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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 game development education since 1988.

DigiPen Institute of Technology stands at the forefront of innovation, renowned globally for its trailblazing approach to computer science, animation, and game development. Founded in 1988 by Claude Comair, DigiPen quickly distinguished itself, offering the world's first bachelor's degree in video game development, the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation. This groundbreaking initiative, stemming from a pivotal collaboration with Nintendo of America in the early 90s, cemented DigiPen's legacy as a pioneer in an entirely new academic field.

Prospective students seeking to immerse themselves in the creation of interactive experiences will find DigiPen's curriculum uniquely engaging. From its roots in 3D computer animation programs, the institute has evolved to offer comprehensive undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in computer science, interactive simulation, and digital arts, all designed to equip students with highly specialized, industry-relevant skills. The emphasis on real-time interactive simulation ensures graduates are prepared for the demanding and dynamic landscape of the entertainment and technology sectors.

Beyond its innovative programs, DigiPen fosters a vibrant, project-focused environment that mirrors real-world production studios. With campuses spanning Redmond, Washington, Singapore, and Spain, students benefit from a global perspective and diverse learning opportunities. A significant upcoming change in 2025 will empower students even further, as DigiPen introduces a policy to transfer intellectual property rights of student-created projects back to the students and alumni, allowing them to monetize their work and launch their professional careers with their creations.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1988, establishing itself as a long-standing leader in interactive education.
  • Pioneered the world's first Bachelor of Science degree in video game development in 1996: the B.S. in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation.
  • Established a significant collaboration with Nintendo of America in 1990 to develop post-secondary programs for video game programming.
  • Received national accreditation from the ACCSC in 2002, affirming its high educational standards.
  • Operates international campuses in Singapore (opened 2008) and Spain (opened 2011), offering a global educational reach.
  • Introduced an innovative institutional policy in 2025 to transfer intellectual property rights of student projects to students and alumni for monetization.

Timeline

1988
DigiPen founded in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, by Claude Comair.
1990
Began offering its first educational program in 3D computer animation and started a collaboration with Nintendo of America for video game programming.
1994
Accepted its 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's degree in video game development.
1998
Opened its campus in Redmond, Washington.
2002
Received national accreditation from the ACCSC and began offering its first Master's program.
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 allowing the transfer of 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

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