Ringling College of Art and Design reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the world for motion design in The Rookies' 2026 Global School Rankings, the college announced Tuesday, Oct. 6.

It is the third time the Sarasota college has topped The Rookies' motion graphics category. The program held the No. 1 ranking in 2023 and 2024 before slipping to No. 2 last year. Over the past seven years, Ringling has finished in the top two worldwide every time.

The results stretched well beyond one category. Ringling placed No. 6 in the world for top creative schools, ranking in the top three among U.S. institutions. That is a slight dip from 2025, when the college placed No. 4 worldwide.

In 3D animation, Ringling earned No. 8 worldwide and No. 2 in the U.S. It placed No. 7 worldwide and No. 1 in the U.S. for concept art. In game design and development, the college ranked No. 21 worldwide and No. 3 in the U.S., according to Ringling's announcement.

The college also picked up production excellence honors. Ringling ranked No. 4 worldwide and No. 1 in the U.S. for console games, No. 5 worldwide and No. 1 in the U.S. for immersive media, and No. 12 worldwide and No. 2 in the U.S. for 3D animation production.

Two students earned individual recognition. Lucia Alonso, a 2026 graduate, was named runner-up for Rookie of the Year in motion graphics. Lucy Hsiung, class of 2027, received a "highly commendable" distinction in the same category, according to a Ringling College post on Threads.

The Rookies, an industry platform operating since 2015, bases its rankings on student portfolio evaluations by professional panels. Schools cannot pay to influence their placement, and student entries are free.

Ringling's Motion Design program operates out of Studio 314 on the third floor of the Larry R. Thompson Academic Center at 2700 N. Tamiami Trail. Morgan Williams leads the department as interim head.

The college said its animation leaders plan to host a free virtual session during Rookies School Week. A date has not been set.