My twin sons have been accepted at Digipen for BSc in Computer Science and Game Design and Rochester Institute of Technology, RIT for Game Design and Development.
ANy insights - we hear the Digipen has a lot of industry visiting - this is what a current student has written to us - We have company days all the time, Bungie and Activision are the most popular. Riot came a few weeks ago, Treyarch was here right after their Bo4 launch, Naughty Dog’s coming next week. Sony and MIcrosoft come often.
However the college seems quite small - RIT worry about the weather - any insight into a comparative on both places would be great.
What if they want to change majors or change focus within CS? Digipen seems very very very specific. RIT will give a more general CS degree.
What are the net costs?
Digipen is a for-profit school.
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/math-computer-science-majors/2057400-what-about-digipen.html
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/1008816-digipen-university.html
That is a good point regarding specific though Digipen does offer a Computer Science only degree now as well. Both schools have given a scholarship though RIT has given some on campus employment too.
RIT is a for profit school with very limited majors. RIT will provide a lot more flexibility should they change their mind. My CS son, who is local for DigiPen (20-30 min drive), felt ultimately it was far too limiting and narrow and will be attending RIT next year. Digipen did send one of the nicest “books”. It is also a MUCH smaller school so will be a very different experience.
I can tell you locally…we send very very few kids to DigiPen (though have many that go on to major in CS or Game Design). As in literally 1 per year. They do a great job of marketing the but for profit aspect is a pretty big turn off for most.
Take that for what it is worth and good luck!
I think you mean DigiPen is a for profit.
OP, I’d avoid for profit colleges. If your family can afford RIT, go there. If not, look into your in state publics.
lol, yes, the danger of posting from my phone.
Bottom line is it is a for profit school that is not seen as a target/desirable school in it’s local area. Our CS and GD kids go elsewhere, both private and public. Seattle is obviously a very strong market for CS and GD so I would not underestimate this.
They have slick marketing, because they can. Most CS schools could rattle off a similar list of names, look at the RIT Co Op listing and you’ll find the same, and a lot more. Best of luck!
RIT seems like the easily safer choice with respect to academic programs and career prospects.
Dear all - thank you so much for the insights ! @eandesmom were you concerned about your son’s adjustment to east coast ?
My Kids hesitating a bit about Digipen too because of the small and limiting particularly also the clubs and activities - but yes the proximity to all the gaming and tech companies was a big attraction. Does “for profit” effect the quality of the teaching staff ?