| Ranking | School | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DePaul University | Illinois |
| 2 | The Ohio State University | Ohio |
| 3 | School of the Art Institute of Chicago | Illinois |
| 4 | Minneapolis College of Art and Design | Minnesota |
| 5 | Purdue University | Indiana |
| 6 | Columbus College of Art and Design | Ohio |
| 7 | Columbia College Chicago | Illinois |
| 8 | Cleveland Institute of Art | Ohio |
| 9 | Kansas City Art Institute | Missouri |
| 10 | College for Creative Studies | Michigan |
| 11 | Ball State University | Indiana |
| 12 | Bowling Green State University | Ohio |
| 13 | Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design | Wisconsin |
| 14 | University of Illinois at Chicago | Illinois |
| 15 | Ohio University | Ohio |
| 16 | University of Wisconsin – Stout | Wisconsin |
| 17 | Ferris State University | Michigan |
| 18 | Indiana University Indianapolis | Indiana |
| 19 | Bradley University | Illinois |
| 20 | Webster University | Missouri |
| 21 | Kent State University | Ohio |
| 22 | Minnesota State University, Moorhead | Minnesota |
| 23 | Northern Illinois University | Illinois |
| 24 | Dakota State University | South Dakota |
| 25 | Kansas State University | Kansas |
Our 2026 rankings -our fifteenth annual- of the top animation programs in the Midwest. For reference, we define the Midwest as Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota. For an explanation of ranking criteria, click here.
Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media at DePaul University (DePaul) has one of the largest full-time animation faculties in the U.S. Program options for animators include the Animation BFA with concentrations in 3D Animation, Game Art, Cinema Animation, Storyboarding and Character Design, Visual Effects Animation, and Motion Graphics; the Animation BA with the option to create a focus area such as Digital Puppet Animation, Stop Motion, or Sound Design for Animation; a Computer Science (CS) + Animation (CS+ANI) BS with an Animation Technical Director (TD) concentration; an Animation TD minor; and the Animation MA, MFA, BA/MA, and BFA/MA. Graduate concentration options include 3D Animation; Motion Graphics; Storyboarding and Character Design; Technical Artist; and Traditional Animation. Graduates of the Animation programs at DePaul University go on to land roles at places such as DreamWorks Animation, Cartoon Network, Electronic Arts (EA), Disney Animation Studios, Nickelodeon, Epic Games, Warner Bros. Animation, Blizzard Entertainment, Google, and LAIKA.
The Ohio State University (OSU) provides several paths to study animation across the Departments of Art; Theatre, Film, and Media Arts; and Design. Options include the Moving Image Production BA (MIP BA); the Art BFA with an emphasis in Art and Technology; an interdisciplinary Art and Technology MFA; and a Design MFA with a Digital Animation and Interactive Media (DAIM) track. Students in all programs benefit from project-based learning; internships at places such as Netflix and YouTube; study abroad experiences in places such as London, Prague, and Rome; and access to dedicated labs, state-of-the-art production facilities, and shared studio spaces. Graduates have landed positions at Disney, Warner Bros. Animation, Nickelodeon, Starz, ABC, Sundance, 4th Row Films, Ohio Film Group, and Myriad Pictures.
The Film, Video, New Media, and Animation Department (FVNMA) at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) provides two paths to study animation. These include the Studio BFA and MFA. BFA students explore hand-drawn and digital 2D/3D animation; moving-image installation; film and video; interactive art; and AR/VR. The Studio MFA has an FVNMA pathway that allows students to specialize in one specific area or develop skills across multiple areas of study. Specialization examples include Digital 2D and 3D Animation; Moving-Image Installation; and Interactive Art. Programs culminate with a final project and exhibition. SAIC alumni have been hired at places such as Disney, the Whitney Museum, NASA, and YouTube.
Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) provides several paths to study animation. Options include the Animation BFA; Animation minor; and Visual Studies MFA. Graduate students may pursue creative work in areas such as animation, comic arts, film/video, illustration, or interactive design. All students have opportunities to intern at Nickelodeon, MTV, or MASS MoCA, among others. Study abroad experiences in places such as Japan and the UK are also on the menu. Degree programs culminate with a project and presentation or exhibition. MCAD graduates have been hired at places such as Walt Disney Animation Studios, Electronic Arts (EA), Apple, Nickelodeon, MTV, Nike, and Walker Art Center.
