What are the top midwest visual effects schools for 2026?
| Ranking | School | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DePaul University | Illinois |
| 2 | Columbia College Chicago | Illinois |
| 3 | Purdue University | Indiana |
| 4 | Bowling Green State University | Ohio |
| 5 | Ball State University | Indiana |
Our 2026 list of the Top 5 Visual Effects Programs in the Midwest, our fifth annual rankings for VFX. 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 our ranking criteria, click here.
1. DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois
The School of Cinematic Arts at DePaul University (DePaul) houses a Visual Effects Animation concentration for students in programs such as the Film and Television BA, BFA, MS, and MFA; the Animation BA, BFA, MA, and MFA; the Game Design BS and MFA; and the Game Programming BS and MS. All students have access to DePaul Cinespace Studios—a 60,000-square-foot state-of-the-art production facility, and the immersive 10-week LA Quarter Program with internships at places such as Nickelodeon, Disney, HBO, and DreamWorks. Graduates have secured positions at places such as DreamWorks, Electronic Arts (EA), Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Disney, Blizzard Entertainment, Google, Warner Bros. Animation, Epic Games, LAIKA, BioWare, Zynga, and Iron Galaxy Studios.
2. Columbia College Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
The School of Film and Television at Columbia College Chicago houses an Animation and Computer Graphics BA with a VFX concentration, and the Film and Television BA with an Editing and Post-Sound concentration. Through the Columbia College Chicago Semester in LA (SiLA) program, all students have the opportunity to work at places such as Nickelodeon, Disney, Cartoon Network, Warner Bros., and DreamWorks. Other program highlights include access to the Media Production Center (MPC)—a 35,500-square-foot production facility; the opportunity to present second semester films at Columbia’s arts festival, Manifest; and the senior capstone, which allows students to work in every production role. Graduates have been recruited by Pixar, Microsoft, DreamWorks, Weta FX, Cartoon Network, Disney, BioWare, Warner Bros., Google, Nickelodeon, Rockstar Games, Apple, Netflix, Bungie, and Framestore.
3. Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
Purdue University’s Polytechnic Institute is home to the ABET-accredited Department of Computer Graphics Technology (CGT). Within the department is an Animation and Visual Effects major for students in the CGT BS, MS, BS/MS, and PhD programs. Across pathways, students have access to state-of-the-art labs and facilities such as the Visual Effects Lab; Digital Enterprise Center (DEC); Games Innovation Laboratory; IDEAlab; and the Computer and Information Technology High Performance Computer and Cyberinfrastructure Laboratory (HPC-CRL). Programs culminate with a final project. Graduates enjoy a 90% placement rate and they can be found at places such as Disney, Google, and DreamWorks.
4. Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio
The School of Art at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) provides several paths to study visual effects. Options include the Digital Arts BA, BFA, MFA, and minor. BGSU’s Department of Theatre and Film also houses a Film BA with a specialization in Flim Production. Film students can minor in Digital Arts. Across programs, students benefit from internship opportunities at places such as Pixar, PBS, and Disney; study abroad experiences in China, Italy, and Paris; and access to the Center for Advanced Visualization and Education (CAVE) Lab, designated state-of-the-art computer labs in Wolfe Center for the Arts, and a collaborative space known as the Digital Arts Classroom. Graduates have been hired at places such as DreamWorks, Netflix, Blizzard Entertainment, Disney, Apple, Epic Games, ABC, and Hulu.
5. Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana
The School of Art at Ball State University (Ball State) houses an Animation BFA program with a concentration in VFX Animation. In collaboration with the School of Art, the Department of Media provides BA and BS degrees in Media with a Post-Production and Motion Graphics concentration. The BFA program focuses on the creation and technical aspects of visual effects, while the BA and BS programs focus on integrating VFX into live-action films, along with training in virtual production and extended reality (XR). All students benefit from the programs a collaborative, studio-like environment; mentoring by professionals from Marvel and other studios; interdisciplinary courses; and a final demo reel. Graduates have secured positions at places such as Blizzard Entertainment, the NFL, and Disney.