do no drugs, have no criminal record but its seems I am treated that way, Maybe you can tell me something I am doing wrong, I have applied for so many jobs. please look at my portfolio. https://www.behance.net/AnsarsMasterPieces
Hi Ansar, I’m not an art director so my feedback on your art portfolio wouldn’t be helpful (although I do think you have some cool stuff!). I’d recommend you try to get some constructive feedback from an art teacher, or an artist or director in the game industry – maybe connect with them on LinkedIn or at a game dev meet up in your area. Or, if you’re getting job interviews but aren’t getting an offer, then it’s possible that your interviewing skills need more work. My best advice is to get some honest feedback from other artists.
Why are Character Artists so low-payed in comparision to the others?
That’s a good question, but I don’t know the answer. If I had to speculate, I’d say maybe there are more artists interested in doing character work, or more schools teaching character skills, so there’s more competition for those jobs. I’ll do some research with art directors I know, and see what I can find out for you.
In uhhh.. what country are these salaries happening?
These salaries are for the USA. I’ve updated the article to make that more clear.
For the longest time, I worried about not having the technical skills to cut it as a professional artist. Nowadays, its more about the prospect of long hours and little pay.. If you want to be a family man, it’s surely next to impossible?
That said, if youre married to your work.. well! its a perfect job I’d say?
It’s definitely not impossible — I know dozens of artists who have families, children, pets, hobbies, etc. It can be a balancing act during times when your project is crunching to ship, but most of the time it’s like any other day job.
I was told so often that these types of jobs were out of reach, but I am glad to know differently. Is there any advice one could give to someone looking to put 11+ years of culinary expertise aside for something one feels that the brain and hands were more destined for like 2d artist/concept/sketch work?
Hi Curtis, the good news is that it’s easier to transition when you already have a career to support you while you learn a new trade in your spare time. I have a podcast episode that’s perfect for you, it’s about how to transition to a game career. You might also like this advice on how to break into the game industry. Best of luck!
I’m currently in my last year of high school, and I’ve been wanting to be a games artist for a long time, my parents aren’t really supportive of it but I know that this is what I want to do. Say I end up living on my own, would I be making enough to support myself?
Side note, are there any particular skills I should practice while I have time? I do digital art as a hobby.
Yes, most people would consider a game artist salary to be more than enough for a single person to support themselves and live comfortably on their own. (Try showing this page to your parents so they’ll understand the salaries in game art.) As to what you should learn/practice, I recommend you take some time and read through the various art-related articles on this site, because they’re full of advice from professional game artists. The articles tagged with game art are here.
Hi, I’m currently a freshman enrolled in DigiPen’s BFA degree program (Singapore campus). I’ve always wanted to be a game artist, but now am lost on which area I could pursue or would excel in – 2D versus 3D, indie versus big studio. Currently, I have no experience with 3D, but I can illustrate 2D art decently. I’ve also had this lifelong goal of working more towards the indie side and to perhaps create my own personal game projects in my free time. However, after having gone through two internships at small local indie game companies as a 2D artist and comparing myself to my coursemates at DigiPen, I’ve come to realise that while I can draw decently, my visual library (for concept art) isn’t as good as some of my peers. I can draw existing concepts well, but I can’t seem to create my own concepts on the fly. Recognising this weakness seems to rule out the concept artist job role for me (which is okay, I don’t see myself concepting for large companies, just for small indie companies perhaps).
So I could see myself as a 2D asset artist/animator for indie game companies. But recently, a big Japanese game company with a local branch here came to give a career talk. And that really opened my eyes up to the prospect of pursuing 3D art professionally, while keeping 2D for myself on my own pet projects. It seems like an area I could pursue if I do want to land a position at a large company, say, Insomniac Games. And it does seem more viable professionally compared to my current 2D capability on an industry-level. My only fear is that I may not fare well at 3D either (which will be taught in my later years in DigiPen).
I’m just lost on what to think of where I stand now, of my strengths and weaknesses and how this could steer my career path. Perhaps I am worrying too early as a freshman?