Purdue University (Purdue) is home to Purdue Polytechnic Institute. Serving more than 7,000 students at 11 locations across Indiana, Purdue Polytechnic houses the Department of Computer Graphics Technology (CGT), which provides several paths to study animation. Options include a CGT BS with a STEM-designated major in Animation and Visual Effects (ANFX); the CGT MS; and a Five-Year CGT BS/MS. All students have the opportunity to complete a professional internship, several animated films, and a study abroad experience. Graduates can be found at places such as Disney, DreamWorks, and Animation Mentor. Some alumni have also gone on to launch their own studios or freelance businesses.
Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD) has an Animation BFA program that focuses on 2D and 3D animation, stop motion, and Claymation. Recognized as a Center of Excellence by Toon Boom, the program also explores digital modeling, virtual reality, and motion graphics. Other program benefits include unlimited access to CCAD’s Cloyd Family Animation Center and real-world projects with partners such as American Greetings and the Greater Columbus Arts Council. The program culminates with a final project and presentation. Graduates have been hired at places such as Walt Disney Animation Studios, Cartoon Network, Electronic Arts (EA), Pixar, Nickelodeon, DreamWorks, Riot Games, LAIKA, and Netflix.
The School of Design at Columbia College Chicago has an Animation and Computer Graphics BA program with concentrations in Traditional Animation, Computer Animation, Game Art or Computer Vision and Visual Effects (CVFX). An Animation minor is also available. BA program highlights include specialized classes led by industry professionals; the opportunity to present capstone films at Columbia's Manifest Festival; participation in the Animation Studios in LA Program with past partners such as Disney, Nickelodeon, DreamWorks, and Cartoon Network; and access to state-of-the-art production studios. Graduates go on to land positions at places such Pixar, Bethesda, Disney, Weta FX, DreamWorks, Apple Studios, BioWare, Cartoon Network, Warner Bros. Animation, Nickelodeon, Microsoft, and Bungie.
Animation BFA students at Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) have the unique opportunity to spend their summers interning at Disney. Other program highlights include field trips to museums; access to state-of-the-art production facilities; and mentorships with accomplished artists from Walt Disney Animation Studios, DreamWorks, and Warner Bros., among others. The program culminates with the BFA Thesis and Exhibition. In addition to Disney, program alumni have been hired at places such as Electronic Arts (EA), Bethesda Softworks, Amazon, DC Comics, American Greetings (CGI Production), and PBS.
Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) has several paths to study animation. All options follow a mentor-based studio-instruction model, which allows students to customize their studies. Programs include the Animation BFA; an Animation and Art History BFA; and a BFA in Animation and Creative Writing. Programs begin with the First Year Foundation—an immersive experience takes place in a 20,000 square feet space featuring faculty meets, intensive studios, workshops, seminars, and presentations by international speakers. An optional internship is also part of the programs as well as a final animated project. Some program alumni go on to pursue graduate studies at places such as School of Visual Art (SVA) and California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), while others have been hired at Disney, Apple, Nickelodeon, Sony, Digital Domain, Google, Warner Bros., Titmouse, Netflix, Hallmark, and Fox.
College for Creative Studies (CCS) has a STEM-designated Entertainment Arts BFA program with an Animation pathway. A Toon Boom Center for Excellence (COE), the program highlights courses taught by industry professionals and Unreal Authorized Instructors (UAI); study abroad and faculty-led experiences in places such as London, Paris, and India; access to state-of-the-art production studios and labs; and internship opportunities. The program culminates with an animated production. Program alumni can be found at places such as Nickelodeon, Lucasfilm, Disney, Pixar, Cartoon Network, Marvel, DreamWorks Animation, Blizzard Entertainment, Google, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Universal, Titmouse, EA Sports, Warner Bros. Animation, ABC, and WildBrain Studios.
The College of Fine Arts at Ball State University (Ball State) is home to the School of Art. A Toon Boom Center of Excellence (COE), the school houses a Visual Arts/Animation BFA program with concentrations in Animation Production; VFX Animation; Game Art/Design; and Illustration. Program highlights include access to 57,000 square feet of state-of-the-art studios and classrooms; collaborative courses led by artists from Disney and other major studios; internship opportunities; and study abroad experiences. The program culminates with a completed demo reel and senior project presented at a student exhibition. Graduates have gone on to pursue roles at places such as DreamWorks, Nintendo, Disney, Amazon, Pixar, MTV, Google, PlayStation, Comedy Central, Oracle, and Minnetrista Museum & Gardens.
