The video game industry is the fastest growing industry in entertainment. It outpaces film production and music. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects careers in video game design will increase 4% through 2030. This is great news for potential students considering a gaming career. Now is the perfect time to pursue a bachelor’s degree in video game design.
To land a job in game design or anywhere in the gaming industry, you need the right skills and training. But what school or program do you choose? Read on to find out how we selected the top computer gaming degrees. What should you consider in a video gaming degree before making the plunge?
Ranking Methodology for Best Video Game Degrees
To come up with our ranking, we compiled a list of more than 50 colleges and universities offering bachelor’s degrees in:
- Video game art and graphic design
- Video game design
- Video game development
- Video game production
- Video game programming (computer programming)
We studied each program, then used the following points-based system to narrow down our list to the 30 best.
Annual Out-of-State Tuition
$5,000 or less — 5 points
$5,001 to $10,000 — 4 points
$10,001 to $20,000 — 3 points
$20,001 to $30,000 — 2 points
$30,001 to $40,000 — 1 point
Annual Percentage of 20-Year Net Return on Investment (ROI)
9%+ — 5 points
7-8% — 4 points
5-6% — 3 points
3-4% — 2 points
1-2% — 1 point
Graduation Rate
Above 90% — 5 points
Above 80% — 4 points
Above 70% — 3 points
Above 60% — 2 points
Above 50% — 1 point
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
5:1 and more — 4 points
10:1 and more — 3 points
15:1 and more — 2 points
20:1 and more – 1 point
Note: In the event of a tie in points, we awarded a higher ranking to the degree program with the lower annual tuition cost. All tuition numbers and other statistics are accurate as of May 2023.
#30 – Savannah College of Art and Design
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interactive Design and Game Development
Savannah, Georgia
Annual Tuition: $39,605
Total Points: 6
Savannah College of Art and Design, or SCAD, is one of the country’s foremost art and design schools. It is a good school for students seeking majors for video game design, or anyone wanting to study video games from a designer standpoint. SCAD offers a BFA in Interactive Design and Game Development. You can earn your game design degree on campus or online.
To earn this degree, students complete 180 credit hours of coursework. This includes classes from one of two concentration options: game development, and interactive design and physical computing. SCAD received high points for its 71% graduation rate and mid-range annual tuition.
#29 – University of Silicon Valley
Bachelor of Art in Game Design Art
Bachelor of Science in Game Design Engineering
San Jose, California
Annual Tuition: $22,480
Total Points: 6
University of Silicon Valley is a top choice for video game engineering schools. The accredited university offers a slew of game design bachelor’s degrees. These include a BS in Game Design Engineering and a BA in Game Design Art.
Students who pursue the game art degree can choose from two concentrations. You can select game art or game writing as part of your degree. Students learn in small classes, and use real studios to create cutting-edge, professional portfolios. Required courses cover different video game art and design topics. You can also take courses like:
- Computer graphics and graphics design
- Computer programming and design
- Software engineering
- Video game programming
Because of the school’s Silicon Valley location, it is a best college for video game design.
#28 – Liberty University
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology: Game Design
Lynchburg, Virginia
Annual Tuition: $22,511
Total Points: 7
Liberty University offers a BS in Information Technology in Game Design. The degree is residential, though the school also offers a game design degree with its featured online programs.
To earn this bachelor’s in game design, students must complete 120 credit hours. Required coursework includes Interactive Game Development and Digital Imaging. We gave Liberty high marks for its low annual tuition and small class sizes.
#27 – Rochester Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development
Rochester, New York
Annual Tuition: $54,518
Total Points: 8
Rochester Institute of Technology offers a BS in Game Design and Development for aspiring video game designers. This program is for students seeking jobs in the video game industry.
The on-campus degree program consists of 124 credits. Students begin gaming coursework their first day. Classes include Animation and Asset Production, and Game Development and Algorithmic Problem Solving. Students also complete an industry co-op between their junior and senior years. The experience and skills gained in the program help turn students into video game designers.
