Best Animation Programs in North Dakota

According to the latest report by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), North Dakota is now home to 21 Title IV degree-granting colleges and universities. Title IV status makes these schools eligible for financial aid programs. This isn’t the only “status” many North Dakota schools have earned. Several are ranked among the best schools for artists and designers—including animators, multimedia artists, and more.

North Dakota’s best schools for aspiring animators and other artists earned the title based on several factors. They offer a large number of academic programs, they have excellent graduation and retention rates, they offer easy access to financial aid programs, they are very selective, and they offer excellent faculty resources. Currently, the state’s best school for animators is the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks (UND Grand Forks)

Established in 1883, UND is a 550-acre liberal arts college with a student body of 14,697. UND offers more than 200 majors and minors, and all degree levels. This “best” school attracts students from 50 nations, eight Canadian provinces, and all other states. Degrees offered include a B. S. in Computer Science with Specialization in Computer Animation and Game Development, a B.S. in Graphic Design Technology, a B. F. A. in Graphic Design and New Art Media, and a B.F.A. in Visual Arts with Emphasis in Time-Based Media.

Undergraduate residents can expect to pay $7,092 for the 2011-2012 school year and undergraduate nonresidents can expect to pay $16,767. Animation students may also have to pay the costs associated with producing animated productions. This may include studio fees, software, talent, materials, and more.

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Best Animation School Programs North Dakota – Other Options

Multimedia and digital media programs are fast becoming an alternative for aspiring animators. These programs offer many of the same courses as an animation program, and several other courses that can prepare students for a career in multiple fields such as digital art, computer game imaging, and more. Several other “best” schools here offer alternative programs for animators including Minot State University and North Dakota State University.

Minot State University offers a B. S. in Multimedia Studies and a B. A., B. F. A. in Art with a Graphic Design Option. Undergraduate tuition is $5,638 for the 2011 – 2012 school year, including fees.

North Dakota State offers a B. F. A. in Art with an Emphasis in Digital Media. Tuition Information: Undergraduate residents $6,135, nonresidents $16,381 for the 2011 – 2012 school year. Tuition does not include fees of $1,040 per year.

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