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DigiPen Institute of Technology : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About DigiPen Institute of Technology

In Redmond's tech hub, DigiPen is known for hands-on learning in computing, interactive media, design, and digital art. Courses lean project heavy, with small teams building playable prototypes, animated pieces, and tools. Studios and labs for code, art, and sound sit alongside advising, tutoring, counseling, and career services, so students can push hard without feeling lost.

Campus life revolves around clubs, game jams, critique nights, and study spaces that wake up after dinner. The culture values collaboration, frank feedback, and craft. With nearby studios and the broader Seattle-area tech scene, guest talks, internships, and portfolio reviews are part of the rhythm. Trails, cafés, and parks sit close by for quick resets. And end-of-term showcases let teams demo their work to peers and pros. Notable alum Kim Swift, co-creator of Portal, hints at the school's maker streak.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 9931 Willows Rd NE, Redmond, Washington, 98052, USA
Website: digipen.edu
Unit ID: 443410

Academic & Institutional

Control: Private for-profit institution (operates for revenue)
Accreditation: ACCSC
Length of Study: Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System: Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels: Bachelor's, Master's
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Baccalaureate - Diverse Fields
Campus Setting: Located in a small city (population under 100,000)
Tuition: In-state: $37,400 (Tuition $37,200 + Fee $200) · Out-of-state: $37,400 (Tuition $37,200 + Fee $200)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 1,100
Undergraduate: 1,032
Graduate/Other: 68
Male: 760 Female: 340
Applications:
Total Applicants: 838
Admitted: 570
Enrolled: 192
Acceptance: 68% Yield: 33.7%
Staff:
Total: 293 Full-time: 209 Part-time: 84

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at DigiPen Institute of Technology with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Washington. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in Washington vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Computer & IT (3)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
11.0102 Artificial Intelligence. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the symbolic inference, representation, and simulation by computers and software of human learning and reasoning processes and capabilities, and the computer modeling of human motor control and motion. Includes instruction in computing theory, cybernetics, human factors, natural language processing, and applicable aspects of engineering, technology, and specific end-use applications.

Graduate Career Earnings in Washington

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Washington Avg WA vs US
15-1221 Computer and Information Research Scientists $152,310 $214,540 +$62,230 (+40.9%)
15-1252 Software Developers $144,570 $142,630 -$1,940 (-1.3%)
15-2051 Data Scientists $124,590 N/A N/A
25-1021 Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $105,830 $73,230 -$32,600 (-30.8%)
11.0804 Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program focusing on the principles of applied visual simulation technology and the application of quantitative analyses to human-computer interaction. Includes instruction in object-oriented programming, artificial intelligence, computer communications and networks, computer graphics, virtual worlds and simulation systems, probability, statistics, stochastic modeling, data analysis, human-performance evaluation, and human-behavior modeling.

Graduate Career Earnings in Washington

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Washington Avg WA vs US
15-1221 Computer and Information Research Scientists $152,310 $214,540 +$62,230 (+40.9%)
15-1251 Computer Programmers $103,640 $99,120 -$4,520 (-4.4%)
15-1252 Software Developers $144,570 $142,630 -$1,940 (-1.3%)
15-2051 Data Scientists $124,590 N/A N/A
25-1021 Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $105,830 $73,230 -$32,600 (-30.8%)
27-1014 Special Effects Artists and Animators $110,110 $146,600 +$36,490 (+33.1%)
Media Tech (2)
Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems
10.0304 Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals to use computer applications and related visual and sound imaging techniques to manipulate images and information originating as film, video, still photographs, digital copy, soundtracks, and physical objects in order to communicate messages simulating real-world content. Includes instruction in specialized camerawork and equipment operation and maintenance, image capture, computer programming, dubbing, CAD applications, and applications to specific commercial, industrial, and entertainment needs.

Graduate Career Earnings in Washington

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Washington Avg WA vs US
27-1014 Special Effects Artists and Animators $110,110 $146,600 +$36,490 (+33.1%)
Interdisciplinary (1)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
30.3101 Human Computer Interaction. (Cert2y+)
An interdisciplinary program that focuses on the study of the interaction between people and technology and how that technology impacts society, and combines disciplines within the fields of computing and information science (information systems, software engineering, artificial intelligence and design), engineering, and the behavior sciences (cognitive science, cognitive psychology, sociology, organizational psychology, and social psychology). Includes instruction in information technology, cognitive and behavioral sciences, and systems design.