I do want to be a 2D (asset) artist/animator, however I only see small indies doing this in Singapore (the game industry here is still relatively young and small), while 3D is a big question mark (mainly from not having touched it at all thus far) but seems more prospective and viable as a career.
Any clarification or references would be appreciated.
Hi Jemima, I do think you’re worrying too early as a freshman. All art skills (2D, 3D, concepting, or whatever) take a lot of time and practice to develop. Use your time at DigiPen to explore different areas of art. Practice your craft and improve over time. And don’t worry if you’re a little bit behind other students — just work hard, ask for help when you need it, and become the best artist you can be. Over time you’ll figure out where you excel, and you can focus your efforts in those areas.
Hi Jason,
I’m just finishing up an MFA in painting (on canvas that is, haha), but I have a private love for creating digital environments in 2D and 3D. In your experience, do game developers have an interest in working with characters like myself? Do I bring something unique to the table? And related, do game artists ever do work part-time or on a contract-by-contract basis, or create assets and sell them publicly for profit?
Absolutely! Many of the best digital artists I know are excellent painters. But to do game art, you’ll need to learn some new tools and learn to translate your skills to the digital domain (3D modeling, or digital texture painting and related techniques, etc.) Fortunately, as you know, getting good at art is the hard part — learning new tools is easy in comparison.
Regarding your other questions. There aren’t many part-time game art jobs, but many game studios do hire some of their artists on a contract basis; throw the word “contract” into any online job search and you’ll get an idea. There are artists who make extra cash selling assets, for example on the Unity Asset Store, but generally that’s a side gig that won’t pay the bills full time.
I hope that points you in the right direction. What you’re trying to do is not at all an uncommon path!
Thanks for the helpful reply, Jason!
Sounds like it’s time to expand the toolbelt then =)
Now that the shoe is on the other foot and I’m the one teaching the basics to younger artists, learning new media is such fantastic fun.
Thank you also for the clarification on contract work and asset production. Perhaps that would be a good way for me to ease into the trade and see how it fits.
All the best to you!
Hi Jason Just wanted to know when this article was originally published? It is quite insightful Im a student studying video game art and design, i would like to quote you for a presentation, however I need to Harvard reference; I can’t find a publishing date.
Thanks
Harry
Originally published Apr 13, 2014, most recently updated on Jan 4, 2018. I wish you luck with your presentation!
Hi Jason,
thank you for all this helpful information. I’m currently attending high school (a school of pre-university education to be exact) and I’m really interested in getting a career in the game industry. But my problem is that I am interested in being a programmer and a game artist, they both suit me. I am a technical kind of person (I hope that’s the right way to say it in english) who is good at math. But I am also a creative kind of person who likes drawing (traditional and digital) etc. and I’m beginning with basics of 3D modeling as well.
So straight up to my question: is it possible to apply for becoming a game artist (and succeed of course), when I have a degree for mathematics and computer science, as long as I have built a strong portfolio with artwork as well? Or can I begin as a programmer, but later move to being a game artist instead (maybe it turns out I have more fun doing that..)?
I’ve been searching around, but it seems like i’m the only one with this dilemma, so I hope you have any helpful tips for me.
Hi Luna, it sounds like you may be interested in the game job called “Technical Artist.” You can read an interview with a professional technical artist here. Most tech artists I know started as artists then learned programming, but it doesn’t matter how you do it as long as you have a portfolio to show your skills. It’s rare to have strong talent in both art and programming, so tech artists are usually in demand at game studios.
Hi Jason,
Thank you for all the above information.
I’m 28 years old and I have BS in physics, MA in petroleum engineering, but in my whole life I was always in love with art and I also do some art jobs. I can do programming in C++ and also grasshoppers in rhino.
Currently I’m doing some self study in Architecture but I prefer to take a degree in game environment design.
Do you have any suggestions for me, if I choose a degree in game environment design or architecture?!
