50 Best Colleges for Graphic Design and Animation 2024

Best Colleges for Graphic Design and Animation

Graphic design and animation are exciting fields. They combine art and technology to create visual content. Graphic design is the art of creating visual content to communicate messages. Designers use a combination of text, images, and layout techniques to convey ideas effectively. The goal of graphic design is to make information attractive and accessible. Animation is the process of creating the illusion of motion and change by displaying a sequence of static images that minimally differ from each other. It is widely used in entertainment, advertising, education, and communication. Here are the 50 best colleges for graphic design and animation in 2024. Best Colleges for Graphic Design and Animation listing includes details like GPA requirements, median SAT and ACT scores, acceptance rates, admission requirements, and salary information. We also cover professional outcomes and academic highlights for each college.

50 Best Colleges for Graphic Design and Animation

1) Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)

  • GPA: 3.6
  • Median SAT: 1350
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 25%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in top design firms and studios.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $60,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Excellent studio facilities and experienced faculty.

2) California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)

  • GPA: 3.5
  • Median SAT: 1300
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 31%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Many graduates work at top animation studios.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $65,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Renowned animation program and industry connections.

3) Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)

  • GPA: 3.4
  • Median SAT: 1250
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 66%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in diverse design and animation roles.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $58,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong industry ties and internship opportunities.

4) School of Visual Arts (SVA)

  • GPA: 3.3
  • Median SAT: 1220
  • Median ACT: 26
  • Acceptance Rate: 71%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Many graduates work in New York City studios.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $55,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Excellent faculty and industry connections.

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5) Ringling College of Art and Design

  • GPA: 3.4
  • Median SAT: 1240
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 64%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at top animation and design firms.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $60,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Renowned for animation and computer graphics programs.

6) University of Southern California (USC)

  • GPA: 3.7
  • Median SAT: 1430
  • Median ACT: 32
  • Acceptance Rate: 16%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in Hollywood and major studios.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $70,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong connections with the film and animation industry.

7) New York University (NYU)

  • GPA: 3.7
  • Median SAT: 1440
  • Median ACT: 32
  • Acceptance Rate: 16%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in top design and animation firms.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $68,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Excellent faculty and industry connections.

8) Carnegie Mellon University

  • GPA: 3.8
  • Median SAT: 1480
  • Median ACT: 33
  • Acceptance Rate: 15%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in tech and design industries.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $75,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong focus on technology and design integration.

9) Pratt Institute

  • GPA: 3.5
  • Median SAT: 1280
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 60%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in top design and animation firms.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $58,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Renowned design programs and experienced faculty.

10) University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

  • GPA: 3.8
  • Median SAT: 1400
  • Median ACT: 31
  • Acceptance Rate: 14%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in Hollywood and major studios.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $70,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong connections with the film and animation industry.

11) ArtCenter College of Design

  • GPA: 3.4
  • Median SAT: 1270
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 70%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in top design and animation firms.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $60,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Excellent design programs and industry connections.

12) Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)

  • GPA: 3.6
  • Median SAT: 1320
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 66%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in diverse tech and design roles.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $62,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong focus on technology and design integration.

13) Parsons School of Design

  • GPA: 3.5
  • Median SAT: 1290
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 50%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in top design and fashion firms.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $58,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Renowned design programs and experienced faculty.

14) Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)

  • GPA: 3.4
  • Median SAT: 1260
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 64%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in diverse design and animation roles.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $57,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Excellent faculty and industry connections.

15) School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)

  • GPA: 3.3
  • Median SAT: 1220
  • Median ACT: 26
  • Acceptance Rate: 73%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in top design and animation firms.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $56,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Renowned for interdisciplinary design programs.

16) SCAD Atlanta

  • GPA: 3.4
  • Median SAT: 1250
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 66%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in diverse design and animation roles.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $58,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong industry ties and internship opportunities.

17) Otis College of Art and Design

  • GPA: 3.4
  • Median SAT: 1240
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 69%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in top design and animation firms.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $57,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Renowned for animation and computer graphics programs.

18) California College of the Arts (CCA)

  • GPA: 3.3
  • Median SAT: 1220
  • Median ACT: 26
  • Acceptance Rate: 76%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in diverse design and animation roles.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $56,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Excellent faculty and industry connections.

19) Full Sail University

  • GPA: 3.0
  • Median SAT: Not required
  • Median ACT: Not required
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high school diploma.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in top animation and game studios.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $55,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong focus on animation and game design.

20) University of Central Florida (UCF)

  • GPA: 3.8
  • Median SAT: 1330
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 44%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in diverse tech and design roles.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $60,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong focus on technology and design integration.

21) DePaul University

  • GPA: 3.5
  • Median SAT: 1250
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 68%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in top design and animation firms.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $58,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Excellent faculty and industry connections.

22) University of Miami

  • GPA: 3.6
  • Median SAT: 1320
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 33%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in diverse design and animation roles.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $62,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong focus on technology and design integration.

23) University of Texas at Austin

  • GPA: 3.8
  • Median SAT: 1350
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 32%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in top design and animation firms.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $63,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Renowned design programs and experienced faculty.

Best Colleges for Graphic Design and Animation

24) University of Pennsylvania (Penn)

  • GPA: 3.9
  • Median SAT: 1500
  • Median ACT: 34
  • Acceptance Rate: 8%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in diverse design and tech roles.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $75,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong focus on technology and design integration.

25) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

  • GPA: 4.0
  • Median SAT: 1540
  • Median ACT: 35
  • Acceptance Rate: 7%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in top tech and design firms.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $80,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong focus on technology and design integration.

26) University of Michigan

  • GPA: 3.8
  • Median SAT: 1400
  • Median ACT: 32
  • Acceptance Rate: 23%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in top design and animation firms.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $65,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Excellent faculty and industry connections.

27) Columbia University

  • GPA: 3.9
  • Median SAT: 1500
  • Median ACT: 34
  • Acceptance Rate: 6%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in diverse design and tech roles.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $75,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong focus on technology and design integration.

28) Yale University

  • GPA: 3.9
  • Median SAT: 1500
  • Median ACT: 34
  • Acceptance Rate: 6%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in top design and animation firms.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $70,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Renowned design programs and experienced faculty.

29) University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • GPA: 3.6
  • Median SAT: 1350
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 62%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in diverse tech and design roles.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $63,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong focus on technology and design integration.

30) University of California, Berkeley

  • GPA: 3.9
  • Median SAT: 1430
  • Median ACT: 32
  • Acceptance Rate: 17%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in top design and tech firms.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $68,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Excellent faculty and industry connections.

31) University of Washington

  • GPA: 3.8
  • Median SAT: 1350
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 49%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in diverse tech and design roles.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $62,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong focus on technology and design integration.

32) Northwestern University

  • GPA: 3.9
  • Median SAT: 1480
  • Median ACT: 33
  • Acceptance Rate: 9%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in top design and animation firms.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $70,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Renowned design programs and experienced faculty.

33) Brown University

  • GPA: 3.9
  • Median SAT: 1500
  • Median ACT: 34
  • Acceptance Rate: 7%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in diverse design and tech roles.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $75,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong focus on technology and design integration.

34) Duke University

  • GPA: 3.9
  • Median SAT: 1500
  • Median ACT: 34
  • Acceptance Rate: 8%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in top design and animation firms.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $70,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Renowned design programs and experienced faculty.

35) University of California, San Diego (UCSD)

  • GPA: 3.8
  • Median SAT: 1350
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 31%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in diverse tech and design roles.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $63,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong focus on technology and design integration.

36) Harvard University

  • GPA: 4.0
  • Median SAT: 1540
  • Median ACT: 35
  • Acceptance Rate: 5%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in top tech and design firms.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $80,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong focus on technology and design integration.

37) Stanford University

  • GPA: 4.0
  • Median SAT: 1540
  • Median ACT: 35
  • Acceptance Rate: 4%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in diverse tech and design roles.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $80,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong focus on technology and design integration.

38) University of California, Irvine (UCI)

  • GPA: 3.7
  • Median SAT: 1330
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 29%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in diverse tech and design roles.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $62,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong focus on technology and design integration.

39) University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)

  • GPA: 3.8
  • Median SAT: 1350
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 29%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in top design and animation firms.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $63,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Renowned design programs and experienced faculty.

40) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  • GPA: 3.8
  • Median SAT: 1360
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 25%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in diverse design and animation roles.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $63,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Excellent faculty and industry connections.

41) University of Notre Dame

  • GPA: 3.9
  • Median SAT: 1480
  • Median ACT: 33
  • Acceptance Rate: 16%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in top design and animation firms.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $70,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Renowned design programs and experienced faculty.

42) University of Virginia (UVA)

  • GPA: 3.9
  • Median SAT: 1400
  • Median ACT: 32
  • Acceptance Rate: 24%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in diverse design and tech roles.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $65,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong focus on technology and design integration.

43) University of Florida (UF)

  • GPA: 3.8
  • Median SAT: 1350
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 31%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in diverse tech and design roles.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $62,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong focus on technology and design integration.

44) University of Wisconsin-Madison

  • GPA: 3.8
  • Median SAT: 1350
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 54%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in top design and animation firms.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $63,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Renowned design programs and experienced faculty.

45) University of Maryland, College Park

  • GPA: 3.7
  • Median SAT: 1330
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 44%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in diverse design and animation roles.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $62,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong focus on technology and design integration.

46) University of Pittsburgh

  • GPA: 3.6
  • Median SAT: 1310
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 57%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in diverse design and animation roles.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $61,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Excellent faculty and industry connections.

47) University of Minnesota

  • GPA: 3.6
  • Median SAT: 1310
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 57%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in diverse design and animation roles.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $61,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Excellent faculty and industry connections.

48) University of Georgia

  • GPA: 3.7
  • Median SAT: 1330
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 48%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in diverse design and animation roles.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $62,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong focus on technology and design integration.

49) University of Colorado Boulder

  • GPA: 3.6
  • Median SAT: 1300
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 78%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in diverse tech and design roles.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $61,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong focus on technology and design integration.

50) University of Arizona

  • GPA: 3.6
  • Median SAT: 1300
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 85%
  • Requirements: Portfolio, high GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in diverse design and tech roles.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $60,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Excellent faculty and industry connections.

Colleges with graphic design majors – Conclusion

These colleges offer top graphic design programs. Students receive excellent education and hands-on experience. Graduates find jobs in the animation and design industries. Each school has unique strengths and opportunities. High GPA and SAT/ACT scores are important. Portfolios showcase students’ artistic abilities and creativity. Starting salaries for graduates are competitive and promising. Strong industry connections enhance job prospects. These colleges prepare students for successful creative careers.