Best Game Design Schools: The Top Colleges and Universities for Game Design Programs
Many of us like to play video games. For some, the fascination extends to what goes on behind the scenes in the design and production of a game. The best schools for game design will help you start a career in game design. Game design is a niche field in digital production, and many have built very successful careers in game tech.
The best game design universities and colleges offer top-notch game design bachelor’s and master’s degrees. This article will tell you everything you need to know about the best game design schools. The article details what to expect from various game design programs. If you’re looking for a career in the video game industry, we list the best jobs and the potential salaries.
Best Game Design College and University Rankings: Top 10 Game Design Schools at a Glance
| School | State | Formats Available | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University | PA | In-person | 25 |
| Clark University | MA | In-person | 103 |
| DePaul University | IL | Hybrid | 127 |
| Drexel University | PA | In-person | 103 |
| Full Sail University | FL | Hybrid | N/A |
| Michigan State University | MI | In-Person | 83 |
| New York University | NY | In-person | 28 |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | NY | In-person | 117 |
| University of Southern California | CA | In-person | 27 |
| The University of Utah | UT | In-person | 99 |
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Game Design School Rankings: Best Game Design Colleges and Universities
The best game design colleges and universities are discussed below in the same order as listed in the table above. You will find relevant information, such as acceptance rates, accrediting bodies, degrees offered, rankings, and the various video game design programs each school offers. These are important factors to consider when settling for a school.
Carnegie Mellon University
Graduation Rate: 93%
Carnegie Mellon University is one of the top private schools in the US. The school has a student population of over 14,500, studying bachelor's, master's, and PhD-level programs. It boasts 1,300 faculty members and 109,900 alumni. Carnegie Mellon offers top-class undergraduate minors in game design. US News & World Report ranks this school in first place for game and simulation development.
Carnegie Mellon University Overview
- School Type: Private
- Acceptance Rate: 14%
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Degrees offered: Bachelor’s
- US News Ranking: #25
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #21
Best Carnegie Mellon University Game Design Programs
- Undergraduate Minor in Game Design . This entertainment art program teaches students various aspects of this field, including video game development and assessment. Students will get many opportunities to collaborate across several disciplines. The program requires 45 credits of core coursework. Courses include Game Systems and Mechanics Design, and Game Programming.
- Undergraduate Minor in Animation & Special Effects . Students learn about the components of performance capture, special effects, rendering, and 3D and 2D animation. The program requires a minimum of 45 credits of core coursework completed within two years.
- Undergraduate Minor in Media Design . This program is for students interested in applying digital media technologies and practices to live experiences. Students will learn how to design experiences on various platforms ranging from mobile to large-scale installations.
Carnegie Mellon University Game Design Key Takeaway
These highly specialized programs will give students knowledge in specialized aspects of game development.
Clark University
Graduation Rate: 79%
Founded in 1887 by businessman Jonas Gilman Clark, Clark University is one of the first modern research universities in the US . The private school offers bachelor's, master’s, and doctorate degrees to a student population of 3,405.
Clark University Overview
- School Type: Private
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Degrees offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s
- US News Ranking: #103
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #217
Best Clark University Game Design Programs
- Bachelor of Arts in Interactive Media: Game Design and Development . This program focuses on different aspects of game design, including 3D and 2D art, UI/UX, programming, writing, and production. The program is excellent and will allow you to pursue your passion for gaming as you work towards building a career in the gaming industry. The program can be completed in four years and requires 128 credits.
- Master of Fine Arts in Interactive Media . The curriculum is studio-based, so students will get a lot of experience before working in the game industry. The experience will enable students to push their own visions and lead studio teams. This program is 15 units and is flexible so students can learn at their own pace.
Clark University Game Design Key Takeaway
You will benefit from the unique studio and game lab experiences and industry partnerships that push academic collaboration, entrepreneurship, and economic improvement in the digital and video game industries.
DePaul University
Graduation Rate: 70%
Established in 1898 by Vincentians, DePaul University operates as a private Catholic research school. With a student population of 22,000, the school is known for offering a wide range of courses across different education levels, from bachelor's to doctoral degrees.
DePaul University Overview
- School Type: Private
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Degrees offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s
- US News Ranking: #127
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #231
Best DePaul University Game Design Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Game Design . DePaul University's game design bachelor's degree program focuses on the details and fundamentals of game design. It prepares students to apply their skills to the gaming industry in a variety of ways, including critical thinking, storytelling, and entrepreneurship. The program runs for four years and requires 192 credits for completion.
