Key takeaways
- When choosing colleges for game design, identify your specific interest within the field such as animation, level design, or game development) before making a choice.
- Prioritize hands-on learning and look for colleges that offer practical experience through projects, internships, and game jams.
- Evaluate tuition costs, financial aid options, and the potential return on investment. Online programs can be a cost-effective alternative.
- Ensure the college provides access to state-of-the-art software, hardware, and technical support.
- Look for colleges with strong industry ties, offering networking opportunities, internships, and job placement assistance.
- Choose an accredited college to ensure quality education, credit transferability, and potential eligibility for financial aid.
- Top colleges for game design include the University of Southern California, New York University, Michigan State University, and more.
The ideal college for game design varies by individual as the selection criteria are heavily influenced by personal preferences. Are you looking for colleges for game design located in a nearby vicinity, or is budget a major consideration in the college selection process? Do you want to pursue a specific career track within game design? What kind of technical support do you need from your institute?
Factors to consider when choosing colleges for game design
Several colleges in the United States offer a game design degree. Here are some questions to ask yourself when searching for the best colleges for game design.
What are your career aspirations as a video game designer?
There are several specialized career tracks within game design including animation, level design, world design, character design, game development, sound design, and so on. The specialized track you aspire to pursue employment in will govern your choice of electives and the learning opportunities you seek.
What is the program curriculum for the game design degree you are considering?
The program curriculum should provide:
- A strong foundation in game design principles
- Technical skills
- Hands-on-learning opportunities
Game design principles
Core design courses in a game design program should focus on developing game design principles such as level design, narrative design, user experience, game mechanics, and so on. These principles guide the design process from the initial concept to the final product, ensuring that the game is fun, challenging, and rewarding for players.
Technical skills
Ensure the college offers courses in programming (C++, C#, Python), 3D modeling, animation, and game engines (Unity, Unreal Engine).
Hands-on-learning opportunities
Game design is a technical field where you learn when you do thus a hands-on learning experience is crucial. Ensure the college offers opportunities to work on industry projects, internships, and game development competitions such as game jams, and more.
How much will it cost to get a degree in game design?
Cost can be a significant factor, especially if you plan to pursue education at out-of-state colleges for game design. Private institutions across the US tend to cost more than public colleges for game design. Students must explore all financial aid and assistance options, including available scholarships before making a final decision.
If you are looking for an affordable option, consider joining an online college for game design. Pursuing an online game design degree significantly reduces the overall cost of attendance.
What resources and facilities do the best game design schools offer?
When choosing colleges for video game design, search for those with state-of-the-art labs and facilities. Focus specifically on those that incorporate practical learning within the program curriculum. Additionally, the college should offer abundant technical support to online and on-campus students alike.
The college should also provide students with software and other tools needed to develop the comprehensive set of hard skills essential for a career in game design. Ideally, game design students should be engaged in the game design and development process during their 4-year program, building a strong portfolio.
What kind of career support does the college offer?
When searching for good colleges for game design, look for:
- Job placement programs
- Industry collaborations
- Available resources for career advancement
Career support resources and initiatives such as job placement programs, networking opportunities within the industry, and access to career counselors make a world of difference. Consider colleges for game design in industry hubs such as California, New York, and Texas.
Colleges in said areas not only offer excellent job placement programs but also resources designed to support budding game design experts such as the incubation center for game development startups at NYU.
What is the campus culture and community like?
Opportunities to showcase your skills and abilities should be an integral part of your game design degree. Colleges with a thriving gaming culture offer abundant opportunities to game design students through the following:
- Game development clubs – Active game development clubs can foster collaboration and learning.
- Networking opportunities – A strong community of game developers can help you connect with like-minded individuals and potential mentors.
- Game jams and competitions – Game jams are friendly game development competitions where participants enter as solo contenders or as teams. They can either be held at a designated location or digitally allowing anyone from anywhere to join the competition and showcase their expertise.
Does the college have a good industry reputation?
The best design schools are generally accredited by nationally recognized accrediting bodies such as the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Accredited schools guarantee a quality education, allowing you to transfer credits to other reputable institutions and potentially qualify for financial aid. This flexibility and support can enhance your academic journey and future opportunities.
How much time are you willing to invest in your education?
The best game design schools offer students multiple options and degrees in the field of game design.
- Associate degree – Can be completed in 2 years.
- Bachelor’s degree – Degree duration is four years – offers a more comprehensive curriculum.
- Master’s degree – Ideal for those seeking managerial-level positions.
Additionally, students can also look at design courses, diplomas, and certifications that can be completed within a few months to a year. However, a 4-year bachelor’s degree is the ideal first step towards a rewarding career in game design as it opens many well-paying entry-level positions.
Highlighted selection of good colleges for game design degree
The ideal career choice combines passion with a profession that pays well. Thus, a career in video game design is ideal for gaming enthusiasts provided you have a vested interest in game design and creation of course. For those that do, the United States higher educational landscape presents a world of opportunities.