#26 – DePaul University
Bachelor of Science in Game Design
Chicago, Illinois
Annual Tuition: $42,840
Total Points: 8
DePaul University offers degrees in video games and design. One such program is the BS in Game Design. This is an on-campus program with some online courses available.
To earn the video game degree, students follow a set schedule of coursework. Those eager to get started on video game design do so during the first semester in the game design program. They take classes that cover topics in game development and video game design. Students also take a series of liberal studies courses that are artistic in nature. Courses include Introduction to Screenwriting and Composition and Rhetoric.
DePaul gets high marks on our game design degrees ranking for its 74% graduation rate and small class sizes.
#25 – Drexel University
Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Production
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Annual Tuition: $58,965
Total Points: 8
Drexel University is a great school for aspiring video game designers. It offers a BS in Game Design and Production that is customizable.
Students work with an academic advisor to create a “DegreeWorks” that best fits their personal and professional goals. Students can choose between participating in co-ops, or six-month paid employment periods within the gaming industry. An additional option allows students to accelerate their video game degree program in order to complete both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in game design and production. Also worth mentioning are Drexel’s low student-faculty ratio and high graduation rate.
#24 – Shawnee State University
Bachelor of Arts in Game and Simulation Arts
Bachelor of Science in Game Engineering Technology
Portsmouth, Ohio
Annual Tuition: $15,380
Total Points: 8
Shawnee State University is a top-ranked school for computer science and video game design. It has two bachelor’s degrees related to the video game industry. You can get a degree in game and simulation arts, and game engineering technology.
In either game design program, students take classes taught in state-of-the-art studios by instructors who work in the gaming industry. Each year, the school hosts an Art & Technology Game Conference to introduce students to producers, studios, and gaming industry leaders from around the world. Shawnee receives high marks on our ranking for its low, out-of-state tuition and small class sizes.
#23 – Southern New Hampshire University
Bachelor of Science in Game Development
Manchester, New Hampshire
Annual Tuition: $9,650
Total Points: 8
Southern New Hampshire University is a top school for students looking for the best degree for game design and development. It offers a BS in Game Development that you can complete on-campus, online, or in a hybrid setting.
Coursework covers relevant topics, including:
- 3-D modeling
- Artificial intelligence
- Computer science
- Video game creation
- Video game design
Students also gain experience in other fields like software engineering and computer programming. Access to gaming industry internships helps students stretch the skills they learned in the classroom. Those who prioritize a budget-friendly game design degree enjoy all that SNHU offers.
#22 – Marist College
Bachelor of Science in Games and Emerging Media
Poughkeepsie, New York
Annual Tuition: $44,560
Total Points: 9
Marist College is a top school for computer science and video game design. It offers a BS in Games and Emerging Media with concentrations in two areas.
To help tailor the video game design degree, students can choose to specialize their studies in:
- Design, Writing, and Culture
- Technical Development and Programming
Classes prepare students to become video game designers or work in game programming. There are also opportunities to work alongside instructors on the creation of mobile games and interactive media. Students also take part in workshops and industry Q&As. Marist’s game design degrees also draw students because of the school’s 82% graduation rate and small class sizes.
#21 – University of Texas at Dallas
Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication w/ a concentration in Animation and Games
Richardson, Texas
Annual Tuition: $39,776
Total Points: 9
University of Texas at Dallas offers a BA in Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication. Students can choose to focus this broad degree with a concentration in Animation and Games.
Coursework covers the entire production process of a game, from story structure to design. Students study 3D animation and motion graphics. They also learn how to use interactive media as a game designer. Students with this unique computer science degree graduate ready for work in the gaming industry or a master’s degree program.
UTD also receives high marks for its higher-than-average 72% graduation rate. The school is a top choice for serious video game enthusiasts.
#20 – Indiana University
Bachelor of Science in Game Design
Bloomington, Indiana
Annual Tuition: $39,120
Total Points: 9
Indiana University at Bloomington is a top pick for video game design schools. The school offers a BS in Video Game Design.