- Master of Fine Arts in Game Design . This master’s program is for farsighted creatives aiming to create culturally and socially tangible work. Students will learn how to explore growing theories to advance game frontiers. This course can be done on campus and requires a minimum of 64 credits spanning over three years.
- Master of Science in Game Programming . The Master of Science in Game Programming is for students interested in computer graphics and real-time computing, animation, and artificial intelligence. The program spans two years and requires a total of 54 credits. You can complete this program online or on campus.
DePaul University Game Design Key Takeaway
DePaul University has friendly administration and staff that provide you with all the support and guidance you need to succeed in game design, even after completing your program.
Drexel University
Graduation Rate: 78%
Drexel University is a research university founded in 1891 by a philanthropist known as Anthony J Drexel. The school has over 70 undergraduate programs, while master's and doctoral programs are more than 100. These programs cater to its 23,589 students.
Drexel University Overview
- School Type: Private
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Degrees offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- US News Ranking: #103
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #115
Best Drexel University Game Design Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Production . Students pursuing this bachelor’s program will get a professional advantage as they prepare for exciting careers. They will learn about animation, interactive design, and programming. The program runs for four years and requires the completion of 191 credits.
- Master of Science in Digital Media . Students pursuing this master's degree will learn about game design and development, animation and immersive media, UX design, digital cultural heritage, human-computer interaction, and general digital media. The program requires 45 credits for completion and runs for two years.
- Doctor of Philosophy in Digital Media . This PhD program is an extension of game design and production, virtual reality and immersive media, and animation and visual effects. The program challenges students to push beyond what is already known. The course requires the completion of 45 credits.
Drexel University Game Design Key Takeaway
Studying game design at Drexel University allows students to develop important skills such as project management, teamwork, and agile development, which will help them succeed in their gaming careers.
Full Sail University
Graduation Rate: 40%
Full Sail University currently has a student population of over 24,627. The school offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees to its teeming student population. Full Sail offers online and on-campus programs for the entertainment, digital media, arts, design, and technology industries.
Full Sail University Overview
- School Type: Private
- Acceptance Rate: Open admissions policy
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
- Degrees offered: Certificate, Bachelor’s, Master’s
- US News Ranking: N/A
- Times Higher Education Ranking: 801+ (impact ranking)
Best Full Sail Game Design Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Game Design . Students pursuing this 120-credit game design degree will learn game production processes and design tools. Courses include Game Mechanics and Game Design Pre-Production. Undergraduate students can complete the program online or on campus.
- Bachelor of Science in Game Art . This program focuses on content creation and 3D art, emphasizing shading, lighting, and character development. Students will also focus on modeling and texturing. Courses include game animation and motion capture. Students can complete the program on-campus and online. This bachelor’s degree requires students to complete 120 credits.
- Bachelor of Science in Visualization and Simulation . Students learn how to develop a simulation for exciting new game technology such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality. Courses include computer graphics and virtual and augmented reality. The program is 120 credits. Classes can be held online or on campus.
- Bachelor of Science in Game Development . Students learn skills to develop and program video games for consoles, computers, and networks. Courses include engine development, artificial intelligence, data structure, and algorithms. Undergraduate students must complete 120 credits, which can be taken online or on campus.
- Certificate in Game Design . Full Sail University's game design certificate program provides students with basic knowledge of the rules of gameplay and game design theory. Students will acquire important skills such as digital tools expertise, decision-making skills, and scripting algorithms knowledge. This online or in-person program runs for seven months and requires 22 credits for completion.
- Master of Science in Game Design. This program prepares students for a specialized role in major studios. This 41.5-credit-program includes game production tools, an advanced design workshop, advanced production techniques, personal development, and leadership mastery. The program runs for one year and can be held online or on campus.
Full Sail University Game Design Key Takeaway
Students will quickly determine and focus on their areas of strength as the programs are very specialized. Its accelerated programs mean students will graduate faster than in other traditional schools.
Michigan State University
Graduation Rate: 82%
Michigan State University has a current student population of 49,695. The school offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Michigan State is known for its nuclear physics graduate program.
Michigan State University Overview
- School Type: Public
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Education Commission
- Degrees offered: Undergraduate Minor, Bachelor’s
- US News Ranking: #83
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #81
Best Michigan State University Game Design Programs
- Undergraduate Minor in Game Design and Development . This program serves to complement the knowledge that students acquire in their majors. Students will broaden their knowledge of game design principles and theories and learn how to collaborate on different game projects. The program runs for two years and requires 15 credits of core coursework for completion.
