| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ringling College of Art and Design | Sarasota |
| 2 | University of Central Florida | Orlando |
| 3 | University of Miami | Coral Gables |
| 4 | Jacksonville University | Jacksonville |
Our 2025 ranking of the top illustration schools in Florida. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
The Illustration Department at Ringling College of Art and Design (RCAD) has an Illustration BFA program with two paths including General Illustration and Visual Development. To enhance the program, students can add a minor such as Graphic Design or Creative Writing. Other program benefits include 24/7 access to Cintiq labs and drawing studios; internships with places such as Pixar and Hasbro; and the opportunity to work at RCAD’s In-House Design firm the Design Center. Program alumni have been hired at places such as Lucasfilm, Marvel Studios, Apple, Cartoon Network, Hallmark, EA Games, Google, American Greetings, Riot Games, Abercrombie & Fitch, Disney, Hasbro, United Airlines, and GM.
The School of Visual Arts and Design (SVAD) at University of Central Florida (UCF) houses an Art BA program with a Studio track, and a Studio Art BFA. Both programs allow students to specialize in Illustration and complete a professional internship. The Studio Art BFA culminates with the BFA Exhibit/Seminar course. BA students will complete a professional portfolio of their best work to graduate. UCF SVAD alumni have landed positions at places such as Pixar, Electronic Arts (EA), Blizzard Entertainment, Apple, DreamWorks, Amazon, Universal Orlando, Disney, Weta FX, Google, and YouTube.
The College of Arts and Sciences (C&S) at University of Miami (UofM) houses the Department of Art and Art History, home to the Studio Art MFA with a focus in Digital Imaging/Illustration + Multimedia. Students in this program will work and learn in state-of-the-art computer labs and studio spaces; attend seminars and participate in critiques; interact with visiting lecturers; and take field trips to businesses and museums. The Studio Art MFA culminates with the Thesis and Exhibition. Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles in areas such as publishing, game design, animation, advertising, fine art, graphic design, consulting, and art education.
Jacksonville University (JU) is home to the Linda Berry Stein College of Fine Arts and Humanities. Within the college is the School of Art and Design, which has three paths to study illustration including the Art BA and BFA with an Illustration concentration, and the Illustration minor. All students benefit from shared and private illustration studios in the STEAM Institute for Student Design; visiting artists; and internship opportunities. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles in areas such as children’s book publishing, concept art, editorial illustration, comics, graphic novels, advertising, and packaging design.
