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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 simulation and video game development, empowering creators since 1988.

DigiPen Institute of Technology stands out as a groundbreaking institution at the forefront of digital interactive education. Established in 1988, it quickly became renowned for its innovative approach to computer science and animation, particularly its pioneering role in video game development. Prospective students are drawn to DigiPen's unique curriculum, which focuses on hands-on project creation and a deep dive into real-time interactive simulation, preparing them for dynamic careers in an ever-evolving industry.

What truly sets DigiPen apart is its historical significance: it introduced the world's first bachelor's degree in video game development, the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation. This pioneering spirit was fostered by early collaborations with industry giants like Nintendo of America, shaping a curriculum that remains highly relevant. The institute's commitment to cutting-edge education extends to its Master's programs and a global presence with campuses in Singapore and Spain, offering students diverse learning environments.

Students at DigiPen aren't just learning theory; they're actively building the future. The institution's recent policy allowing students to transfer intellectual property rights of their projects is a testament to its commitment to empowering creators, enabling them to monetize their innovative work both during and after their studies. This forward-thinking approach ensures that DigiPen graduates are not only skilled but also supported in bringing their creative visions to life and making a significant impact in the digital world.

Key Highlights

  • Pioneered the world's first Bachelor of Science in video game development (B.S. in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation) in 1996.
  • Founded in 1988 as a research and development institute for computer science and animation.
  • Established a significant collaboration with Nintendo of America in 1990 for video game programming education.
  • Offers Master of Science programs in Computer Science since 2002.
  • Operates international campuses in Singapore (since 2008) and Spain (since 2011).
  • Introduced an institutional policy in 2025 enabling students and alumni to retain and monetize intellectual property rights for their projects.

Timeline

1988
Founded in Vancouver, British Columbia, as a research and development institute.
1990
Began offering a 3D animation program and started collaboration with Nintendo of America.
1994
Accepted its first class of video game programming students through collaboration with Nintendo.
1996
Granted authorization to award degrees in the U.S. and launched the world's first B.S. in video game development.
1998
Opened its Redmond, Washington campus as a joint venture with Nintendo Software Technology.
2002
Received national accreditation and began offering a Master of Science in Computer Science.
2008
Opened an international campus in Singapore.
2011
Opened an international campus in the Greater Bilbao area, Spain.
2025
Introduced a policy allowing students and alumni to transfer intellectual property rights of their projects.
🏛️
38 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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