DigiPen Institute of Technology logo

DigiPen Institute of Technology

Redmond, WA

private forprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

1988
Founded
Private for-profit university
Type
1,032
Total Students
2,500
Undergrad
50
Graduate
$37K
Tuition (In-State)
$37K
Tuition (Out-State)
$42K
Avg Net Price
68%
Acceptance Rate
52%
Graduation Rate
6-year
73%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: Claude Comair

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About DigiPen Institute of Technology

Pioneering interactive media education, DigiPen empowers innovators to shape the future of games and digital art.

DigiPen Institute of Technology stands as a global leader in interactive media education, renowned for its groundbreaking approach to teaching the art and science behind video games and digital animation. Founded in 1988 by Claude Comair, DigiPen quickly forged a path that would redefine higher education, famously launching the world's first Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation in 1996—a pioneering degree that effectively created the field of video game development education.

Prospective students considering DigiPen will discover a rigorous academic environment built on strong industry ties, including an early and significant collaboration with Nintendo of America. This hands-on, project-based learning model prepares graduates not just for careers, but to innovate within the rapidly evolving tech and entertainment sectors. With a curriculum spanning computer science, game design, and digital art, DigiPen cultivates a unique blend of technical mastery and creative expression.

Beyond its foundational role, DigiPen continues to push boundaries, expanding its reach with international campuses in Singapore and Spain, fostering a diverse and globally connected student body. A forward-thinking institution, DigiPen introduced a significant policy in 2025 that allows students to retain and monetize the intellectual property from their projects, offering an unparalleled opportunity for aspiring developers and artists to launch their careers and companies even before graduation. It's a place where passion for interactive media transforms into professional excellence.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1988, becoming a trailblazer in interactive media education.
  • Launched the world's first Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation in 1996.
  • Pioneering collaboration with Nintendo of America starting in the 1990s for video game programming education.
  • Established global campuses in Singapore (2008) and Spain (2011), fostering international learning opportunities.
  • Received national accreditation from ACCSC in 2002.
  • Offers advanced studies, including a Master of Science in Computer Science since 2002.
  • Introduced a groundbreaking policy in 2025 allowing students to retain and monetize intellectual property from their projects.

Timeline

1988
Founded by Claude Comair in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
1990
Began offering its first dedicated educational program in 3D computer animation and started collaboration with Nintendo for video game programming.
1994
Accepted the first class of video game programming students through its collaboration with Nintendo.
1996
Granted authorization to award degrees in the U.S. and launched the world's first Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation.
1998
Opened its campus in Redmond, Washington as a joint campus with Nintendo Software Technology.
2002
Received national accreditation from ACCSC and began offering its first Master of Science in Computer Science.
2008
Opened its campus in Singapore in conjunction with Singapore's Economic Development Board.
2011
Opened its campus in the Greater Bilbao area, in the municipality of Zierbena, Spain.
2025
Introduced an institutional policy providing a process for transferring intellectual property rights of student-created projects to students and alumni.
🏛️
38 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Find Scholarships at DigiPen Institute of Technology

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search