| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kansas State University | Manhattan |
| 2 | University of Kansas | Lawrence |
Our 2023 ranking -our twelfth annual- of the top animation school programs in Kansas. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
Kansas State University (K-State) houses the K-State Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus, which has a unique pathway to study animation. Leading to a BS, the Digital Media Technology Program fuses technology and art through courses in animation, motion graphics, programming, photography, video production, and graphic design. Program highlights include hands-on-learning beginning on day one, access to industry standard equipment and software, a studio atmosphere, and projects that pair students with real-world clients.
Graduates of the K-State Digital Media Technology Program enjoy a 97% job placement rate. Program alumni are Animators, Creative Directors, Digital Illustrators, Video Producers and Directors, UX Designers, Art Directors, and Web Designers.
Founded in 1863, Kansas State University serves approximately 19,720 students enrolled in more than 250 undergraduate majors and options and 165+ graduate degrees and certificates. Programs at K-State are offered across nine colleges and the graduate school. Campuses include Manhattan, Salina, and Olathe, Kansas, and K-State Global/K-State Online. Kansas State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
The School of Architecture and Design (SAD) at University of Kansas (KU) houses the Department of Design, which has one pathway to study animation—the Design BFA. Within the BFA Program is an Illustration & Animation Concentration that explores art, design, animation, illustration/drawing, marketing, and professional practices.
Course examples for the program include Think and Make, KU Design Lecture Series, Animation, Drawing Media for Illustration, Promotion and Marketing for Illustration, Painting, Advanced Concept Art, Sequence and Narrative Illustration, and Ethics in Design.
Graduates of the Illustration & Animation Program at University of Kansas are prepared to seek positions in Animation, Game Art, Television and Film, Graphic Design, Advertising, and any industry that utilizes animation.
University of Kansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Founded in 1865, KU opened on September 12, 1866 with one building and 55 students. Today, the school serves 28,500 students across five Kansas campuses including Lawrence, Overland Park, Kansas City, Wichita, and Salina. University of Kansas offers more than 400 degrees and certificate programs across 13 academic schools.
