CommCenter

FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions)

How can I get info about DigiPen?
How much does it cost to go to DigiPen?
What classes are offered at DigiPen?
Do you need to know anything special before going to DigiPen?
What is it like programming video games?
How much does a video programmer get paid?
Do many people get hired after graduating from DigiPen?
Where does one live when going to DigiPen?
How do I get started programming now?

How can I get info about DigiPen?
Just about everything you need to know can be found at the DigiPen website. Be sure to click all the links.

How much does it cost to go to DigiPen?
There is a lot of good info about questions specific to the degree here. The last time I checked it was 300 bucks per credit hour for US Residents and 350 bucks per credit hour for Non US residents. This comes out to about 6000 bucks a semester which comes out to about 24,000 bucks for the 2 year degree and 48,000 bucks for the 4 year degree. (This is tuition only) Please refer to DigiPen's main page for specifs on this matter.

What classes are offered at DigiPen?
Once again, I refer you to here.

Do you need to know anything special before going to DigiPen?
No, all the requirements are listed on the DigiPen main website. Basically, you just need to graduate high school with a good GPA.

What is it like programming video games?
Well, it basically boils down to patience. You can be sitting at your computer chair programming for many hours(up to 16 hours in a day to meet deadlines). The best way to find out is to try for yourself, I recommend trying out programming before you come here to see if it is for you.

How much does a video programmer get paid?
Haha, anywhere from 30,000 a year to a six digit salary. If you want to make more, you have to be a more awesome programmer. Never stop learning new things, because you will get behind fast in this industry. I think a safe starting salary guess would be around 34,000 bucks (but don't quote me).

Do many people get hired after graduating from DigiPen?
So far I think the hiring rate for DigiPen Graduates is in the very high 90%'s.

Where does one live when going to DigiPen?
If you don't know anyone in this area, don't worry, DigiPen offers some excellent roomate services at the start of each new year. If you are going to attend, you will surely find out for yourself, but basically a list of students looking for roommates, what their interests are, etc. This way you can split the cost of rent of apartments. If you want a list of apartments in the area, ask DigiPen for it.

How do I get started programming now?
There are many ways to go about this, but here is what I recommend. Purchase Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0 (or most current version). If you are a student right now, you are in luck because you can purchase a 'student' version much cheaper. If there are multiple editions, get the professional edition. After you get this compiler, all you need next is a book or two. Get some kind of beginning C programming book (Ivor Horton sells a good one). Now you are set. If you are stuck after that, drop me an e-mail.