. If I had a chance to go back to school, I would look into Academy of Arts College in San Francisco - Many studios around this college. I hear of many seminars where professionals come and share their work, many of the instructors are also working in the field as well. I think all this increases your chances to get into the industry.
Ringling School of Arts - Seems like every other week there's a new demo reel up at the cgtalk.com forums from a Ringling student. And the work that I've seen coming out from there is simply amazing. I would go to this school if I were on the east coast.
Gnomon Inc. - Another school with a great location with emphasis on learning Maya and traditional arts. I'm sure you are aware of gnomon, www.gnomon3d.com They're located in the heart of Hollywood. Another advantage of getting into the industry, especially the film industry.
I wanted to go to Cal Arts. Basically the place to go for animation, tradtional animation mainly. $10,000 per semester is a hefty tuition though.
Those would be my picks, some notable mentions:
USC
UCLA
Vancuvor film school
Hope this helps
George
. You can visit it at simplymaya.com. Not expensive either 
. But yea, a degree to me seems like a key, it opens doors.. but then you have to step through.. and you can only step through if you know how to walk.. if that makes any sence. So a degree will let people recognise you more, but if you dont have the talent or put the time into it.. its just not going to happen.