Hi Taynoush, there isn’t a “right way” to get into game environment art, because environment art jobs don’t usually require a specific degree. If you can find a game-art school and then study architecture in your spare time along the way, that would be a good approach. The most important thing is to start building an environment art portfolio to build experience and show employers when you apply for jobs.
hey Jason , nice article there …
i was wondering if i can get a character artist’s job without doing a college graduation if i have a solid portfolio. Is graduation necessary to get this job , i dropped out of college to work on my portfolio and polish my anatomy skills , so i was asking if its worth it
Hi Arpan, many game art job postings will say things like “Requires a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.” The “or equivalent” part is important, because it means a degree isn’t actually required, if you can show that you can do the work. If you have a strong portfolio, most game studios will still hire you. That said, there are many good reasons why going to school can help your career.
Hey Jayson!
I am 38, and assume much older than other people who were writing above:)
I have got an extensive background in the CGI/VFX for movies and advertising.
At the moment I really want to shift my gears to the gamedev industry.
Especially I am interested in the Game Concept Art field as well as Game design too.
The question is, do you think I am too old to make such a step?
Just give me your most fair and direct answer please:))))
Hi Alexey, you definitely are not too old to change careers — you just need to be thoughtful about how you do it. Read my article on breaking into the game industry to get some ideas. Since you already know CGI/VFX, I don’t think it will be a difficult transition. One approach would be to download one of the free game engines and start learning how to do VFX for games.
Hi Jason, it was nice to read all the information you’ve putted into. I wanted to become an environment artist and have a passion for making environments for games. I’m actually doing a degree in 3d to learn and specialize. I’m studying in india and the teachers says that we won’t get job in abroad so have to stay in India. He mentioned that the company from abroad don’t have time and assets to give visa and apply a respective job for you. It hurted me instantly and i feel sad about it. Is there any thing possible for this? I’m an aspiring artist and i love making environments.
Hi Praful, your teacher is only partially right. Smaller US companies don’t have the resources to manager your visa, but larger companies have the resources and are willing to make the effort for talented foreign applicants. Since you’re at the start of your career, you may need to work in India (there are many game companies in India!) until you get experience, build a strong portfolio, make industry connections, and prove yourself. But then you should apply for jobs in other countries, including the US, if you’re interested.
Hi Jason,
I worked several years with a start up video game company doing 3D modeling for game assets. However the founder of the startup got hired to a AAA studio and the startup came to a stop. Since then I’m been creating my own artwork to build my portfolio. I want to put best work in my portfolio which does not include the startup artwork. Will this be an issue when future hiring managers? Will they want to know why my portfolio does not have work from the startup company?
Also since I was only able to work at the startup part time (the startup was all volunteer work so I had to have a day job) how does that equate to the number of years of experience?
Thanks for any advice you can give, you have a very resourceful website.
Hi Zane, I think I can help with these questions. 1) Regarding the art in your portfolio — you didn’t mention the reason for leaving out the art from the startup. But it is common to omit art from a certain company/project if the work is protected by a nondisclosure agreement (NDA), so if a potential employer asks, you can give them that reason (if it’s true). 2) Regarding years of experience — most resumes don’t list the number of years, they just list which years you were at the company. In that case, you could mention the work was part time. For example your resume could say something like “CoolStartup, 3D Modeler – 2015-2018 (part time)”. If you’re asking about years of experience because you’re looking for jobs that require a certain number of years, keep in mind that job requirements are pretty flexible — if a job posting says it requires 5 years experience, and you’ve got (for example) 3 years of part-time experience, you should still apply.
Hi Jason,
I am 27 and I am a recently graduated architect.
I love drawing and games and I think that a job as a game artist could be my dream job.
I am mostly oriented on the concept art, as I would love to work as a digital artist with photoshop, ZBrush and others, but I am convinced that I could use some help in gaining 3D skills with proper softwares such as 3DS or Maya (moreover I checked Lead Artists and Art Directors profiles on LinkedIn and I saw that most of them have competences with 3D as well!).
I got an offer from a college in London which has a very cool program in game art, focusing on environment design and only on the 3D side, indeed they don’t teach anything related to concept art for games, and this makes me not sure about it.
