Top Animation Programs in Colorado

Colorado is the nation’s top skiing destination. It is home to the world’s largest flattop mountain, and it is the top state for microbreweries. Colorado is definitely tops when it comes to fun, but this recreation capital also knows when to be serious. This is especially true when it comes to education. Colorado is also home to some of the top schools in the region, if not the nation. Just a few include the University of Colorado and Metropolitan State College. Many of the top schools here also offer top-tier animation programs.

Colorado’s top schools rank high based on cost, location, quality of facilities, job placement services and track record, types of clubs and organizations, access to recreation, student population, and more. Many of Colorado’s top schools also make the list of “the best schools” in the U.S. Inclusion on “best” lists is usually based on factors such as number of program offerings, graduation and retention rates, peer assessment, faculty resources (student-teacher ratio), financial resources, and student selectivity. Student groups, alums, bloggers, and small organizations typically compile “Top” lists, while major organizations such as Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report, and Forbes are behind most “Best” lists.

Continue reading to find out which Colorado animation schools made both lists and what they have to offer. Please note that the top schools listed below are in order by student population from largest to smallest.

Top Animation School Programs Colorado

Denver
Metropolitan State College of Denver
Student Population: 23,901
Backdrop: Urban, 175-acre campus, easy access to Denver
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Studio Art with Concentration in Digital Art or Communication Design

Denver
University of Colorado at Denver
Student Population: 13,337
Backdrop: Urban, 171-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Fine Arts with Emphasis in 3D Graphics and Animation or Digital Design

Colorado Springs
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Student Population: 7,300
Backdrop: Urban, 532-acre campus, easy access to Denver
Degrees Offered: B. I. (Bachelor of Innovation™) Game Design and Development; Masters of Engineering with Focus in Media Convergence, Games and Media Integration

Denver
Rocky Mountain College of Design (RMCAD)
Student Population: 684
Backdrop: Urban, 23-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Animation, Game Art, Illustration, 3D Animation (online only)

Sources
Peterson’s, www.petersons.com
Princeton Review, www.princetonreview.com
U.S. News & World Report College Rankings, www.usnews.com/rankings