Ringling College of Art and Design
Illustration
Field of study · Sarasota, Florida, United States
Level
Bachelor
Duration
4 years
Campus
Sarasota
Intl. Tuition
US$55,760 (2026-27)
Home Tuition
US$55,760 (2026-27)
Intake
Fall 2027
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Course Overview
Illustration at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida, United States is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
Career snapshot (indicative)
Illustration and animation graduates work in advertising, children's publishing, film and TV production, video games and digital media. Freelance and studio careers are common, with a strong portfolio the key entry credential.
Student life (indicative)
Life in Sarasota revolves around the outdoors — beaches, sun and an active lifestyle form the backdrop to student social life, with good bars, food and local events rounding out the experience.
The University at a Glance
Undergraduate Population
1,662
Staff Ratio
11.0:1
International
20.5%
Career Prospects
Completion Rate
71%
finish their degree (not an employment rate)
Avg Starting Salary
£33,180
First-year earnings
Costs & Living
University Life
Urban
City & Location
Small city (50k-199k inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of Illustration
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate Illustration topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced Illustration
- Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
- Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
- Employability and Professional Development.
Entry Requirements
No specific entry requirements listed.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Student Population
1,662
Degree-seeking undergraduates (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release). Graduate students are not included.
Staff Ratio
11:1
Students per staff
International Students
21%
Of student body
Campus at a Glance
Campus Type
Urban
City Size
Small city (50k-199k inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Four seasons
Safety Index (indicative)
7.5/10
Transport
Good (close to station or regional airport)
Social Scene
Friendly community | Creative arts scene
Student Life & City (indicative)
Life in Sarasota revolves around the outdoors — beaches, sun and an active lifestyle form the backdrop to student social life, with good bars, food and local events rounding out the experience.
- Life in Sarasota revolves around the outdoors — beaches, sun and an active lifestyle form the backdrop to student social life, with good bars, food and local events rounding out the experience.
What Students Love
- Beach lifestyle
- Thriving student social scene
- Parks & green spaces
- Outdoor & nature activities
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Completion Rate
71%
Completion rate (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release): share of students who finish their degree. Not an employment rate.
Avg Starting Salary
£33,180
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✗ Not offered
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
Illustration and animation graduates work in advertising, children's publishing, film and TV production, video games and digital media. Freelance and studio careers are common, with a strong portfolio the key entry credential.
- Illustration and animation graduates work in advertising, children's publishing, film and TV production, video games and digital media.
- Freelance and studio careers are common, with a strong portfolio the key entry credential.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Business
- Healthcare
- Education
Study Abroad Opportunities
Y
- Y
Costs & Living Expenses
Total Programme Cost
US$223,040
For full 4 years
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
MEDIUM
This location has moderate living costs. Standard student budget recommended.
Estimated Annual Costs
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
A budget-friendly US university setting — a $1,585/month budget (housing $870, food $390, transport $100) covers everything comfortably. An affordable college-town setting — good value and a comfortable student lifestyle.
- A budget-friendly US university setting — a $1,585/month budget (housing $870, food $390, transport $100) covers everything comfortably.
- An affordable college-town setting — good value and a comfortable student lifestyle.