Best institutions to study Digital Arts
A general, undifferentiated program that focuses on the use of computerized digital images as the primary medium of expression in the visual and performing arts, and that may prepare individuals for a wide variety of careers using new media, including graphic design, digital animation, motion graphics, 3D visualization, game and interactive media design, music and sound design, video production, web design, photography, and other fields.
183 U.S. institutions graduated 4,316 Digital Arts students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 50.0102, a specialization of Visual and Performing Arts (CIP 50.01), and leads most directly to the Graphic Designers occupation (BLS SOC 27-1024).
About Digital Arts programs
A general, undifferentiated program that focuses on the use of computerized digital images as the primary medium of expression in the visual and performing arts, and that may prepare individuals for a wide variety of careers using new media, including graphic design, digital animation, motion graphics, 3D visualization, game and interactive media design, music and sound design, video production, web design, photography, and other fields.
See also: 09.0702 - Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Digital Arts program, part of the Visual and Performing Arts field, focuses on the use of computerized digital images as the primary medium of expression. This program is designed for individuals interested in exploring various forms of new media, preparing them for diverse careers in graphic design, digital animation, video production, and more.
Students in the Digital Arts program will develop core skills in design, critical thinking, and communication. Coursework typically includes training in graphic design, digital animation, and web design, equipping graduates with the knowledge needed to excel in the digital arts landscape.
Credentials awarded
What Digital Arts graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree3,115 graduates / yr · 107 institutions72%
- Associate's degree568 graduates / yr · 38 institutions13%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year316 graduates / yr · 34 institutions7.3%
- Master's degree120 graduates / yr · 11 institutions2.8%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years103 graduates / yr · 10 institutions2.4%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate73 graduates / yr · 3 institutions1.7%
- Award of less than 12 weeks11 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.3%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship7 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.2%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years3 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.1%
Graduates over time
Digital Arts completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 691 |
| 2013 | 924 |
| 2014 | 1,128 |
| 2015 | 1,519 |
| 2016 | 1,635 |
| 2017 | 1,848 |
| 2018 | 2,202 |
| 2019 | 2,486 |
| 2020 | 2,996 |
| 2021 | 3,210 |
| 2022 | 3,531 |
| 2023 | 3,666 |
| 2024 | 3,848 |
| 2025 | 4,316 |
Top 50 institutions for Digital Arts, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Full Sail University Winter Park, FLPrivate for-profitBachelor'sAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 519 | 44% | $32,163 | $22,439 |
| 2 | University of Central Florida Orlando, FLPublicBachelor's | 506 | 78% | — | $28,878 |
| 3 | The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson, TXPublicBachelor'sPost-degree cert.Master'sDoctoral | 383 | 76% | — | $28,494 |
| 4 | Otis College of Art and Design Los Angeles, CAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 123 | 66% | $44,867 | $21,558 |
| 5 | Florida International University Miami, FLPublicBachelor's | 111 | 74% | — | — |
| 6 | Austin Community College District Austin, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 110 | 20% | — | $29,669 |
| 7 | Wichita State University Wichita, KSPublicBachelor'sAward of less than 12 weeks | 90 | 51% | — | $20,013 |
| 8 | Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GAPublicBachelor's | 81 | 52% | — | $27,636 |
| 9 | The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TXPublicBachelor's | 76 | 89% | — | $29,707 |
| 10 | Utah Tech University Saint George, UTPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor's | 76 | 38% | — | — |
| 11 | Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers, FLPublicBachelor's | 75 | 57% | — | — |
| 12 | Liberty University Lynchburg, VAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 74 | 65% | $28,911 | — |
| 13 | University of Florida Gainesville, FLPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 73 | 91% | — | $30,629 |
| 14 | Gnomon North Hollywood, CAPrivate for-profitBachelor's | 73 | 100% | $44,138 | — |
| 15 | Academy of Art University San Francisco, CAPrivate for-profitMaster'sBachelor'sAssociate's | 60 | 34% | $40,294 | $28,494 |
| 16 | Michigan State University East Lansing, MIPublicBachelor's | 59 | 81% | — | — |
| 17 | CUNY Queensborough Community College Bayside, NYPublicAssociate's | 57 | 24% | — | — |
| 18 | Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Kutztown, PAPublicBachelor's | 51 | 54% | — | — |
| 19 | Truckee Meadows Community College Reno, NVPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 47 | 32% | — | — |
| 20 | Moore College of Art and Design Philadelphia, PAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sAssociate's | 45 | 57% | $43,204 | $27,107 |
| 21 | Harvard University Cambridge, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 43 | 98% | $15,013 | — |
| 22 | University of Missouri - Columbia Columbia, MOPublicBachelor's | 41 | 75% | — | $29,775 |
| 23 | University of Wisconsin - Stout Menomonie, WIPublicBachelor's | 39 | 55% | — | — |
| 24 | University of Kentucky Lexington, KYPublicBachelor's | 38 | 71% | — | $26,343 |
| 25 | University of Nebraska - Lincoln Lincoln, NEPublicBachelor's | 36 | 67% | — | — |
| 26 | Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 33 | 43% | $21,535 | $24,691 |
| 27 | National Park College Hot Springs, ARPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 33 | 35% | — | — |
| 28 | University of North Carolina Asheville Asheville, NCPublicBachelor's | 33 | 54% | — | $23,023 |
| 29 | Bowling Green State University - Main Campus Bowling Green, OHPublicBachelor's | 33 | 64% | — | $18,819 |