The School of Art at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) provides several paths to study animation. Options include the Digital Arts BFA with a concentration in Animation (2D or 3D); the Digital Arts BA and MFA; and a Digital Arts minor. Across programs, students have access to dozens of state-of-the-art spaces modeled after real-world production studios, labs, and research centers. Students also have opportunities to gain hands-on experience through internships at places such as Disney, Pixar, and the Museum of Modern Art; study abroad at BGSU’s partner school in Florence, Italy; and work in BGSU’s professional large-format printing studio. Programs culminate with a final project to be screened at School of Art's Annual Exhibition and Film Festival. BGSU alumni can be found at places such as DreamWorks Animation, Blizzard Entertainment, Apple, Epic Games, and American Greetings.
Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) is Wisconsin’s only private, non-profit four-year college of visual art and design. The school houses an Illustration BFA program with an Animation track that focuses on interactive animation, 2D, 3D, video games, and virtual reality. Students also have the option to create an additional focus area through studio electives. The culminating experience for the program is a team animation project to be presented at the MIAD Thesis Exhibition. MIAD graduates go on to land positions at places such as Amazon MGM Studios, Google, The New Yorker, HBO, Nike, and Variety.
The School of Art and Art History at University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) has two paths to study animation including the Art BFA and MFA. With faculty advisor approval, students can concentrate in an area such as New Media Arts (Animation, Interaction, Digital Technology); Moving Image (Film, Video, Time-Based Media); or Studio Arts (Drawing, Painting, Sculpture). BFA students have opportunities to complete a professional internship. MFA students can live and work in Berlin through the month-long Berlin Residency Program. Both programs culminate with a thesis project and exhibition. Graduates can be found at places such as DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, Warner Bros., Microsoft, Google, Apple, NetherRealm Studios, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Chicago, and Adler Planetarium.
Ohio University (OU or OHIO) is home to the E.W. Scripps College of Communication. Within the college are two paths to study animation. Options include the Media Arts and Studies BS with an Animation major and an MFA with an Animation area. All students have access to the Advanced Animation Lab and over a dozen other state-of-the-art production facilities, studios, and labs. Other program benefits include industry internships and experiential learning experiences such as the 48-Hour Shoot-Out and study abroad in Tokyo; participation in South by Southwest; behind-the-scene tours at Walt Disney World; and OHIO-in-LA (Hollywood). Graduates can be found at places such as Disney, Activision Blizzard, DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Ubisoft, Warner Bros., Google, and Unity.
University of Wisconsin – Stout (UW-Stout) has a Cooperative Education and Internship Program (CEIP) which highlights partnerships with Sony, Target, 3M, Forbes, and Thomson Reuters, among others. The only career-focused polytechnic university in Wisconsin and Minnesota, UW-Stout houses a School of Art and Design (SOAD), which has an Animation and Digital Media BFA program, and a Design MFA with an Animation and Digital Media focus. Programs are collaborative and cross-disciplinary with access to dedicated studios, labs, and galleries. The BFA culminates with an animation capstone. The culminating experience for the Design MFA is the Creative Thesis in Design with a public lecture or exhibition. With a 99% success rate, SOAD alumni go on to work at places such as DreamWorks, Disney, Activision, Shutterfly, Apple, Cisco, 3M, Target, iNet, Rouge Studios, and Fantasy Flight Games (FGG).
The College of Business at Ferris State University (FSU or Ferris) is home to the BAS Digital Animation and Game Design BAS with a 3D Animation concentration. FSU’s Kendall College of Art and Design (KCAD) houses the Digital Art and Design BFA program. Students have the option to develop portfolios in 2D Animation, 3D Game Art, Visual Development, Interaction Design, or Motion Design. Concentrations in Entertainment Art and Multimedia Design are also available. Other program highlights include access to state-of-the-art production facilities and professional internships. Graduates go on to establish careers at places such as Electronic Arts (EA), Disney, Epic Games, Idol Minds, R/GA, and YouTube.
Indiana University Indianapolis (IU Indianapolis) is home to the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. Within the school is a Media Arts and Sciences BS (MAS BS) program with a specialization in 3D Graphics and Animation. All MAS students have access to state-of-the-art production facilities such as Media Arts Research and Learning Arcade (MARLA), the Emerging technologies Lab, and Video Editing Lab (VELa). Students may also participate in the study abroad experience in Greece and the internship program. The MAS BS culminates with a final project and exhibition. Graduates can be found at places such as Pixar, Rockstar Games, Electronic Arts (EA), Blizzard Entertainment, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Digital Domain, Owlchemy Labs, and Gearbox Software.
Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts at Bradley University (Bradley) houses the Department of Interactive Media (IM). Within the department is an Animation program leading to a BA or BS. Mentors and instructors for the program are working animators who have worked on productions such as Monsters vs. Aliens, Rise of the Guardians, and Thor: Dark World. Other program benefits include Professional internships at places such as Jump Trading Simulation and Education Center and OneFire; the chance to study in Los Angeles or abroad in the Netherlands or Ireland; and opportunities to present animated productions at the Annual FUSE Exhibit. The culminating experience for the program is the Animation Capstone. Graduates have been hired at places such as DreamWorks, MGM Studios, Blizzard Entertainment, Sony Pictures Imageworks, DNEG, Meta Quest, Scientific Games, and Outpost VFX.
The School of Communications (SOC) at Webster University (Webster) houses a STEM-designated Animation BA program that highlights small class sizes and collaborative projects across departments. Housed in a 66,000 square feet state-of-the-art media facility known as the Sverdrup Complex, the SOC is a designated Toon Boom Center of Excellence (COE) that provides access to state-of-the-art animation labs, film and video post-production suites, and game design studios. The SOC also houses an 18 credit hour Animation Production minor and professional internship program with opportunities to work at places such as MTV, Titmouse, ESPN, Plymptoons, and Bad Dog Pictures. Webster’s Animation BA program culminates with the capstone project and presentation. Graduates can be found at places such as Disney, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), DreamWorks, Sony Pictures Imageworks, and Digital Domain.
The College of Applied and Technical Studies (CATS) at Kent State University (Kent State) has an Animation Game Design (AGD) BS program that allows students to focus in either Animation or Game Design. Students in both focus areas will explore 2D, 3D, motion graphics, special effects, video editing, and more. Other program features include access to state-of-the-art production facilities; internships; and study abroad experiences. The program culminates with the Senior Capstone Project or Technical and Applied Studies Capstone—student’s choice. Graduates go on to land positions at places such as Electronic Arts (EA), NASA, Riot Games, Microsoft, Disney, Apple, IBM, Activision Blizzard, Intel, Google, Epic Games, Boeing, Amazon, Take-Two Interactive, Ubisoft, ESPN, American Greetings, and Meta.
The School of Media Arts, Design and Entertainment at Minnesota State University Moorhead (Minnesota State Moorhead) houses an Animation BFA program that provides the opportunity to work with student-run Dragon Entertainment Group. With a core consisting of 54 credit hours, the program explores 2D and 3D animation, game graphics and 3D simulations, stop-motion animation, and technical graphics. Other program benefits include field trips to studios, festivals, museums, and professional conferences; internships; study abroad at the University of Lincoln (UK); participation in the Anime Club; one-on-one mentorship; and engagement with community partners such Habitat for Humanity, F/M Opera, and the Minnesota State Historical Society. The program culminates with a capstone and public presentation. Animation alumni have been hired at places such as Disney, Noble Knight Games, YouTube, Nokia, EIS Digital Publishing, Smithsonian Institution, North Star Imaging, and Show Low TV.
The College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) is home to the School of Art and Design (SoAD). Within the school is an Art Studio and Design program with a Time Arts specialization. The curriculum explores 2D and 3D animation, interactivity, sound, video art, and data visualization. Animation students can also enroll in the Art BA or BS program, which provide the option to study animation through electives. Other SoAD highlights include courses led by industry professionals; access to state-of-the-art production studios and labs; and internship opportunities. Programs culminate with a final project and participation in the Capstone Show. Graduates can be found at places such as Activision Blizzard, Disney, NBCUniversal, Google, Nike, Apple, Live Nation, ABC, and the National Gallery of Art.
The College of Arts and Sciences at Dakota State University (DSU) provides several paths to study animation. Options include a Digital Arts and Design BS (DAD BS) with a Production Animation specialization, and minors in 2D and 3D Production Animation. Across programs, students have opportunities to work on projects with peers in DSU’s Computer Game Design BS program. Other program benefits include courses taught by professors that have worked on major Disney productions such as Frozen and Encanto; student organizations such as the Anime Club, LCA Film Club, and the Games Club; professional internships; and portfolio development courses. Graduates have gone on to land positions at places such as Nexstar Media Group, Amazon, South Dakota Art Museum, and CBS.
Kansas State University (K-State) provides several paths to study animation. Options include an Immersive Systems Design BS, which can be completed online; a Studio Art BA, BFA, or minor with a Digital and Expanded Media area; and certificates in Immersive Digital Media Design (IDMD) and Interactive 3D Application Design (Animation, 3D Modeling, and Game Design). Across programs, students benefit from state-of-the-art technology centers and labs; seminars, workshops, and studio courses; and internship opportunities. K-State graduates can be found at places such as Disney, NASA, CBS, Hallmark, Discovery, Perkins & Will, C3 Creative NYC, JNT Company, and Pure Imagination Studios.
