
Rhode Island has a small collection of accredited colleges, but nearly half of them offer top-tier art and design programs. These schools earned “top” status based on factors that are often at the top of the average students priority list. These factors include convenience, excellent job placement services, variety and quality of programs, and number and quality of clubs/organizations. Class size is a significant factor as well.
At around 13, Rhode Island is home to one of the smallest collections of accredited colleges and universities in the U.S. However, this small collection is a perfect example of the old adage: “quality over quantity.” Many of the schools here are often found on multiple “top schools” and “best schools” lists, and most are moderately difficult to difficult when it comes to gaining entry.
Continue reading to find out which Rhode Island animation schools are tops and what they have to offer. Please note that the schools listed below are in order from largest student population to smallest.
Top Animation School Programs Rhode Island Major Cities
Bristol
Roger Williams University
Student Population: 4,345
Backdrop: Village, 140-acre campus, easy access to Boston
Degrees Offered: B. A. Graphic Design Communication, B. F. A. Visual Arts Studies with Concentration in Film, Animation and Video or Photography and Digital Media
Providence
Rhode Island School of Design
Student Population: 1,882
Backdrop: Urban, 13-acre campus, easy access to Boston
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Film/Animation/Video, Graphic Design, Illustration; M. F. A. Digital + Media, Graphic Design; Certificate Animation
Top Animation School Programs Rhode Island – Other Options
If you’re interested in taking animation courses before committing to a B.A. program, the Community College of Rhode Island, Warwick (est. 1964) has a digital art program that might be a good option for you. The CCri Studio Program (Digital Art 1 and 2), offers of 8 hours of instruction. Students can also take 2D Design, 3D Design, Graphic Design, and Individual Study through the CCri Studio.
More Programs to Consider:
- San Francisco & Online
- Top 50 Nationally for Animation (#15) - 2020
- Top 50 Nationally for Game Design (#23) - 2020
- Top 40 Nationally for Illustration (#29) - 2020
- Atlanta, Georgia; Savannah, Georgia; Lacoste, France; and SCAD eLearning
- Animation – BFA, MA, MFA
- Film and Television – BFA, MA, MFA
- Graphic Design – BA, BFA, MA, MFA
- Illustration – BA, BFA, MA, MFA
- Immersive Reality - BFA
- Interactive Design and Game Development – BA, BFA, MA, MFA
- Motion Media Design – BFA, MA, MFA
- Sequential Art – BA, BFA, MA, MFA
- Visual Effects – BFA, MA, MFA
- User Experience (UX) Design – BFA
- Top 50 Nationally for Animation (#3) - 2020
- Top 50 Nationally for Game Design (#12) - 2020
- Top 50 Nationally for Graphic Design (#9) - 2020
- Top 40 Nationally for Illustration (#9) - 2020
- Winter Park, FL & Online
- Computer Animation - Bachelor's - Online & Campus
- Game Programs - Bachelor's & Master's - Online & Campus
- Graphic Design & Digital Arts - Bachelor's - Online & Campus
- Film & Digital Cinematography - Bachelor's & Master's - Online & Campus
- Mobile Development - Bachelor's - Online
- Simulation & Visualization - Bachelor's - Campus
- Top 50 Nationally for Animation (#19) - 2020
- Top 50 Nationally for Game Design (#17) - 2020
- Top 5 in Florida for Graphic Design (#4) - 2020
- Online
Sources
Peterson’s
Princeton Review
U.S. News & World Report College Rankings