The degree consists of 120 credits. Coursework covers general education and game design. But students don’t wait to begin work with interactive games and design. You start gaining skills during your first semester. You take courses in game design and development and computer graphics. You also study graphic design as related to video game design.
Most students at IU participate in internship opportunities starting their second year. Other reasons to consider the school and its game design program are the 81% graduation rate and affordable out-of-state tuition.
#19 – Oklahoma Christian University
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Gaming and Animation
Edmond, Oklahoma
Annual Tuition: $25,148
Total Points: 9
Oklahoma Christian University offers a BFA in Gaming and Animation. This degree is for students who want to work as:
- Game developers
- Software engineering professionals
- Video game designers
To graduate with this degree, students must complete 126 total credit hours, 72 of which are from gaming and animation. Required video game courses include Digital Painting and Team Game Production. The school also offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Gaming and Animation.
#18 – University of Central Florida
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media w/ a specialization in Game Design
Orlando, Florida
Annual Tuition: $22,467
Total Points: 9
University of Central Florida is a good school for students seeking work in video game design, game programming, and interactive media design. The school offers a BA in Digital Media with a specialization in Game Design.
In this bachelor’s degree program, you take courses like Digital Sculpting and Contemporary Topics in Digital Media. Before graduation, video game design students put together a professional portfolio or complete an internship. UCF offers out-of-state students an affordable tuition rate. It also has a higher-than-average 75% graduation rate.
#17 – Ferris State University
Bachelor’s in Digital Animation and Game Design
Big Rapids, Michigan
Annual Tuition: $13,076
Total Points: 9
Ferris State University offers a bachelor’s degree program in Digital Animation and Game Design. The program also has two concentrations so students can tailor their degree. You can study game development or 3D animation.
To earn this unique computer science degree, students must complete a series of general education courses. Students also earn 52 credits in their major classes. You also complete 21 credits of concentration-related classes. Before graduation, students finish a junior project and internship. Ferris State ranks high on our list for its low out-of-state tuition and small class sizes.
#16 – Northeastern University
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design
Boston, Massachusetts
Annual Tuition: $60,192
Total Points: 10
Northeastern University is a good school for students interested in computer science, software engineering, and computer programming. Students looking to major in game design also find the school a top choice. It offers a BFA in Game Design.
The game designer degree consists of 128 total semester hours, 92 of which come from the major. Potential classes include Game Interface Design and The Business of Games. Students participate in two co-ops during their undergraduate years. This allows them to make connections and get their feet wet in the video game industry.
As a top-ranked university, Northeastern has a higher tuition rate. But its excellent game design program, small class sizes, and graduation rate of 91% more than make up for that.
#15 – University of Texas at Austin
Bachelor of Science in Arts and Entertainment Technologies
Austin, Texas
Annual Tuition: $41,070
Total Points: 10
Another top pick for best game design bachelor’s degrees is University of Texas at Austin. This top-ranked university offers a BS in Arts and Entertainment Technologies.
The program prepares students for a career path in entertainment arts and the game development field. Major coursework begins the first semester, and potential classes include Level Design and Game History. Students get game design skills needed for game design and development. Required video game curriculum also includes a capstone course, which brings students together in small teams to fully develop a 2D or 3D game.
#14 – Bradley University
Bachelor of Arts or Science in Game Design
Peoria, Illinois
Annual Tuition: $37,800
Total Points: 10
Bradley University offers both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Game Design. These computer science degrees help prepare students for work as game designers. The programs also help you get into graduate school where you can earn a master’s degree from one of the top video game design colleges.
Students earning game art degrees at Bradley complete 59 units. These do not include general education requirements. Coursework covers topics like Survey of Games and Game Production. Students also complete a practicum and capstone project before graduation.
The school earns high marks for its mid-range annual tuition and high graduation rate. With a student-faculty ratio of 12:1, it also offers small classes.
