| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | College for Creative Studies | Detroit |
| 2 | Ferris State University | Big Rapids and Grand Rapids |
| 3 | Northern Michigan University | Marquette |
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.
Students in the Illustration BFA program at College for Creative Studies (CCS) have interned at places such as Mattel, Disney, Insomniac Games, and Cartoon Network. Through electives, BFA students also have the opportunity to focus in specific areas such editorial, children’s books, or advertising. An Illustration minor is available for students in other majors at CCS. Graduates can be found at places such as Leo Burnett Worldwide, The New York Times, Ogilvy, Nickelodeon, Lego, DreamWorks Animation, Mattel, American Greetings, Marvel Studios, Nike, Disney, New Balance, Blizzard Entertainment, ESPN, Cartoon Network, The Washington Post, Insomniac Games, Crispin, Ford, Converse, and Reader’s Digest.
Kendall College of Art and Design (KCAD) at Ferris State University (Ferris State) houses Illustration BFA and minor programs; a Life Sciences and Pre-Medical Illustration BFA option; and a Natural Science Illustration certificate. Across programs students will develop skills in traditional illustration techniques, digital painting, and publication design. Other highlights include access to state-of-the-art labs and studios; electives such as Children’s Book Design and Graphic Design for Illustrators; faculty-led trips to Italy and Sweden; internships; and the KCAD Illustration Society. Graduates have landed positions at places such as Disney, Epic Games, BBDO, Hallmark, Microsoft, Amazon, Netflix, and Riot Games.
The Northern Michigan University (NMU) School of Art and Design houses an Illustration concentration for students in the school’s BA, BFA, BS, and AAA degree programs. Activities for all programs take place in studio classrooms, state-of-the-art production facilities, and the Illustration Studio in the Art and Design Building. Other program highlights include professional internships; opportunities to exhibit in the NMU Student Art Gallery and DeVos Art Museum; collaborative projects; participation in critiques and discussions; and the option to join to the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA). Graduates have been hired at places such as Nickelodeon, Duolingo, Miller Knoll Brand Collective, Crocs, and PVH Corp.