| 30 | University of Southern California Los Angeles, CAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 32 | 92% | $26,873 | — |
| 31 | Suffolk County Community College Selden, NYPublicAssociate's | 30 | 29% | — | $23,694 |
| 32 | Kent State University at Tuscarawas New Philadelphia, OHPublicBachelor's | 29 | 38% | — | — |
| 33 | Champlain College Burlington, VTPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 28 | 65% | $32,531 | $30,138 |
| 34 | University of Florida - Online Gainesville, FLPublicBachelor's | 28 | 85% | — | $30,629 |
| 35 | University of Advancing Technology Tempe, AZPrivate for-profitBachelor'sAssociate's | 24 | 35% | $21,175 | $27,824 |
| 36 | Pima Community College Tucson, AZPublicAssociate's | 22 | 28% | — | $25,344 |
| 37 | Volunteer State Community College Gallatin, TNPublicAssociate's | 22 | 28% | — | — |
| 38 | Washtenaw Community College Ann Arbor, MIPublicAssociate's | 21 | 33% | — | — |
| 39 | Tarleton State University Stephenville, TXPublicBachelor's | 21 | 48% | — | — |
| 40 | CUNY Bronx Community College Bronx, NYPublicAssociate's | 20 | 16% | — | $18,700 |
| 41 | Pacific Northwest College of Art Portland, ORPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 20 | 29% | $40,553 | $13,895 |
| 42 | University of Wisconsin - Whitewater Whitewater, WIPublicBachelor's | 20 | 59% | — | $28,226 |
| 43 | Aims Community College Greeley, COPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 19 | 40% | — | — |
| 44 | Ocean County College Toms River, NJPublicAssociate's | 19 | 42% | — | — |
| 45 | Lipscomb University Nashville, TNPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 19 | 72% | $24,309 | — |
| 46 | Lesley University Cambridge, MAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 18 | 58% | $30,837 | $20,600 |
| 47 | Manhattan University Riverdale, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 18 | 64% | $26,807 | — |
| 48 | SUNY Oneonta Oneonta, NYPublicBachelor's | 18 | 69% | — | $19,135 |
| 49 | University of Cincinnati - Main Campus Cincinnati, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 18 | 75% | — | — |
| 50 | University of Wisconsin - Parkside Kenosha, WIPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 18 | 40% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Visual and Performing Arts field (CIP 50.01) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 43 states & territories
Where Digital Arts graduates come from. Each state links to all Visual and Performing Arts programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 27-1024, Graphic Designers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Digital Arts program can pursue careers as graphic designers, photographers, and art directors, among others. The job outlook for related fields is about as fast as average, with an estimated 20,000 annual openings and a median wage of $61,300, typically requiring a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 50.0102
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Graphic Designersprimary SOC 27-1024 | $62,960 | +2.1% About as fast as average | ~20,000 | Bachelor's degree |
Photographers SOC 27-4021 | $44,660 | +1.8% Little or no change | ~12,700 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Art Directors SOC 27-1011 | $114,850 | +4.2% About as fast as average | ~12,300 | Bachelor's degree |
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1121 | $78,620 | +1.7% Little or no change | ~9,000 | Master's degree |
Special Effects Artists and Animators SOC 27-1014 | $102,030 | +1.6% Little or no change | ~5,000 | Bachelor's degree |
Artists and Related Workers, All Other SOC 27-1019 | $71,240 | +0.8% Little or no change | ~1,200 | No formal educational credential |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Digital Arts programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Key information into computer equipment to create layouts for client or supervisor.
- Review final layouts and suggest improvements, as needed.
- Determine size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, and select style and size of type.
- Develop graphics and layouts for product illustrations, company logos, and Web sites.
- Create designs, concepts, and sample layouts, based on knowledge of layout principles and esthetic design concepts.
- Use computer software to generate new images.
Tools and technology used
Other Visual and Performing Arts specializations
The 1 other 6-digit CIP codes under Visual and Performing Arts (CIP 50.01).
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in Digital Arts?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, Associate's degree, or an Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in active listening, critical thinking, design, and communication.
What careers can I pursue with a degree in Digital Arts?+
You can work as a graphic designer, photographer, art director, or special effects artist, among other roles.
What is the job outlook for Digital Arts graduates?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with 20,000 annual openings and a median wage of $61,300.
What is the CIP code for Digital Arts?+
Digital Arts is CIP 50.0102 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Visual and Performing Arts (CIP 50.01). NCES defines it as: A general, undifferentiated program that focuses on the use of computerized digital images as the primary medium of expression in the visual and performing arts, and that may prepare individuals for a wide variety of careers using new media, including graphic design, digital animation, motion graphics, 3D visualization, game and interactive media design, music and sound design, video production, web design, photography, and other fields.
How many institutions offer Digital Arts programs?+
183 U.S. institutions reported Digital Arts graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 43 states & territories, awarding 4,316 credentials in the year. That is 56.0% of all Visual and Performing Arts graduates.
How much do Digital Arts graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Graphic Designers occupation, which Digital Arts most directly leads to, pays a median of $62,960 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Visual and Performing Arts field report median earnings of $26,343 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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