DigiPen Institute of Technology is an educational leader in the teaching and advancement of the arts and computer sciences as applied to the world of game and software development. As the first school in the world to offer a bachelor's degree in game simulation technology, DigiPen has advanced the digital entertainment industry by preparing students to become skilled artists, designers, and engineers.
Through a combined academic focus on both theory and application, students graduate with a deep foundational knowledge of their chosen field and a portfolio of work that is demonstrative of their practical and creative capabilities. DigiPen alumni have proven to be among the most sought-after employees in the games industry and beyond. In addition to being credited on well over 1,000 popular game titles over the last 20 years, they continue to advance the boundaries of what technology can accomplish.
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Address
9931 Willows Road NE
Redmond, WA 98052
Redmond, WA 98052
Phone
425-629-5001
Email
outreach@digipen.edu
Experience College Life
Most Popular Places On Campus
Edison Production Lab
Bits and Bytes Cafe
Plato Auditorium
McCay Animation Studio
Mathews Sound Lab
Bits and Bytes Cafe
Plato Auditorium
McCay Animation Studio
Mathews Sound Lab
Most Popular Places Off Campus
Downtown Seattle
Redmond Town Center
Bella Bottega Mall
Downtown Bellevue
Marymoor Park
Art students often take trips to the Woodland Park Zoo to draw animals for their anatomy class.
Redmond Town Center
Bella Bottega Mall
Downtown Bellevue
Marymoor Park
Art students often take trips to the Woodland Park Zoo to draw animals for their anatomy class.
Campus Tours
Campus Visiting Center
Monday-Friday, Once a month on Saturday
9am-5pm
425-629-5001
9am-5pm
425-629-5001
Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: 10:30 am and 3:30 pm weekdays
Average Length: 1 hour
Dates: Year-round
Times: 10:30 am and 3:30 pm weekdays
Average Length: 1 hour
On Campus Interview
Campus Interviews
No
Information Sessions
Available
Times
About once a month on Saturdays
Faculty and Coach Visits
Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Advance Notice
2 weeks
Class Visits
Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Overnight Dorm Stays
Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available
Transportation
Types of Transportation Available to Campus
DIT's closest airport is SeaTac (Seattle-Tacoma) International Airport. There are a number of transportation options to campus, including buses, shuttles, on-site parking, bicycle lanes, and trails.
Driving Instructions to Campus
From downtown Seattle and places west:
From downtown Seattle take I-5 North to highway WA-520 East towards Redmond.
Stay on WA-520 for approximately 11.5 miles, crossing Lake Washington and I-405.
Take the West Lake Sammamish Parkway NE exit and turn LEFT
Continue onto 154th Ave NE
Turn LEFT at NE 90th St
Turn RIGHT onto Willows Rd NE after passing the railroad tracks
Entrance to the parking lot will be on the LEFT.
From places east of Seattle:
Take I-90 going WEST.
At the junction with I-405, take the ramp for I-405 North to Renton and Redmond.
Take exit 18 to merge onto WA-908 E/NE 85th Street toward Redmond
Turn LEFT at Willows Road NE
Entrance to the parking lot will be on the LEFT.
From Vancouver, BC and places north of Seattle:'
Take I-5 South to the I-405 (exit 182) split off.
Take I-405 South towards Renton and Bellevue.
Stay on I-405 South for approximately 20 miles.
Take exit 20 and turn LEFT onto NE 124th Street
Turn right at Willows Road NE
Entrance to the parking lot will be on the LEFT.
From Sea-Tac and places south of Seattle:
Take International Blvd / Hwy 99 East.
At the junction with I-405, take the ramp for I-405 North to Renton and Redmond.
Stay on I-405 North for approximately 25 miles.
Take exit 18 to merge onto WA-908 E/NE 85th Street toward Redmond
Turn LEFT at Willows Road NE
Entrance to the parking lot will be on the LEFT.
Local Accommodations
Hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and short-term housing are all available near DigiPen's campus. DigiPen does not endorse or make special arrangements with any specific facility, but a number of nearby hotels offer special rates to our visitors. Prices and availability are subject to changes, and tax is not included, so we encourage contacting each hotel for details. Please mention that you are visiting DigiPen to receive any special rates.
