| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DigiPen | Redmond |
| 2 | University of Washington | Seattle |
| 3 | Academy of Interactive Entertainment | Seattle |
| 4 | Cornish College of the Arts | Seattle |
Our 2026 ranking -our fifteenth annual- of the top animation school programs in Washington. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
DigiPen was the first school in the world to launch a bachelor’s degree in video game programming. A Certified Partner of SideFX, the school houses a Digital Art and Animation BFA program, and a Digital Arts MFA. Across programs, students benefit from courses taught by independent Disney and Lucasfilm animators; semester- or 12-month long interdisciplinary team-based projects; and opportunities to study abroad at the DigiPen Singapore or Spain campuses. Programs culminate with a professional film or other creative work. To date, DigiPen graduates have been hired by more than 1,250 companies around the world. Examples include Walt Disney Imagineering, Apple, Electronic Arts (EA), DreamWorks, Blizzard Entertainment, Google, Warner Bros. Games, Sony, Nintendo, Amazon, and Riot Games.
The Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) at University of Washington (UW) houses the Computer Science BS (BS CS); Computer Engineering BS (BS CE); the Professional Master’s Program (PMP) in CSE; or the CSE PhD. These highly interdisciplinary programs provide access to the Animation Research Labs (ARL); the Center for Game Science; and the UW Graphics and Imaging Lab (GRAIL). Activities and events in the labs explore animation, computer game science, and more. Across programs, students will work in interdisciplinary teams to complete the Animation Pre-Production and Animation Capstone courses. Graduates have gone on to establish careers at places such as Disney, Epic Games, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), DreamWorks, Pixar, Nickelodeon, Google, Amazon MGM Studios, Blizzard Entertainment, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Microsoft, Weta FX, Nintendo, and Titmouse.
Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) is a Houdini Certified School that houses a Game Art and Animation diploma program, and an advanced diploma in 3D Animation and Visual Effects. Programs take place in a hands-on, collaborative, studio-environment led by industry professionals. Other program highlights include opportunities to gain extensive experience through AIE’s studio partnerships; access to state-of-the-art production facilities; participation in the Games and Animation Workshop Day; and an active career placement division. Across programs, students will graduate with an industry-ready short film and online portfolio. Graduates have landed positions at places such as DreamWorks, Weta FX, Riot Games, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Ubisoft, Sledgehamer Games, Unity, and BioWare.
The Film and Media Department at Cornish College of the Arts (Cornish) houses an Animation BFA program that explores other areas such as VR/AR, interaction design, and web design. Students in this project-based program have the option to explore additional areas through studio and open electives along with minor options such as Game Art or Experience Design. Other program benefits include access to state-of-the-art labs, digital workstations, and studios; immersive workshops; visiting artists and guest lectures; industry partnerships; field trips; and professional internships. The program culminates with the BFA Capstone and Exhibition Seminar. Cornish graduates have been hired at places such as Pixar, Microsoft, LAIKA, Disney, Warner Bros., Electronic Arts (EA), Nintendo, Amazon, and Big Fish Games.