- Bachelor of Arts in Games and Interactive Media . At Michigan State University, the games and interactive media bachelor's program will provide undergraduate students with a deep understanding and solid foundation in several areas such as design, fundamentals of programming, and knowledge of the art. The program is 120 credits and takes four years to complete.
Michigan State University Game Design Key Takeaway
Michigan State University offers an interdisciplinary and energetic learning environment with state-of-the-art game design and development labs.
New York University
Graduation Rate: 87%
New York University offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The research university is one of the largest private institutions, with 19 schools and colleges. The school houses international students from over 133 countries and boasts a diverse faculty and student culture.
New York University Overview
- School Type: Private
- Acceptance Rate: 13%
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Degrees offered: Undergraduate Minor, Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s
- US News Ranking: #28
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #26
Best New York University Game Design Programs
- Undergraduate Minor in Game Design . This program provides students with comprehensive knowledge in the design, study, and production of games. This minor covers courses that introduce students to all aspects of game design and development. This includes non-digital and digital game production. The program requires 16 credits for completion in two years.
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design . This bachelor’s degree is a four-year program that teaches students about game design and development to build careers in the gaming industry. Students learn the fundamentals of technology and design culture. The program is available on campus at NYU's game center. Students must complete 128 credits to earn this degree.
- Master of Fine Arts in Game Design . Students pursuing the Master of Fine Arts Degree in Game Design will learn about studio art, visual design, and game development in a context of advanced critical literacy. Courses include game design, game studies, and game production. The program runs for two years.
New York University Game Design Key Takeaway
Studying at the New York University game center is fun and impactful as students will get to experience lectures, exhibitions, playtests, workshops, and a host of other exciting events.
Rochester Institute of Technology
Graduation Rate: 69%
Rochester Institute of Technology is one of the largest universities in the country in terms of full-time students. The school has a student population of over 16,000 and offers associate, bachelor's, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
Rochester Institute of Technology Overview
- School Type: Private
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Degrees offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s
- US News Ranking: #117
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #154
Best Rochester Institute of Technology Game Design Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development . This program emphasizes game programming to prepare students for career options in the gaming industry, including game design and simulation. Students learn about interactive media, animation, user interaction, and modeling. The program runs for four years with a 124-credit requirement.
- Master of Science in Game Design and Development . In this program, students will explore the world of entertainment technology. The program covers in-depth game design and development. Students study computer graphics, interactive energy, and game engines. The program runs for two years and requires 33 credits for completion.
Rochester Institute of Technology Game Design Key Takeaway
Rochester Institute of Technology helps prepare students in the best possible way for an exciting career in the professional games industry.
University of Southern California
Graduation Rate: 92%
University of Southern California is the oldest private research university in California. The school offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees to over 49,000 students, of which 12 percent are first-year students. The school received over 71,000 applications in 2022.
University of Southern California Overview
- School Type: Private
- Acceptance Rate: 13%
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Degrees offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s
- US News Ranking: #27
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #19
Best University of Southern California Game Design Programs
- Bachelor of Arts in Interactive Entertainment . This program combines a broad arts background specializing in game design and interactive entertainment. The program covers visual design, animation fundamentals, interactive design, and game development. The program runs for four years and requires 128 credits for completion.
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Games) . This program aims to give students a solid foundation in computer science and a good background in game development. Students can complete the 128-credit program in four years.
- Master of Fine Arts in Interactive Media . This program focuses on the art of interactive media and computer-based entertainment. Students will graduate in three years after completing 50 credits hours of courses.
- Master of Science in Computer Science with Specialization in Game Development . This program produces graduates with core knowledge in computer science, game development infrastructure, serious games, and immersion. Students will achieve this degree after completing 32 credits.
University of Southern California Game Design Key Takeaway
University of Southern California offers the Lawson Endowment Fund, which grants $1,000 to African American and indigenous students interested in game studies.
The University of Utah
Graduation Rate: 67%
Established in 1850, The University of Utah is the oldest university in the state. The school offers bachelor's, master’s, and doctoral degrees to over 33,000 students.
The University of Utah Overview
- School Type: Public
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Degrees offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s
- US News Ranking: #99
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #133
Best University of Utah Game Design Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Games . This program is for students wanting to build a career within the professional game industry. Students will cover simulation, visualization, game design, and edutainment topics. The program spans four years and requires the completion of 121 credits.
- Master of Entertainment Arts and Engineering-Game Arts Track . This program is run on campus and specializes in game arts. Program highlights include rapid prototyping, game design, and game arts. It runs for two years, with graduate students completing 40 credits.