Save School
Admissions
Admissions
Overall
From The School
DigiPen works on a rolling-admissions basis. Applications for admission are accepted year-round, and those who apply can typically expect to be notified of the college's decision within two to four weeks of submitting their application. You can learn more about DigiPen's specific admissions requirements, which vary by degree program, on the college's website.
Because applicants must select their degree program prior to enrolling, DigiPen encourages all of its prospective students to do as much research as possible before applying. Prospective students can learn more by visiting the website, requesting information, or participating in an on-campus or online informational event.
DigiPen Pre-College Program
DigiPen's Pre-College Program is an intensive college preparatory experience for students who have completed their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school. Designed for students with strong academic aspirations, this program provides a glimpse into the DigiPen college experience and is an ideal introduction for students who may be interested in attending the Institute. Taught by DigiPen faculty over a four-week period during the summer, the Pre-College Program not only exposes students to DigiPen's academic coursework but also requires students to work together on multidisciplinary project teams.
Overview
Applicants: 669
Acceptance Rate: 57%
SAT & ACT Test Scores
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
590 - 697.5
SAT Math
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
560 - 700
ACT Composite Scores
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
24 - 30.75
Testing Policies
Standardized testing policy for use in admission
Requires applicants to submit either the SAT or ACT
Other Admission Factors
Selectivity Rating
Get a personalized plan for a competitive application from an admissions expert.
Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Overall
From The School
Academic Programs
DigiPen's degree programs give students a comprehensive understanding of the academic fundamentals of their field while preparing them with the skills that will allow them to thrive in a professional environment.
While many schools tout their programs as being "interdisciplinary," the concept of an integrated curriculum is more than a buzzword at DigiPen--it's a central component of what students experience every day on campus. Beginning with a strong focus on foundational theory, each program at DigiPen challenges students to apply what they learn in the classroom toward intensive, sometimes year-long projects. Whether working on games, animations, or computer hardware devices, students put their knowledge into practice in a results-driven studio environment where they quickly learn the value of teamwork and communications. By working alongside their peers from other degree programs, students begin to think beyond the boundaries of their individual areas of study and to "speak the language" of the other disciplines. This cooperative method allows them to achieve the kind of standout student work that would be impossible to accomplish alone and prepares them for the challenges and realities of working in the professional industries after they graduate.
By the time they complete their degrees, students are equipped with a portfolio of work that can help them stand out to prospective employers, as well as the industry connections needed to jump-start their job search. More importantly, they leave with a depth of knowledge and experience that allows them to meaningfully contribute to their team from day one on the job.
Faculty Expertise
DigiPen faculty instructors come from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. From Ph.D. professors who have worked on Nobel-prize winning physics projects to instructors who cut their teeth on classic video games and blockbuster films, these faculty members bring to the classroom a unique blend of both scholarly and commercial expertise. Instructors at DigiPen are dedicated teachers whose primary motivation is to impart their years of knowledge to a new generation of creators and innovators. And with an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, DigiPen students are able to receive individual mentorship and guidance.
Majors and Degrees Offered
DigiPen offers eight bachelor's programs and two master's degree programs in fields relating to computer science and engineering, as well as art, music, and design.
Computer Science
BS in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation
BS in Computer Science and Game Design
BS in Computer Science and Digital Audio
BS in Computer Science
MS in Computer Science
Art, Music, and Design
BFA in Digital Art and Animation
BA in Game Design
BA in Music and Sound Design
MFA in Digital Arts
Engineering
BS in Computer Engineering (an ABET-accredited program)
Faculty and Class Information
Student/Faculty
11:1
Total Faculty
172
with Terminal Degree
50
128
Men
44
Women
Most frequent class size
10 - 19
Most frequent lab / sub section size
10 - 19
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
Graduate in 5 years
Graduate in 6 years
Majors
-
COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia.
-
COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES/TECHNICIANS AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects.
Recording Arts Technology/Technician.
-
COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer and Information Sciences, Other.
Computer and Information Sciences, General.
Computer Graphics.
Computer Programming, Other.
Computer Programming.
Computer Programming/Programmer, General.
Computer Science.
Computer Software and Media Applications.
Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation.
-
ENGINEERING.
Computer Engineering, General.
Computer Engineering, Other.
Computer Engineering.
Computer Software Engineering.
