If you're wondering how to become a video game designer, researching educational opportunities in the field is a great place to start. A video game design degree can open up professional opportunities in the gaming industry, allowing you to use your creativity to develop interactive experiences. A good video game design college will help prepare you to work in programming, animation, and graphic design. Keep reading to learn about the best game design schools.
Overview: Video Game Design Colleges
You may be wondering what to expect out of a video game design program. Most bachelor's programs take four years to complete and cover game design, programming, art, and animation. Some programs include a final exam or capstone project, and give students opportunities to gain hands-on experience through internships or fieldwork.
According to Data USA, approximately 5,611 degrees are awarded in animation, interactive technology, video graphics, and special effects each year. The median annual in-state public tuition for these programs was $5,148, while the median out-of-state private tuition was $42,250.
5 Best Video Game Design Colleges
The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy. The data is primarily sourced from government databases such as IPEDS – see sources section for more details.Best Online Colleges
Video Game Design
2025
Online Video Game Design Colleges Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Salary and Demand for Video Game Design Occupations
Two common video game careers are software developers and special effects artists and animators. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for software developers is $144,570 and the median annual salary for special effects artists and animators is $99,800. Software developers create the code and programs that power video games, while special effects artists and animators create visual effects for movies, video games, and other media.
Job Outlook
The BLS projects 15% growth in the employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers from 2024-2034. Special effects artists and animators can expect 2% growth over the same period.
Paying for a Program
Financing a college education can be a daunting task. According to the National Center for Education Statistics DataLab, 66.6% of undergraduate students in the U.S. borrow money to finance their college education.
There are many ways to finance your education besides loans. You can search for work-study opportunities, for example. It is also important for you to learn about scholarships and other forms of financial aid, such as federal, state, and private grants. Fill out the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what kind of federal aid is available to you.
Online vs. On Campus
When searching for the right college, consider the differences between online and on-campus programs. While every program is different, here are some of the general advantages and drawbacks of both:
Online
Flexibility to learn on your own schedule and at your own pace
May be more affordable
Quick enrollment
May lack the structure of on-campus programs
Students may have difficulty with communication and time management
On Campus
Access to campus amenities (e.g., gyms, libraries, and health services)
Smaller class sizes and more face time with peers and professors
More work-study options and student activities
More expensive with costly tuition and fees (room and board)
Students may have difficulty adjusting to college life and balancing work and school
Public vs. Private
While searching for your ideal program in video game design, consider the differences between public and private schools.
Cost is one of the most important considerations for many students, and private schools tend to be more expensive. However, private institutions often have more specialized programs and smaller class sizes. Additionally, because of their smaller size, private colleges often have a close-knit community, which may not be present at public colleges.
Public institutions are typically larger, more cost-effective, and easier to enroll in. However, a higher student-to-faculty ratio could mean less individualized attention for students.
Be sure to research the specifics of each individual program carefully, as the differences listed above are only general. Ultimately, the decision between public and private college depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Applying to a Video Game Design Program
When deciding whether to apply to a program, consider a few key factors. Cost and affordability are important, as you'll need to be able to cover tuition and other associated fees. Quality should also be taken into account, as you'll want to ensure that the program you select meets your expectations. Finally, you should look into the program length, as it will determine how long it will take you to complete your degree. Make sure you compare different programs before applying.
When it comes time to apply, review the program's admission requirements. It's helpful to make a checklist with relevant deadlines to ensure that you send in all required materials on time. Many programs request letters of recommendation, so be sure to notify your letter-writers well in advance to ensure that all your application materials are considered.
Frequently Asked Questions about Video Game Design Programs
To apply to a bachelor's in video game design program, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and good grades in math and computer science.
You may also need to provide transcripts and letters of recommendation, and take a standardized test such as the SAT or ACT.
Sources
Software Developers. (Accessed June 14, 2023). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers. (Accessed June 14, 2023). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Special Effects Artists and Animators. (Accessed June 14, 2023). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, & Special Effects. (Accessed March 9, 2023). Data USA.
College Scorecard Data. (Data retrieved May 12, 2021). U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard
Data Lab. (Accessed March 9, 2023). U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics.
IPEDS Access Databases. (Data retrieved November 17, 2022). U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System
Official Cohort Default Rates for Schools. (Data retrieved March 8, 2023). U.S. Department of Education, Office of Federal Student Aid