- Master of Entertainment Arts and Engineering-Game Engineering Track . This on-campus program specializes in game engineering and software development. Program highlights include C++ game programming, game engineering, and rapid prototyping. Students need to complete 40 credits, which span two years.
- Master of Entertainment Arts and Engineering-Game Production Track . This two-year, 40-credit program is for students who want to specialize in game production. Courses include rapid prototyping and game production.
- Master of Entertainment Arts and Engineering-Technical Art Track . This is a two-year program requiring 40 credit hours. It is for those who want to specialize in technical art. Students will learn about rapid prototyping and technical art.
The University of Utah Game Design Key Takeaway
The University of Utah is a top-ranking school for video game education and research. It is one of the best game design universities setting the pace nationwide in the discipline of games.
The Best Schools for Game Design: Types of College Degrees and University Programs Offered
When choosing the best schools for video game design, the list can be daunting. You can select anything from certificates and undergraduate minors to graduate degrees. With advanced technology in design and game programs, the future in game design is limitless. Below are the types of college degrees and university programs offered in game design.
Game Design Community College Certificate
A community college certificate prepares students for opportunities in organizations, corporations, and game studios. A certificate introduces students to game design and programming for computer games. Common courses include Business Web Graphics, C# for Game Programming, and Multimedia Game Programming. It typically takes two semesters to complete this program.
Game Design Associate Degree
Many associate degree programs take two years to complete. Courses begin with an introduction to the game industry and advance to game programming algorithms, 3D animation, and the fundamentals of game design. In some institutions, this program may include a game programming capstone project.
Game Design Bachelor’s Degree
A Bachelor's Degree takes four years and is usually between 120 and 190 credits. Students learn concept creation, coding, simulation and visualization, animation, and graphic design. Students can also develop skills in the art of storytelling.
The different types of bachelor’s degrees obtainable in this field of study are Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science. The department of art usually takes an artistic design approach, while the science degree is more hands-on in the programming aspect. Many bachelor’s degree programs end with a senior project.
Game Design Master’s Degree
A Master's Degree prepares students for specialized roles in major studios. They will learn to make meaningful contributions to multidisciplinary development teams. Coursework often focuses on design, user experience research, and production.
Students in graduate programs can study for various master’s degrees, including a Master of Science, a Master of Fine Art, or a Master of Entertainment Arts and Engineering. This depends on the type of institution and specialization area. The program usually takes between two to three years to complete.
Game Design Graduate Certificate
A graduate certificate is a credential demonstrating that a student has received specialized training in an aspect of this discipline at the university level. Courses may include game prototyping, digital art skills and techniques, and game research methods. This program can take between six months to one year.
Game Design Doctorate
A doctorate enables the critical study of games for students with specialist knowledge in a given area of interest. Graduate programs can focus on creative technologies, games intelligence, digital arts, computer graphics, and animation. A doctorate usually takes between three to five years to complete.
Comparing Popular Degree Options
Best Game Design Schools: Other Game Design University Rankings
The best game design universities and colleges can include private schools, public schools, and online schools. You’ll want to do a careful school search, as this will affect your future career in video game design. Design and technology are advancing to measureless spaces. Many schools give actual job experience to prepare students for the real world in interactive design and game development.
Best Online Game Design Schools
- Academy of Art University. Academy of Art University offers top online programs, from an award of completion to a Master of Fine Arts in Game Development. The school also offers a Bachelor of Science program for more mathematically inclined students. The university’s curricula are up to date so that students learn the current industry standards.
- Full Sail University Online. Full Sail University offers game art and a game design bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Students learn the artistic elements of designing video games, such as character rendering in a 3D environment. Students learn how to transfer 2D principles into a 3D space.
- Southern New Hampshire University. Students studying the online game art degree at Southern New Hampshire University have access to technical support 24 hours a day. The 120-credit program teaches 3D modeling, sculpting, texturing, digital painting, and character animation.
Best Community Colleges for Game Design
- Big Sandy Community and Technical College. This program allows students to start their careers using edge-cutting technology. Some of these career paths include video game designer and graphic designer.
- Brookdale Community College. Successful game designing students at Brookdale Community College will work with storyboards. They will create scenes, player avatars, and other exciting game features for entertainment design and interactive experiences.
- Monroe County Community College. Students acquire foundational skills to excel in game development careers. Graduates can prepare for entry-level roles in game programming and level design.