Graduate Career Earnings in Washington

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Washington Avg WA vs US
11-3021 Computer and Information Systems Managers $187,990 $172,070 -$15,920 (-8.5%)
15-1221 Computer and Information Research Scientists $152,310 $214,540 +$62,230 (+40.9%)
15-1255 Web and Digital Interface Designers $111,450 $105,080 -$6,370 (-5.7%)
15-1299 Computer Occupations, All Other $116,700 $111,640 -$5,060 (-4.3%)
25-1021 Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $105,830 $73,230 -$32,600 (-30.8%)
Arts (1)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0913 Music Technology. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the creative aspects of the blending of music and technology; and that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the composition, recording, synthesis, and performance of music; audio-visual production; scoring for film and multimedia; and software and multimedia development. Includes instruction in music theory, music history, composition, acoustics, recording technology, computer composition, electronic music synthesis, technology-based performance, 3D sound and spatial audio, and music business and law.

Graduate Career Earnings in Washington

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Washington Avg WA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $73,710 -$28,530 (-27.9%)
27-2041 Music Directors and Composers $84,230 $84,660 +$430 (+0.5%)
27-2091 Disc Jockeys, Except Radio N/A N/A N/A
27-4014 Sound Engineering Technicians $79,280 $118,190 +$38,910 (+49.1%)
Engineering (2)
Engineering Sciences and Applied Technology Solutions
14.0901 Computer Engineering, General. (Cert2y+)
A program that generally prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of computer hardware and software systems and related equipment and facilities; and the analysis of specific problems of computer applications to various tasks.

Graduate Career Earnings in Washington

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Washington Avg WA vs US
11-9041 Architectural and Engineering Managers $175,710 $169,730 -$5,980 (-3.4%)
15-1241 Computer Network Architects $135,890 $124,230 -$11,660 (-8.6%)
15-1243 Database Architects $142,620 $127,510 -$15,110 (-10.6%)
15-1252 Software Developers $144,570 $142,630 -$1,940 (-1.3%)
15-1253 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $110,260 $116,650 +$6,390 (+5.8%)
17-2061 Computer Hardware Engineers $156,770 $157,760 +$990 (+0.6%)
25-1032 Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $119,340 $94,360 -$24,980 (-20.9%)
14.0903 Computer Software Engineering. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to apply scientific and mathematical principles to the design, analysis, verification, validation, implementation, and maintenance of computer software systems using a variety of computer languages. Includes instruction in discrete mathematics, probability and statistics, computer science, managerial science, and applications to complex computer systems.

Graduate Career Earnings in Washington

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Washington Avg WA vs US
11-9041 Architectural and Engineering Managers $175,710 $169,730 -$5,980 (-3.4%)
15-1243 Database Architects $142,620 $127,510 -$15,110 (-10.6%)
15-1252 Software Developers $144,570 $142,630 -$1,940 (-1.3%)
15-1253 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $110,260 $116,650 +$6,390 (+5.8%)
25-1032 Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $119,340 $94,360 -$24,980 (-20.9%)

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$59,292
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$59,292
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$37,400
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$37,400
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$16,240
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$2,140
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$3,512
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$3,512
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$31,200
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$31,200
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

17%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$11,720
Avg. Loan
$10,630
Avg. Federal Loan
$4,933
Additional
Students with Any Grant
106
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
100
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
43
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$7,734
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

52%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
73%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$44,010 – $142,169
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$44,010 (25th %) $142,169 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $79,878
Median Salary After 6 Years
$58,771
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$79,878
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
78.7%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
N/A
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$27,000
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 76.5%
Middle 75.0%
High 84.9%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 80.4%
Independent 74.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about DigiPen Institute of Technology

How much does it cost to attend DigiPen Institute of Technology?

The annual tuition at DigiPen Institute of Technology is $37,400 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $59,292 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $16,240 and books and supplies $2,140.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does DigiPen Institute of Technology offer?

DigiPen Institute of Technology offers 11 academic programs across 5 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (3 programs)
  • Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems (2 programs)
  • Engineering Sciences and Applied Technology Solutions (2 programs)
  • Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs (1 programs)
  • Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (1 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for DigiPen Institute of Technology?

DigiPen Institute of Technology has an 68% acceptance rate and a 33.7% yield rate, making it selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 838
  • Students admitted: 570
  • Students enrolled: 192

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at DigiPen Institute of Technology?

DigiPen Institute of Technology provides financial aid to 17% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $11,720 and average loans of $10,630.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,281
  • State/Local grants: $8,361
  • Institutional grants: $7,734
  • Federal loans: $4,933

The university supports 106 students with grants and 100 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for DigiPen Institute of Technology graduates?

DigiPen Institute of Technology graduates earn a median salary of $58,771 after 6 years and $79,878 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $44,010 (25th percentile) to $142,169 (75th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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