DigiPen Institute of Technology - Navigating the Future
Navigating the Future: Education,
Financial Aid, and Industry
Presented by DigiPen Institute of Technology
April 8, 2025
Presenters
• Chris Comair, Chief Operating Officer
• Jeff Hill, VP of Admissions & Outreach
• Molly Walsh, Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships
Navigating Industry
How does that compare?
DigiPen Graduates by the Numbers
Highest paid college graduates in WA
US Department of Education College Scorecard 1%
Top college education
ROI in the USA
Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce 0%
$91,870
Average starting salary of 2024 graduates
All degrees, includes masters and bachelors, Princeton Review 2024
Student loan default rate
US Department of Education
DIGIPEN GRADUATE TOP 10 EMPLOYERS
Where do our graduates go?
DIGIPEN GRADUATE TOP 10 EMPLOYERS
Where do our graduates go?
DIGIPEN GRADUATE TOP 10 EMPLOYERS
Where do our graduates go?
DigiPen is the most held degree at many places, including:
Companies @ DigiPen, Academic Year of 2024/25:
2k Games, 31st Union, AI Data Innovations, Amazon, Anduril Industries, Apple, Arenanet, Astral Bridge, Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems, Axon, Bethesda, BigBox, Bitforest, Blizzard, Booz Allen Hamilton, Broken Circle Studio, Bullet Farm, Bungie Inc., Chimera Box Lunch, Cliffhanger Games (Electronic Arts), Crystal Dynamics, CuberConnect2, Disbelief, Disruptive Games, DoorDash, Electronic Arts, Endeavor One, Epic Games, Escape Velocity Entertainment, FarBridge, FlowPlay, Funovus, Genun Games, Glitch Productions, Gorgeous Gorgon, Halo Studios, Hasbo Inc., Hydra, Isotrope, Kojima Productions, Liquid Development, Meta, Microsoft, Microsoft Gaming Studios & Content Division, Microsoft via Experis, Microsoft Xbox, Midwest Games, Mojang Studios, Niantic Labs, Netflix, Nintendo, Nintendo (NST), Nintendo (NTD), One More Game, Open 3D Foundation, Playcast.io, PlayEveryWare, The Pokémon Company International, PUBG Studios, Red Lens Games, Reflection Games, Respawn Entertainment, Riot, Roblox, Rockstar Games, Rogue Rooster, Schell Games, Second Dinner, Skydance, SNK, Spindlehorse Toons, Spry Fox, Toyota Motor Company, TMobile, Thatgamecompany, Thaumaworks, Turn 10 Studios, Turtle Rock Studios, Undead Labs, Unity, Valkyrie Entertainment, Very Very Spaceship, Visual Concepts Entertainment, Warner Brothers, WB Games, WEBTOON, Wizards of the Coast, Worlds Edge, Zenimax Online Studios
Navigating Education
Department of Education
• Changes at the Department of Education should not significantly impact the availability or delivery of federal aid
• Dept of Ed has assured students that “closing the Department does not mean cutting off funds from those who depend on them—we will continue to support K-12 students, students with special needs, college student borrowers.”
• Dept of Ed should prioritize delivery of funding to eligible students
Federal Financial Aid in Law
Federal aid such as Federal Pell Grant and student loans are codified in law and regulation
It would take more than closure of Dept of Ed for these funding sources to be eliminated
DigiPen not impacted by Dept of Ed cancellation of federal research or other grant funds
Navigating Financial Aid
DigiPen Scholarships Guaranteed
DigiPen scholarships are not impacted by the changes at the federal level – these are institutionally funded
DigiPen scholarships already awarded are guaranteed
DigiPen Scholarships are renewable for 4 years as long as students meet the terms listed in their scholarship letter
Scholarships still available
• All students are considered for Merit Scholarships upon acceptance
o 83% of incoming undergraduate students received DigiPen gift aid in 2024-25
• Complete a FAFSA to be considered automatically for Bridge Scholarship as well!
o It's not too late to complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and be considered for additional aid
• Dragon Opportunity Scholarship applications open until May 1st
o More details at www.digipen.edu/scholarships
DigiPen Scholarships
Available Federal Aid
Federal Grants
Federal Pell Grant
Federal Supplemental
Opportunity Grant
Washington State Funding
Washington State has very robust state aid program
State Aid programs are not impacted by Dept of Ed changes
Complete a FAFSA/WASFA to be automatically considered for state aid
Eligibility varies based on income and household requirements
Other Funding Options
Other Opportunities – Work on Campus!
Over 400+ student positions available on campus Roles start competitively at around $17/hour
Flexible hours and flexible managers since they know you are a student first! TA, Tutors, Front Desk, Food Service, IT Helpdesk, etc.
Cost of Living Factors
• On average tuition increases 3-4% each year
o Continuing students can apply for additional scholarship funds
• Housing costs have increased 3-9% over last 5 years
o DigiPen housing cost more affordable than comparable housing at other schools in area
• On-campus Dining
o Bytes (on campus cafeteria) provides 3 meals a day, with zero-profit model
o Pass value on to students
• Free on campus parking and shuttle to campus
Connect with Office of Financial Aid 1:1
Schedule1:1 Financial Aid Appointment
• Need clarification or help on YOUR financial aid situation
• Appointments available daily
• Schedule online at www.calendly.com/ditfaid
Admitted Dragon Day – Financial Aid Appts
• April 19th & May 17th
• Scheduled appointments and walk-in times available