I know it is a big opportunity but the fees are crazily high and although I am lucky enough to have a supportive family, I don’t feel like wasting anymore money (and time) if this is not the right path for me. I need to follow my passion for drawing and illustration, and I would love to do it for games.
What do you think?
Which path could I choose as an architect, with some skills in 3D and visualization already, who wants to learn digital art, concept art but 3D at the same time?
Could it be an option if I find a job as an architectural visualizator, so keeping on working with 3D and Photoshop, while attending classes focused on concept art?
I really don’t know how this transition would be possible!
I would really love to hear your opinion, many thanks!
Hi Davide, I think a good path would be the one you suggested: get a job that’s a closer match to your current field (for example 3D architectural visualization) where you can learn more 3D skills. Then learning game-specific skills on the side, through online courses and hands-on work with 3D game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity Engine. Build up a portfolio, then apply for game jobs. I explore these ideas in a little more depth in my article about career change.
hey,i am 16 and want to become a video game artist and i have an interest in 3d game modelling.
i am in class 10 right now and i am confused if i should take science stream or commerce stream
i was hoping you could tell about which stream to take.
P.S. i am from india
Hi Paritosh, unfortunately I’m not familiar with the streams at your school system. But if possible, try to pursue the stream that will teach you the skills you need for a game art job: art skills, computer skills, and working on software development teams.
Hi Jason, im currently trying to get in to an animations school in Denmark. I have done some classical drawing courses, and dabbled in 3D-softwares.
https://www.artstation.com/alzheimer
I know this question doesnt directly relate to salaries. but do u have a some type of tip, for finding out which niche or specialty, that would be a good fit. I haven´t yet done a perfect pipeline in any Category and it seems like that would be the best way to comb through the different titles, but i might be wrong. any pro-tips would be real neat 🙂
ty
Hi Peter, it sounds like you’re still exploring all the possibilities in the art world — that’s the right approach. Try a variety of different subjects and styles. You’ll improve your skills, and also begin to discover which areas you naturally “click” with and enjoy the most. Follow your interests and your talents!
Hey I am gabriela! I am from venezuela and planning to move to USA soon
Id like to enter in to this field since I should start collage next year.
I have been improving my Drawing skill for years and I’d like to know if I should study illustration for this or which area in specific.
Hi Gabriela! Most game artists start by learning traditional art skills like drawing and painting, and then move to focus on digital art. There are a few dedicated game art schools, for example Full Sail (https://www.fullsail.edu/) and DigiPen (https://www.digipen.edu/). I also have a list of traditional schools that offer art degrees here.
I am 3D Artist and Graphic Designer, Modeling, texturing, lighting Shading and Rendering of character and hard surface in realistic style.
have a look my portfolio www.behance.net/Mustansar_Ahmad
Regards,
Mustansar
Hi all,
I am an engineering student entering my third year and have been thinking about working in game design (specifically concept art, illustration or 3D modelling). I’ve been drawing for a long time and have gotten (what i believe to be) a good grasp of form, movement, colour, silhouettes, etc. At the end of this upcoming year, I’m expecting to graduate with a Bach Degree of applied science (like a half way checkpoint to engineering). At this point I will have invested 3 years and a lot of money into my education and am not sure if I will be able to afford a full 4 year Program in game design. I’ve found a couple places that offer two year programs such as the Toronto Film School which seem more feasible as I don’t want to be in school for 7 years. My main question is, is there a notable difference between a two year and a four year degree? Will employers value one over the other, especially for someone such as me who will already have a science degree under their belt?
Hi Samuel, the game industry is a lot more of a meritocracy than many other industries – in other words, if you can prove you can do the job, then you can get hired. Especially for game art and design, the specific degree isn’t as important as having a strong portfolio to show you have the ability to succeed. So focus on improving your craft while building your portfolio, at school and in your spare time, regardless of which degree you choose.
I suggest looking into Arstation, Dinusty Discord, and mentorships. You can get a better idea of where you are and have a tailored approach for less money than a 4 year school. That’s what I would have done in hindsite. I don’t think anyone in the industry cares where you went to school.