-
LEISURE AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
Board, Card and Role-Playing Games.
Computer Games and Programming Skills.
-
MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
Mathematics and Computer Science.
-
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Commercial and Advertising Art.
Design and Applied Arts.
Digital Arts.
Game and Interactive Media Design.
Music.
Degrees
Bachelor's
Master's
Master's
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Internships
Opportunities at School
Coop
Experiential
Internship
Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
Kim Swift
Creative Director at Airtight Games, Designer of Valve Software’s Portal
Chad Taylor
Lead Graphics Programmer at ArenaNet
Brittany Aubert
Senior Technical Program Manager at VREAL
Terry Suereth
Software Engineer at Nintendo of America
Nnenna Ijiomah
3D Sculptor at Funko
Jeep Barnett,Dave Kircher, Garret Rickey
The alumni whose games inspired the critically acclaimed Portal I and II
Serge Metral
Embedded GPU Software Engineer
Careers
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
Graduate in 5 years
Graduate in 6 years
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Internships
Opportunities at School
Coop
Experiential
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
Tuition for the 2018-19 academic year for undergraduate students is $31,140, which covers the cost of 32-44 course credits per year and access to all of DigiPen's on-campus facilities and support services. There is no additional tuition cost for out-of-state U.S citizens and residents. Housing and meals, for students living in a DigiPen Housing apartment, costs an estimated $11,750. Administrative fees are $200 per year.
Financial Aid
There are several types of financial aid available for students who qualify. DigiPen's Office of Financial Aid is ready to help by connecting students with a range of financial resources, including:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Loans
- Federal Work Study
- Veterans Benefits
For the 2016-17 academic year, approximately 62% of DigiPen students received financial assistance in the form of scholarships, state grants, and federal grants and loans. The average scholarship awarded that year was $9,331.
DigiPen is committed to helping all students make the most of their financial investment by providing the resources needed to succeed, including one-on-one financial aid counseling to help make the costs of attendance affordable.
On-Campus Employment
In addition to offering Federal Work Study for students who qualify, DigiPen also provides a number of on-campus employment opportunities. Students can earn income and work experience by applying to student job openings in several academic and administrative departments on campus. Each summer, DigiPen employs hundreds of current students to work as teachers and teaching assistants for DigiPen's ProjectFUN youth education programs for students in grades 1-12.
Dates
Application Deadlines
Notification Date
Dec 1
Required Forms
FAFSA
Financial Aid Statistics
Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$7,485
Average Undergraduate Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$8,614
Average Need-Based Loan
$10,229
Undergraduates who have borrowed through any loan program
63%
Average amount of loan debt per graduate
$32,513
Financial aid provided to international students
Yes
Expenses per Academic Year
Tuition
$32,400
Required Fees
$200
Average Cost for Books and Supplies
Tuition / Fees Vary by Year of Study
No
Board for Commuters
Transportation for Commuters
$1,067
Available Aid
Financial Aid Methodology
Federal
Scholarships and Grants
Need-Based
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Non-Need-Based
Institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid is available
Federal Direct Student Loan Programs
Direct PLUS Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Federal Family Education Loan Programs (FFEL)
Is Institutional Employment Available (other than Federal Work Study)
No
Direct Lender
No
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
The student body at DigiPen is a tight-knit community of people who share a passion for games, art, and technology. Students thrive on teamwork, creativity, and a spirit of learning--both in and out of the classroom.
Despite being a small school, DigiPen has attracted an amazing community of students who have come to campus from more than 50 countries. DigiPen is committed to fostering a diverse campus culture that is welcoming and supportive to students of all backgrounds.
A Lasting Network
The shared experience among students doesn't end at graduation. It's not uncommon for DigiPen alumni to be working together as professionals as well, either at major technology companies or at small, entrepreneurial startups. Some DigiPen graduates have also continued to give back to their alma mater by participating in the DigiPen Alumni Mentorship Program, helping current students to effectively prepare for the transition from college to career.
Campus Support Systems
At any time during their education, DigiPen students do not have to look far to receive the support they need. Students have access to a wealth of on-campus services, such as:
- Professional mental health counseling
- Disability support services
- Peer tutors and advisors
- Academic and faculty advisors
While the demands of DigiPen's curriculum can be intense, students also have plenty of ways to relax, unwind, and explore new interests and activities. From organizing clubs and social events to participating in the Student Senate leadership group, students join together to create a vibrant and inclusive campus community.
