Pros and Cons of Choosing Ringling College of Art and Design for Animation

Why study animation at Ringling College of Art and Design?

10 Reasons to Choose Ringling College of Art and Design for Animation

Top-Ranked Animation Program – Ringling’s Computer Animation program is consistently ranked among the best in the world, with graduates landing jobs at Pixar, Disney, DreamWorks, and ILM.
Industry-Standard Technology – Students work with the latest industry tools, including Maya, ZBrush, Houdini, and Unreal Engine, preparing them for professional work.
Senior Thesis Film Requirement – Every student creates a high-quality short film, which serves as an impressive portfolio piece when applying to jobs.
Strong Industry Connections – Recruiters from major studios visit the campus regularly for portfolio reviews, lectures, and hiring opportunities.
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High Job Placement Rate – Many graduates secure jobs at top animation studios shortly after graduation due to the program’s prestige and the quality of student work.
Structured, Hands-On Curriculum – The program is well-organized, ensuring students gain both artistic and technical skills in animation, storytelling, and rendering.
Small Class Sizes & Dedicated Faculty – Students receive personalized feedback from instructors with industry experience, ensuring a high level of mentorship.
State-of-the-Art Facilities – The campus boasts motion capture studios, render farms, high-end workstations, and VR labs, keeping students ahead of industry standards.
Emphasis on Storytelling & Character Development – Unlike some schools that focus mainly on technical skills, Ringling ensures students learn strong narrative and character animation principles.
Alumni Success & Networking – A strong alumni network helps students make industry connections and gain access to mentorship and job opportunities.

10 Reasons Not to Choose Ringling for Animation

High Tuition & Costs – Ringling is an expensive private college, and tuition plus living expenses can be a financial burden. Scholarships and financial aid may not cover all costs.
Extremely Competitive & Intense Workload – The animation program is highly demanding, with students often working long hours, leading to stress and burnout.
Limited Focus on 2D Animation – If you’re passionate about traditional 2D animation, schools like CalArts, GOBELINS, or Sheridan may be better choices.
No Flexibility in Curriculum – Unlike SCAD or CalArts, Ringling has a very structured curriculum, leaving little room for electives or exploration outside of 3D animation.
Location (Sarasota, Florida) – The college is in a small city with limited access to the entertainment industry compared to schools in California (CalArts, USC) or Canada (Sheridan).
Limited Internship Opportunities – While the school has strong industry connections, its location makes it harder to intern at major studios compared to students in LA or NYC.
Selective Admission Process – The animation program is very competitive, requiring a strong portfolio and high-level artistic skills just to get in.
Lack of Specialization Tracks – Unlike some schools that allow students to focus on character animation, visual effects, or game animation, Ringling’s curriculum is more generalized.
Less Emphasis on Experimental Animation – If you’re looking for a more experimental or indie approach (like at CalArts), Ringling may feel too industry-focused and structured.
Heavy Technical Focus Might Not Suit Everyone – The program is strong in 3D animation and technical skills, but if you prefer looser, more artistic approaches to animation, other schools may be a better fit.

What is the Single Best Reason to Choose Ringling for Animation?

Top-Ranked Program with Strong Industry Connections. Ringling's Computer Animation program is consistently recognized as one of the best in the country, providing students with a structured, hands-on curriculum that emphasizes both artistic development and technical proficiency. The program's strong industry connections facilitate regular visits from recruiters, portfolio reviews, and lectures, enhancing students' employment prospects upon graduation.

What is the Single Best Reason NOT to Choose Ringling for Animation?

High Tuition Costs. Attending Ringling involves significant financial investment. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition is set at $26,300 per semester, totaling $52,600 annually. Additional fees, including technology fees for Computer Animation students ($2,385 per semester), student activity fees ($505 per semester), and health services fees ($370 per semester), further increase the cost. Prospective students should carefully assess their financial situation and explore scholarship opportunities to manage these expenses.

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