DigiPen Institute of Technology
DigiPen Institute of Technology is a private for-profit institution in Redmond, WA ranked #1585 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C+, enrolling about 1,032 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 68.0%. Students most often pursue Computer Programming and Computer Engineering.
Academically, students benefit from a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, 73.2% first-year retention, and 51.6% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $42,033, about $25,035 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -65.0%, roughly 150.3 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $58,771. That's about $15,083 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is DigiPen Institute of Technology Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
DigiPen Institute of Technology graduates 51.6% of students within six years and keeps 73.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns a D+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use DigiPen Institute of Technology's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $37,400 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,140 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $16,240 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,512 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $51,366 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 22.4% of DigiPen Institute of Technology students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $46,250/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $48,574/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $58,771
- 10-Year Median Earnings $58,771
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $21,163
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 78.7%
- Employment Rate 84.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for DigiPen Institute of Technology graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
DigiPen Institute of Technology vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how DigiPen Institute of Technology's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes DigiPen Institute of Technology's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While DigiPen Institute of Technology graduates earn $58,771 median, the -65.0% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 590-700
- SAT Math 580-690
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 28-32
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,032
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 73.2%
- Graduation Rate 51.6%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
How to Get Into DigiPen Institute of Technology
1. Meet Academic Requirements: DigiPen Institute of Technology requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 68.0%, DigiPen Institute of Technology is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 68.0% acceptance rate, DigiPen Institute of Technology is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1170 and 1390 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among DigiPen Institute of Technology undergraduates. Computer Programming, Graphic Communications, and Human Computer Interaction draw the most students.
- Computer Programming 36.7%
- Graphic Communications 22.9%
- Human Computer Interaction 17.0%
- Computer Software and Media Applications 13.8%
- Computer Engineering 5.9%
- Music 3.7%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Programming $120,534
- 2. Computer Engineering $101,832
- 3. Computer Software and Media Applications $81,885
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Graphic Communications $53,376
- 5. Human Computer Interaction $50,265
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Programming grads earn $120,534—140% more than Human Computer Interaction ($50,265). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for DigiPen Institute of Technology. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Computer Programming (Bachelor's Degree, 69 graduates)
- Graphic Communications (Bachelor's Degree, 43 graduates)
- Computer Programming (Master's Degree, 32 graduates)
- Human Computer Interaction (Bachelor's Degree, 32 graduates)
- Computer Software and Media Applications (Bachelor's Degree, 26 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (6 programs)▼
- Computer Programming
- Graphic Communications
- Human Computer Interaction
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Computer Engineering
- Music
Online Master's Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Computer Programming
- Graphic Communications
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,032
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 68.9%
- Female Students 31.1%
- Caucasian 53.2%
- Asian 11.4%
- Hispanic 10.3%
- Black 2.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 22.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects DigiPen Institute of Technology's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of DigiPen Institute of Technology's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does DigiPen Institute of Technology support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at DigiPen Institute of Technology, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Men make up 68.9% of undergraduates. About 22.4% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does DigiPen Institute of Technology support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at DigiPen Institute of Technology, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
DigiPen Institute of Technology ranks #1585 of 6272 institutions in our comprehensive analysis, achieving a C+ overall grade with -65.0% ROI.
At $42,033 annually, the institution serves students seeking accessible higher education. Career outcomes and value metrics should be carefully compared against alternative institutions before enrolling.
EDsmart Assessment: DigiPen Institute of Technology
C+ grade | #1585 of 6272 | 19.7/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Performance Overview: DigiPen Institute of Technology's -65.0% return on investment and #1585 ranking reflect the institution's competitive position in the higher education landscape. The $42,033 annual cost should be carefully weighed against expected career outcomes.
Value Considerations: Prospective students should compare DigiPen Institute of Technology's specific programs against alternatives, as institutional averages may not reflect individual program quality. Financial aid packages, program-specific outcomes, and career services vary significantly.
Decision Framework: Use DigiPen Institute of Technology's C+ grade and #1585 ranking as starting points, not final answers. Evaluate program-specific outcomes, campus visit impressions, financial aid offers, and career placement rates in your intended field before making enrollment decisions.
Key Takeaways
- 51.6% six-year graduation rate sits 10.9 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 73.2% first-year retention is 3.6 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -65.0% return on investment is 150.3 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $58,771 run about 35% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $42,033 is roughly $24,915 higher than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 73.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 84.0% employment rate within three years sits 15.8 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $42,033 is about $24,915 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 22.4% trails the national share by 16.4 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Redmond, WA, DigiPen Institute of Technology operates as a private for-profit institution and receives a C+ from EDsmart. It is currently ranked #1585 nationally Category results include Completion (B-), Support (B), Career Outcomes (B+), and Affordability (D+).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
73.2% of learners come back after year one while 51.6% complete the degree within six years. The reported ROI is -65.0%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $42,033 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $51,366.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $9,333 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $21,163 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 22.4% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $58,771 at the median. That sits about 35% above the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 84.0% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -65.0%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
68.0% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the DigiPen Institute of Technology admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Redmond, WA 98052
- Website www.digipen.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationAccrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)