Digital Media Schools in Ohio

Ohio is home to a healthy population of artists and designers working in all fields from advertising and film to industrial design and web design. Fortunately, the state of Ohio is the seventh largest in the U.S., so thousands of booming businesses call The Buckeye State home. In addition to employment opportunities, aspiring digital media artists have dozens of training programs and several top-rated degree programs to choose from. Continue reading to find out which Ohio schools are tops for aspiring digital media artists.

Ohio Digital Media Schools

According to the most recent report by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), the state of Ohio is now home to 215 accredited, Title IV colleges. Students will also find their fair share of independent art and design schools. However, many of these schools are not accredited, so they do not have Title IV status. Title IV status means the school is eligible for federal financial aid programs. To become a Title IV school, the institution must submit to an intense review process, which is why most employers prefer candidates with a degree from an accredited school. Scroll through the list below to review Ohio’s best Title IV options for digital media artists and what they have to offer.

Athens
Ohio University -Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Graphic Design, B. S. C. Digital Media: Special Effects, Games and Animation; M. F. A. Graphic Design

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Westerville
Otterbein University - Degrees Offered: B. A. Art with Concentration in Communication Design, Integrated Digital Media
Employment and Salary Trends for Ohio Digital Media Artists

More Digital Media related programs to consider:  

According to the latest report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (March 2012), Ohio is home to 53,830 artists and designers, down from 55,470 in 2002. However, the population did take a huge jump during the short period between 2006 and 2008. In 2006, Ohio was home to 53,560 artists. By 2008, the population had increased to an impressive 56,330.

Fortunately, salaries have been more consistent. In 2002, Ohio artists averaged $36,220. In 2006, the average salary was $41,090. In 2008, salaries were up again, with an average of $42,140. Today, Ohio artists average $44,060 a year. It is important to note that salaries for Ohio artists vary by company, location, experience, job title, and more. The following are just a few options for digital artists:

Media and Communications: The state of Ohio is home to 380 media and communications professionals, down from 590 in 2006. The average salary is up, however, from $39,160 in 2006, to $41,820 today.
Multimedia & Animation: Ohio was home to 760 multimedia artists & animators in 2002. Today, the state is home to 420 multimedia artists & animators. In 2002, Ohio multimedia artists and animators averaged $39,940. Today they average $56,460 per year.

Art Directors: Art directors are the highest paid (salaried) artists in the creative industry. In 2002, Ohio’s 670 salaried art directors averaged $61,060. Today, the state is home to 1,140 salaried art directors with an average salary of $82,840.
Advertising - Ohio is home to a large advertising industry that employs hundreds of fine and digital artists, public relations professionals, executives, salespersons, and more. They may earn anywhere from $45,870 to $100,970 per year, based on the type of company, experience, location, and more. The salary range for Ohio advertising professionals has increased since 2002, when the average was between $43,440 and $59,940.  

Film and Video: In 2002, Ohio was home to 260 film artists. Today, the state is home to 370. Salaries have increased as well. In 2002, Ohio film artists averaged $42,960. Today, the average salary is $45,930
Nationwide, the industries with the highest employment levels for media artists include film and video; advertising, public relations and related services; colleges, universities, and professional schools; radio and television broadcasting, and local government. Top paying industries for digital media artists are independent artists ($82,870), aerospace ($67,830), film and video ($67,200), manufacturing ($62,760), and office and administrative services ($60,430)  www.bls.gov.