Speaking of student clubs, there are several to choose from, with brand new groups springing up each year. For those drawn to the friendly competition of Pokemon Club or for anyone looking to become educated on LGBTQ issues through DigiPen's PRISM (People Respecting Individuals and Sexual Minorities) club, these and other campus groups provide a great way to connect with fellow students outside the classroom.
Student Body Profile
Total Undergraduate Enrollment
1,067
Foreign Countries Represented
45
Demographics
23% female
77% male
93% are full time
7% are part time
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Location
DigiPen's campus is located in Redmond, Washington, a global hub for game and software development. The region is home to more than 400 interactive media companies, including tech industry giants like Microsoft, Nintendo, Amazon, and several more.
Situated about 15 miles east of Seattle, the Redmond area is home to much more than a wide range of successful economic enterprises. It's a renowned center of artistic excellence, cultural diversity, and beautiful outdoor surroundings.
DigiPen also operates at two international campuses in Singapore and Bilbao, Spain.
Campus Facilities & Equipment
Students at DigiPen go beyond the textbook--putting knowledge and theory into daily practice through extensive project coursework that brings together multiple areas of study including art, music, design, and computer science. As such, the DigiPen campus features several dedicated lab spaces, including:
- Two large-scale production labs dedicated to game project teams.
- Two music and sound labs, complete with recording studio, instrument practice rooms, and digital audio workstations.
- A Nintendo console development lab with special access to licensed software development kits.
- A computer engineering lab.
- An MFA computer lab.
- Numerous game lab spaces for prototyping and play testing projects, from board games to video games.
As a testing ground for new ideas, DigiPen students regularly work and experiment with emerging technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality devices. Thanks to industry connections with local technology companies, DigiPen students have been among the first to get their hands on software development kits for products like the HTC Vive, Microsoft HoloLens, and more. Compared to most institutions, DigiPen provides its students with an unparalleled depth of hands-on experience that--combined with their solid knowledge base--gives them a competitive edge when beginning their careers.
In addition to DigiPen's lab and classroom spaces, the DigiPen campus library houses a vast collection of print and digital materials, including books, periodicals, films, and a growing catalogue of over 500 video games and game console equipment--an exceptional resource both for study and amusement.
Off-Campus Opportunities
DigiPen's close proximity to hundreds of game and technology companies doesn't just benefit students after they graduate. It allows them to tap into a deep well of industry experience and begin building their professional network even before they graduate, thanks to a wealth of local off-campus events and internship opportunities.
DigiPen's internship program is a carefully monitored work experience in which students learn about their discipline in a professional development studio under the supervision of an industry veteran. DigiPen interns have earned their names in the credits of published AAA game titles, taken part in Microsoft research projects, and even assisted in the development of the Nintendo Wii controller.
Outside of the classroom, students can take advantage of a mix of fun activities throughout Redmond and the greater Seattle area. At the annual PAX West, a gaming expo that draws tens of thousands of visitors each year, DigiPen students plan, set up, and operate a student game arcade booth where they demo their academic projects to attendees--in the same venue as some of the largest game publishers in the world. The region is also home to other annual events, such as the Emerald City Comicon, Bumbershoot, GeekGirlCon, and more.
Campus Life
Undergrads living on campus
Help finding off-campus housing
Yes
First-Year Students living on campus
Campus Environment
Small Urban
87/99
Housing Options
Dorms Female
Dorms Male
Dorms Male
International Student
Other
Other
Special Needs Admissions
College Entrance Tests Required
No
Interview Required
No
Special Need Services Offered
Student Activities
Registered Student Organizations
46
Number of Honor Societies
Number of Social Sororities
Number of Religious Organizations
Sports
Athletic Division
Other
Student Services
Sustainability
60*
Campus Security Report
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/
Other Information
Campus-wide Internet Network
Yes
% of Classrooms with Wireless Internet
100
Fee for Network Use
Yes
Partnerships with Technology Companies
Yes
Personal computer included in tuition for each student
No
Discounts Available with Hardware Vendors
Yes
Description
Dell, Apple, Zones, Harddrives Northwest, and Denali
