“Where creative ambition meets world-class art and design education on Florida's Gulf Coast.”
Ringling College of Art and Design is one of the most prestigious specialized art and design institutions in the world, located in Sarasota, Florida. Founded in 1931 through the collaboration of educator Dr. Ludd Spivey and circus magnate John Ringling, the college has grown from a small art school into a globally recognized powerhouse for creative education. Ringling offers 13 degree programs — 11 Bachelor of Fine Arts and two Bachelor of Arts — spanning animation, film, game art, graphic design, illustration, interior design, motion design, photography, and more. The college's laser focus on creative disciplines means every program, every lab, and every faculty member is dedicated entirely to the arts. With 21% of its student body coming from outside the United States, Ringling is a genuinely international creative community. The college consistently ranks among the world's elite art and design schools: it claimed the #4 position on The Rookies 2024 Global School Rankings and the #1 spot in the US across several creative disciplines including Computer Animation. Students benefit from state-of-the-art digital labs, industry-standard production facilities, and faculty who are working professionals in their respective fields. A remarkable 74% of classes have fewer than 20 students, ensuring individual mentorship and intense creative development. Sarasota provides an ideal backdrop for creative study. Known as Florida's Cultural Coast, the city is home to world-class museums, galleries, performing arts venues, and a vibrant arts community — including the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art directly adjacent to campus. The 49-acre campus sits in a warm, sunny urban setting with proximity to Gulf Coast beaches. Ringling's exceptional industry networks translate directly into internships and job placements at major animation studios, game companies, design agencies, and film production houses worldwide.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
Top Creative School — Global
The Rookies Global School Rankings 2024
Computer Animation — United States
The Rookies 2024
Game Art — United States
The Rookies 2024
Test Optional — You can submit scores if they help your case, but they're not required.
Official SourceEarly Action (Computer Animation only)
Non-binding; decisions delivered by December 15
Regular Decision (Computer Animation)
Confirmation deadline May 1
Rolling Admissions (All other majors)
No fixed deadline; applications reviewed as received throughout the year
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Tuition & Fees (All Students)
$57,900
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
Programs in computer animation, game art, motion design, and virtual reality development for the entertainment and technology industries.
Design programs focused on visual storytelling, branding, and communication across print and digital media.
Film and creative writing programs focused on cinematic storytelling, screenwriting, and production.
Interior design and business programs blending creativity with functional design and arts entrepreneurship.
Forward-looking programs in entertainment design and creative technologies for interactive media and immersive experiences.
4 years
Ranked #1 in the US by The Rookies, this program prepares students for roles at major animation studios including Disney, Pixar, and DreamWorks. Features a dedicated Early Action admissions round with decisions by December.
4 years
Trains students in visual identity, typography, branding, and digital design with a strong focus on industry portfolio development and client-facing communication.
4 years
Covers 3D modeling, concept art, character design, and game-ready asset creation for the rapidly growing video game industry, ranked #1 in the US by The Rookies.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $57,900
Net-cost estimate is US-resident-only — international applicants are typically excluded from need-based aid at most schools and should treat the sticker price as the planning baseline.