Best Undergraduate Schools for Game Design
- Drexel University. Students can build a solid foundation that prepares them for an exciting career in game development. The curriculum is well-rounded and touches all relevant aspects from scripting and storytelling to virtual reality.
- New York University. New York University has a dedicated game center that focuses on game studies and other fun events like exhibitions, playtests, and workshops.
- The University of Utah. This institution is one of the best in the country to learn about designing and developing games. This makes The University of Utah an excellent choice for this program.
Best Graduate Schools for Game Design
- Clark University. Students can customize their graduate learning experience to fully explore their passions. The Master of Fine Arts program is currently ranked number nine globally by The Princeton Review.
- University of Southern California. Students will focus on game designing and current innovations in the industry. They will also consider other electives to boost their knowledge of interactive media. The courses include experiments in interactivity, visual expression, and production.
- The University of Utah. The University of Utah has one of the most extensive structures in the game development master’s program. Students can choose to specialize in any of the four tracks that the school offers.
Best Game Design Schools With Dual Degree Programs
- Rochester Institute of Technology | Bachelor and Master of Science in Game Design and Development . This combined program enables students to obtain both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Game Science. Students earn two degrees in the five-year program as they gain valuable knowledge and experience.
- The University of Utah | Master of Business Administration/Master of Arts in Education. This is a three-year dual degree program with an 84-credit requirement that combines the art of designing games with business. Students learn to design and publish games. The business side of the program gives students entrepreneurial skills to start their own gaming businesses.
- Lewis University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science/Master of Science in Computer Science with Game Concentration. This four plus one program allows students to complete a bachelor’s and master’s program in five years. Although it is a computer science degree, it includes a game concentration. The program is ideal for science-oriented minds who would like a varied career.
Best Schools With Accelerated Game Design Programs
- Franklin University | Bachelor of Science in Interactive Media Design. This Franklin University program opens up a wide range of artistic and technical career paths for students. It focuses on both the technical and non-technical aspects of game design.
- Full Sail University | Bachelor of Science in Game Design. This game development and design program at Full Sail University includes game design and production courses. The school offers a 20-month on-campus or 29-month online bachelor’s degree program.
- Rochester Institute of Technology | Accelerated Bachelor and Master of Science in Game Design and Development . Rochester Institute of Technology offers an accelerated path to help students obtain both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in five years. Students will learn all the workings of game design and development at both levels.
Easy Colleges to Get Into
Is Graduate School for Game Design Worth It?
Yes, graduate school for game design is worth it. You will get specialist knowledge to create your own games in contribution to the ever-growing gaming industry. You will work in a collaborative environment creating and designing computer and mobile gaming programs.
Developing a video game design program is both scientific and artistic and would suit a broad range of students. Those who prefer science and math can choose Master of Science and engineering programs. In comparison, those who are more artistic can study for a Master of Fine Arts.
What Jobs Can You Do With a Game Design Degree?
Jobs you can do with a game design degree are game development and design, game production, 3D animation, applications development, and graphic design. Attending a school with an excellent reputation will give you game studio exposure and hands-on experience to build your game design career.
How Much Can I Earn With a Degree in Game Design?
You can earn between $49,000 and $93,000 per year with a degree in game design. According to PayScale, an associate degree will give you an entry-level salary of $53,000 , per year. For graduates with a bachelor’s degree, the average salary is $69,000 per year. The annual salary for a master’s degree is an average of $79,000, per year.
Highest-Paying Game Design Careers
| Profession | Minimum Education | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Game Programmer | Bachelor’s degree | $93,000 |
| Creative Game Director | Bachelor’s degree | $90,875 |
| Game Producer | Bachelor’s degree | $79,432 |
| Animator | Bachelor’s degree | $78,790 |
| Game Artist | Bachelor’s degree | $78,790 |
| Video Game Designer | Bachelor’s degree | $67,764 |
| Level Designer | Bachelor’s degree | $60,099 |
| Graphic Designer | Bachelor’s degree | $50,710 |
| Game Audio Engineer | High school diploma | $49,050 |
| Video Game Tester | High school diploma | $41,139 |
Best Jobs With a Game Design Degree
The best jobs with a game design degree are video game tester, video game designer, animator, game artist, and graphic designer. Below are the best jobs in game design available at the different degree levels.
Best
Game Design Associate Degree
Game design associate degree jobs include video game writers, game testers, or game sound engineers. Those with associate degrees can earn experience in the industry or decide to study for a bachelor’s degree later.