#13 – Lindenwood University
Bachelor of Art in Game Design
Saint Charles, Missouri
Annual Tuition: $19,300
Total Points: 10
Lindenwood University offers degrees for those interested in work as a video game designer. You can earn a bachelor’s degree in Game Design.
Students can choose to pursue this degree on campus or online. The game design degree consists of 54 credits, plus general education requirements. Coursework includes Visual Storytelling and Game Testing. Students also learn interactive media design used by many video game designers. An internship and capstone takes place before graduation. Among other featured online programs, this one teaches technical skills you need to succeed in the gaming industry.
#12 – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Bachelor of Science in Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences
Troy, New York
Annual Tuition: $60,074
Total Points: 11
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a top-ranked STEM university for computer science degrees and related programs. It offers a BA in Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences for students interested in video game designer work.
Required coursework combines hands-on creating with theory, and places a strong emphasis on collaboration. By the time students graduate, they build a solid portfolio full of research and creative samples to show potential employers. Classes cover topics in computer graphics and graphic design. They also explore interactive media design and new media interactive development.
Class sizes are small and the graduation rate exceeds 84%. Both aspects benefit students and their career paths in video game design.
#11 – New York University
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design
New York, New York
Annual Tuition: $58,168
Total Points: 11
New York University offers a fine arts bachelor’s degree in Game Design. The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree prepares students for different careers such as video game designer.
Students focus on different subject areas. But all areas are crucial to game design. Specialty areas where you can focus your studies include game business and game development. Students must also complete a capstone course during the final year.
NYU limits its classes and programs. It is a selective school. You’ll find an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and a graduation rate of 87%. For these reasons, NYU ranks high on our list for top game design programs and game design schools.
#10 – Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Bachelor of Science in Interactive Media & Game Development
Worcester, Massachusetts
Annual Tuition: $57,096
Total Points: 11
Love video games and want to make a career out of this passion? Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers a bachelor’s degree (BS) in Interactive Media & Game Development.
To complete this the video game development degrees, students choose to focus on either the artistic or technical side of game production. Coursework is project-based and promotes team-building as much as technical skills. But what sets this program apart from other game design programs is that you can earn a master’s degree alongside the bachelor’s degree. Instead of four years to earn your bachelor’s degree, you can take five years and get a master’s degree.
WPI graduates 87% of students on time, and has a higher-than-average, 8% annual return on investment.
#9 – Miami University
Bachelor of Science in Games and Simulation
Oxford, Ohio
Annual Tuition: $38,293
Total Points: 11
Miami University is a great school for video games design degrees. It offers a BS in Games and Simulation program.
Students enrolled in the game design programs must complete 124 credit hours, including general education courses. Required game design classes include Game Usability & Human Factors and Game Engine Scripting. Students also finish a three-course “capstone studio” before graduation. But you can also tailor your degree toward your professional goals. Students do this by choosing to concentrate on a single area of game production.
Miami University ranks high on our list of video game design programs.
#8 – University of Florida
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts & Sciences
Gainesville, Florida
Annual Tuition: $28,659
Total Points: 11
University of Florida is a good school for digital arts degree programs. It offers a BA in Digital Arts and Sciences program for students seeking careers in computer graphics, graphic design, and video games production.
In this program, students complete coursework in all stages of the development process. This includes animation and game design. Courses cover topics that include 3D Digital Animation Techniques and Entrepreneurship in New Media. Courses also teach you computer engineering and graphic design. An internship and a production practicum are also available. Students complete both before they graduate.
#7 – University of Utah
Bachelor of Science in Games
Salt Lake City, Utah
Annual Tuition: $27,220
Total Points: 11
University of Utah is one of the top video game design schools. It offers a Bachelor of Science in Games program for students searching for development degrees in video game design or development.
This unique and broad degree is ideal for students who want careers in producing games of any kind. This includes video games. The degree requires 141 total credit hours, including general education courses. Game design courses begin the first semester on campus. Courses cover topics like Intro to Design Thinking and Ethics in Games. Students complete two senior projects before graduation.
