| 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 2026 ranking of the top illustration schools in Florida. The criteria we used for the animation rankings consists, in no particular order, of the following: Academic reputation, Employment data, Admission selectivity, Depth and breadth of the program, Value as it relates to tuition and indebtedness, Graduation rate, and Retention rate. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
The Illustration BFA program at Ringling College of Art and Design (RCAD) has two tracks: General Illustration and Visual Development. An Author/Illustrator certificate is also available. BFA program highlights include internships with places such as Hasbro, Pixar, or the Design Center—RCAD’s in-house design firm); the option to minor Graphic Design, Creative Writing, or other area; and 24/7 access to Cintiq labs and drawing studios. Graduates have secured positions at places such as EA Games, Google, Hallmark, Lucasfilm, Hasbro, Marvel Studios, Riot Games, Apple, Disney, Cartoon Network, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Sony Pictures, United Airlines, GM, and American Greetings.
The School of Visual Arts and Design (SVAD) at University of Central Florida (UCF) has two paths to study illustration. Options include the Art BA with a Studio track and Illustration focus, and a Studio Art BFA with a Drawing/Illustration emphasis. Students in both programs benefit from professional internships; state-of-the-art studios and labs; and study abroad experiences. The culminating experiences for the programs include the BFA Exhibit/Seminar, and a professional portfolio (BA). UCF SVAD alumni have established careers at places such as NASA, Pixar, Microsoft, Penguin Random House, Marvel, Apple, Hasbro, Scholastic, DreamWorks, Lockheed Martin, Nickelodeon, Amazon, and Universal Orlando.
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/Photography. Program features include field trips to studios and museums; access to state-of-the-art production facilities; seminars and critiques; and visiting artists. The Studio Art MFA culminates with an exhibition. Graduates have secured roles with The Miami HEAT, Accenture, NBCUniversal, Hilton Hotels, Univision, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 4imprint, Sandals Resorts, and Jacober Creative.
The School of Art and Design at Jacksonville University (JU) provides several paths to study illustration. Options include the Art BA and BFA with an Illustration concentration, and an Illustration minor. Across programs, students have access to shared and private illustration production studios in the STEAM Institute for Student Design. Other highlights include professional internships; visiting artists; study abroad experiences; and intensive portfolio development. Graduates have been hired at places such as Carus Books, the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (MOCA Jacksonville), and Fast signs.