University of Southern California (USC)
This program at the USC School of Cinematic Arts offers a blend of liberal arts and specialized game development training. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of game design, development, and industry practices.
The core curriculum features foundational courses covering the fundamentals of procedural media, interactive entertainment, and game development. They delve into digital media workshops, advanced game crews, and game development principles. Additionally, students pursue courses focusing on user research, experience design, and game design workshops.
Moreover, students learn character development, storytelling, and scriptwriting for games. They can later choose from a range of professional electives to specialize in areas such as 3D animation, sound design, level design, and game production. Lastly, the program requires a theory course and a capstone project to solidify learning and industry readiness.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Los Angeles, CA | 3.7 | 12% | $64,726 |
Drexel University
Drexel University’s Game Design & Production program equips students with the skills to take their game ideas from concept to reality. Recognized by The Princeton Review for its excellence, this program immerses students in the ever-evolving world of game development.
Drexel fosters collaboration with other programs like Animation, Computer Science, and Architecture, allowing students to learn from diverse perspectives. Students gain hands-on experience through projects culminating in a senior capstone project with a fully functional game and marketing materials.
Additionally, the university boasts renowned faculty with game industry experience and offers virtual courses taught by industry experts, providing valuable connections. Moreover, the program incorporates a six-month co-op experience (with the option for three) where students apply their skills in real-world game development settings.
Students learn a comprehensive skillset essential for a video game designer including scriptwriting, storytelling, game Level Design, programming, computer graphics & 3D design, and more. The URBN Center provides open workspaces, studios, and labs equipped with the latest technology for animation capture, motion capture, virtual reality, and more, making it one of the best game design schools in the US.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Philadelphia, PA | 3.8 | 80% | $58,965 |
Michigan State University
Through Michigan State University’s Bachelor of Arts in Games and Interactive Media, students develop a variety of technical, design, and soft skills. These include programming fundamentals, game programming, 3D animation and modeling, 2D illustrations, and more.
They also learn game design, virtual/augmented reality design, concept art, environment design, user interface design, and storytelling. Additionally, they develop soft skills such as production, teamwork, communication, presentation, leadership, and project management.
The program focuses on project-based learning, so you’ll build a strong portfolio of games through hands-on projects. Moreover, students gain real-world experience through partnerships with game studios providing an authentic industry experience.
What makes the program unique is that students consistently produce high-quality content for major game companies. The program is home to the Games for Entertainment & Learning (GEL) Lab, which creates innovative games for entertainment and learning. Plus, you will be learning from industry leaders as the faculty includes award-winning creators of the game “Plunder Panic.”
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| East Lansing, MI | 3.5 + recommended | 88% | $15,372 (in-state)
$41,958 (out-of-state) |
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
Savannah College of Art and Design offers a variety of degree programs in interactive design and game development, designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the dynamic world of digital media.
Key features of the program include a comprehensive curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, industry connections, experienced faculty, and flexible learning options. The program covers a wide range of topics, including game design, 3D modeling, animation, programming, and user experience design. Students also have access to advanced technology and software, such as AR/VR labs, to ensure a wholesome learning experience.
Additionally, SCAD fosters strong connections with industry professionals and companies, providing students with opportunities for internships, networking, and job placement. Savannah’s students have a track record of success in prestigious gaming competitions like the E3 College Game Competition and Intel University Games Showcase.
Moreover, the faculty comprises experienced professionals who provide guidance and mentorship to students. With the availability of both on-campus and online programs, allowing students to choose the learning format that best suits their needs, Savannah College of Art and Design secures its place as one of the best colleges for game design.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Savannah, GA | 3.0 | 82% | $39,605 |
New York University
The New York University Game Center offers a unique 4-year BFA program that combines a solid foundation in liberal arts with specialized game design, development, and scholarship. Students are immersed in a creative environment where they can explore their passion for games and develop the skills needed to succeed in the industry.
Key features of the program include an interdisciplinary approach, flexible curriculum, hands-on experience, industry connections, state-of-the-art facilities, and more. The program combines game studies, design, development, programming, visual and audio design, and game business.
The flexible curriculum allows students to customize their learning experience and specialize in areas of interest. Moreover, students benefit from opportunities for practical experience through projects, workshops, and collaborations. NYU’s industry collaborations offer networking opportunities with industry professionals and access to internships and jobs.
Combined with the provision of cutting-edge tools and technology to create innovative games, NYU ensures students obtain a holistic learning experience. By joining the NYU Game Center, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the game industry and the skills to create groundbreaking games.
The program’s focus on creativity, innovation, and collaboration prepares students for successful careers in game design, development, and related fields. Moreover, the game center provides an incubation center for graduates hoping to launch their own startups.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| New York City, NY | 3.5 + recommended | 12% | $62,796 |
Are colleges for game design right for you? Enroll or explore!
Colleges for video game design offer students a comprehensive learning experience within the field of game design. If you are satisfied with what the program has to offer and the expected learning outcomes, enroll at one of the good colleges for game design today. If not, explore alternative degrees to game development and design!