#6 – University of Wisconsin Stout
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design and Development
Menomonie, Wisconsin
Annual Tuition: $17,930
Total Points: 11
University of Wisconsin at Stout offers a BFA program for the video game design major. You can earn a BFA in Game Design and Development.
The earn the fine arts degree, you must complete 120 total credit hours. 80 credit hours come from major coursework. Required classes include Pixel and Vector Art and Video Game Development. A selection of studio requirements also ensures students graduate with a well-rounded arts education. Through courses and workshops, students learn about graphic design and gain design and programming skills. Some courses teach you how to create games like you’d learn in most video game design degrees.
The school offers an affordable annual tuition to out-of-state students, and provides a yearly return on investment of 7%.
#5 – University of Southern California
Bachelor of Arts in Interactive Entertainment
Los Angeles, California
Annual Tuition: $64,726
Total Points: 12
University of Southern California is a top school for future game developers and computer engineering professionals. For those interested in a game design major or game design minor, USC has options. It has a BA in Interactive Entertainment program.
The BA degree consists of 128 total credit hours. Potential video game major courses include Game Design Workshop and Interface Design for Games. The program emphasizes group projects to allow students to gain experience working on a creative team.
USC has a student-teacher ratio of 9:1. It offers high-ranked degree programs and graduates 92% of its students.
#4 – Michigan State University
Bachelor of Arts in Games and Interactive Media
East Lansing, Michigan
Annual Tuition: $41,958
Total Points: 12
Michigan State University is one of the top video game design colleges. It offers a Bachelor of Arts in Games and Interactive Media program.
To graduate with this degree, students must complete 120 total credit hours. Required courses include Game Level Design and Topics in Game Studies. Students can also take computer science courses or learn about operating systems. But if you want to work in video game design, there are plenty of classes to take. The program encourages students to participate in an internship, and to register for classes on special topics.
#3 – Baker College
Bachelor of Science in Game Software Development
Owosso, Michigan
Annual Tuition: $12,710
Total Points: 12
Baker College is a good school for students interested in video game creation and game development. It offers a Bachelor of Science in Game Software and Development program.
The video games degree consists of 120 credit hours. Coursework covers both the artistic elements of game design, game programming, and computer science. You can study everything from operating systems to video game design. Potential courses include Game Design and Analysis and Unreal Game Programming. Before graduation, students complete a senior project and a 150-hour work experience course. Graduates land jobs in the video game industry or continue their schooling toward a master’s degree.
Baker offers affordable tuition and a high yearly return on investment over other degree programs.
#2 – Georgia Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science in Computational Media
Atlanta, Georgia
Annual Tuition: $32,876
Total Points: 13
Georgia Tech is a good school for an aspiring video game designer. It offers a BS in Computational Media program.
In this program, students do more than study video games. They learn about computational media and how it is used in the gaming industry. There are seven areas of focus emphasized, including games and narrative. Students take courses like Game Design as a Cultural Practice and Principles of Interaction Design. The program also prepares students for master’s degree programs.
Georgia Tech has a graduation rate of 92%, plus a 9% annual return on investment. It is a top school for a bachelor’s degree in interactive design and media.
#1 – North Carolina State University
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science w/ a concentration in Game Design
Raleigh, North Carolina
Annual Tuition: $30,869
Total Points: 13
Whether you’re looking for a computer engineering degree or game design degree with a computer science emphasis, North Carolina State University has options. The school offers a BS in Computer Science with a game design concentration.
Students complete a total of 121 credit hours. This includes general education, plus many courses in both computer science and game development. Courses cover topics like video game design and video game art. You study how video games get created and designed.
North Carolina State offers out-of-state students a competitive annual tuition rate. It also has small class sizes and high graduation rate.
Related Resources:
- How Do I Become a Video Game Tester?
- The 50 Most Innovative Computer Science Departments in the U.S.
- What Computer Languages are Used in Video Game Design?
- Top 50 Best Undergraduate Computer Science Schools
