I enjoyed my classes, but in retrospect they didn't give me all of the solid fundamental art skills that I have since tried to acquire on my own. I think the best thing about my five years of university education was the fifth year, which I spent in Bordeaux, France, via the Education Abroad Program. Truly an invaluable experience. I highly recommend a year in a foreign country to anyone. Life drawing and improvisational acting classes are very valuable.
Film studies are also very helpful.
Of course, you must also learn the fundamental rules of animation, as discovered by Walt Disney. If you can't find classes to teach you these things, then find books. Then try to find good sources of honest feedback, such as people working in the industry you want to get into or Internet discussion groups. The software you use is inconsequential. I still enjoy drawing and painting.