Top Game Design Careers With an Associate Degree
Best
Game Design Bachelor’s Degree
The best game design bachelor’s degree jobs include level designers, junior game designers, and graphic designers. These jobs are suitable for bachelor’s degree holders who have recently graduated and are looking for entry-level roles in gaming companies.
Top Game Design Careers With a Bachelor’s Degree
Best
Game Design Master’s Degree
Master’s degree holders take on more specialized roles in the gaming industry, such as software engineers, lead designers, and video game programmers. These jobs require some years of work experience.
Top Game Design Careers With a Master’s Degree
Best
Game Design Doctorate
Game design PhD holders have very specialized knowledge and skills in the field. Because of this, they hold leadership positions in gaming companies. Master’s degree jobs include lead animators, game developers, creative game administrators, or senior-level designers. Those with doctoral degrees have in-depth knowledge in their field of expertise.
Top Game Design Careers With a PhD
Best Internships for Game Design Students
Many internship opportunities are available to students studying game design at different levels. Companies with open internships include Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Blizzard Entertainment, and Riot Games. Students can apply by checking the career pages of these companies to know when there is an opening. Students must submit an application form on the company’s career pages.
Top Game Design Internships
How Can I Pay for Game Design School?
You can pay for game design school with several options, including scholarships, student loans, personal savings, federal aid, and work-study jobs. We will briefly discuss some of these options below.
- Scholarships. Scholarships can go a long way in helping to offset some of the tuition costs. Check for the scholarship opportunities open to you, as you don’t have to repay any financial assistance you receive. Search online for scholarships from schools, government departments, organizations, or employers.
- Federal Funding. Even if you feel your chances are low, filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form is essential. It can serve as a ticket to receiving financial aid. Once you submit the form, you put yourself in a position to receive financial assistance if you qualify. Most schools ask prospective students to fill out a FAFSA form during the application process.
- Student Loans. It is best to take out federal loans before private loans because of their lower interest rates. You only need to start repaying a federal loan once you start working. You can also take out a private student loan. There are many to choose from, just check the interest rates and make sure there are no hidden costs.
- Work-Study Program. This arrangement helps a student get a job while they are studying. It provides the students with income, work experience, and valuable connections that may help their future careers.
How to Pay for Your Chosen School Education Path
Choosing the Best Game Design School for You
To choose the best game design school for you, you should consider factors such as the accreditation, graduation rate, flexibility, retention rate, career services, and school reputation. We have briefly discussed some of the factors below.
Graduation Rate
The graduation rate of a school shows how many students completed its programs. This can indicate that a video game design school is of a good standard. Schools with high graduation rates are usually more exceptional than those with lower ones.
Accreditation
Accredited schools have met a set standard of education. If it’s accredited, it means it has met the requirements of the accrediting body. Studying in an accredited school means that you can transfer credits and apply for scholarships or federal aid.
Retention Rate
The retention rate of a school shows how many students stay to continue their studies after gaining admission. Schools with a high retention rate have top-notch faculty, excellent programs, and student support.
Flexibility
It is important to consider if a school has a learning format that suits your schedule. If you prefer to study from home because of a job or other personal reasons, you should consider an online learning format.
Career Services
Many schools are interested in the welfare of their students and will offer career path guidance in various ways. Make use of career counseling services, as they will help you with your resume, interviews, and job search.
How to Get Into the Right School for Your Profession
Does It Matter What College I Go to for Game Design?
Yes, it does matter what college you go to for game design. Going to a highly-ranked school with a good reputation in this discipline can boost your chances of getting employment after graduation. Some schools have a game center where you can pick up practical skills and experiences through the different types of events that they hold. Attending these schools will give you a better learning experience.
Game Design University Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Schools for Game Design
We ranked the best game design schools by consulting the university rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education. To further refine our game design university ranking methodology, we gave special consideration to things like reputation, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and breadth and depth of game design degree program offerings.
Additional Reading About Game Design
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Best Game Design Schools FAQ
Carnegie Mellon University and University of Southern California have the best game design programs. These schools are tied for first place as the
best schools for game development
, according to US News & World Report.
Carnegie Mellon University and University of Southern California have the best game design programs. These schools are tied for first place as the
best schools for game development
, according to US News & World Report.
No, it is not hard to code games. There are many design technologies, including game engines, that help to simplify the workflow of game programming. To find it easy, you must be proficient in specific programming languages like C#, C++, and C.
Yes, the demand for video game designers is high. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall outlook for video game designers under the category of special effects artists and animators is 16 percent. It predicts that 7,800 jobs will be available annually between 2020 and 2030.
