[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm” tag=”em”]This article was drafted using natural language generation technology and has been reviewed and fact-checked by our editorial staff.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re wondering [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/video-game-designer/”]how to become a video game designer[/hen-ui-link], 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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Overview: Video Game Design Colleges[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to [hen-ui-link href=”https://datausa.io/profile/cip/animation-interactive-technology-video-graphics-special-effects/”]Data USA[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link], approximately 5,362 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 $4,329, while the median out-of-state private tuition was $38,495.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]5 Best Video Game Design Colleges[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm” tag=”em”]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”] Rankings Methodology[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Demand for Video Game Design Occupations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Two common [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/video-game-designer/”]video game careers[/hen-ui-link] are software developers and special effects artists and animators. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes151252.htm”]software developers[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link] is $132,930 and the median annual salary for [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/multimedia-artists-and-animators.htm”]special effects artists and animators[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link] is $98,950. 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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Job Outlook[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS projects 25% growth in the employment of [hen-ui-link href=”https://stats.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm”]software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link] from 2022-2032. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/multimedia-artists-and-animators.htm”]Special effects artists and animators[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link] can expect 8% growth over the same period.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Paying for a Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Financing a college education can be a daunting task. According to the National Center for Education Statistics [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/datalab/”]DataLab[/hen-ui-link], 66.6% of undergraduate students in the U.S. borrow money to finance their college education.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/scholarships/”]learn about scholarships[/hen-ui-link] and other forms of financial aid, such as federal, state, and private grants. Fill out the [hen-ui-link href=”https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa”]Federal Application for Student Aid[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link] (FAFSA) to see what kind of federal aid is available to you.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Online vs. On Campus[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Online[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Flexibility to learn on your own schedule and at your own pace[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]May be more affordable[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Quick enrollment[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]May lack the structure of on-campus programs[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students may have difficulty with communication and time management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]On Campus[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Access to campus amenities (e.g., gyms, libraries, and health services)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Smaller class sizes and more face time with peers and professors[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]More work-study options and student activities[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]More expensive with costly tuition and fees (room and board)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students may have difficulty adjusting to college life and balancing work and school[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Public vs. Private[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While searching for your ideal program in video game design, consider the differences between public and private schools.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Applying to a Video Game Design Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions about Video Game Design Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What qualifications do I need to apply for a bachelor’s degree in video game design?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You may also need to provide transcripts and letters of recommendation, and take a standardized test such as the SAT or ACT.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What is the cost of a degree in video game design?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The cost of a video game design education varies widely. For example, according to [hen-ui-link href=”https://datausa.io/profile/cip/animation-interactive-technology-video-graphics-special-effects/”]Data USA[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link], the median in-state public tuition for animation, interactive technology, video graphics, and special effects majors was $4,329. The median out-of-state private tuition for the same group was $38,495.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What is the average salary for a video game design professional?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to BLS, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://stats.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm”]median annual salary[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link] for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers was $124,200. Salaries may vary depending on job qualifications, location, and the specific role.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-separator /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Sources[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes151252.htm/”]Software Developers[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link]. (Accessed June 14, 2023). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://stats.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm/”]Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link]. (Accessed June 14, 2023). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/multimedia-artists-and-animators.htm/”]Special Effects Artists and Animators[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link]. (Accessed June 14, 2023). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://datausa.io/profile/cip/animation-interactive-technology-video-graphics-special-effects”]Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, & Special Effects[hen-ui-icon icon=”external-link” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link]. (Accessed March 9, 2023). Data USA.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/”]College Scorecard Data[/hen-ui-link]. (Data retrieved May 12, 2021). U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/datalab/”]Data Lab[hen-ui-icon icon=”/"external-link"” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link]. (Accessed March 9, 2023). U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/use-the-data/download-access-database/”]IPEDS Access Databases[/hen-ui-link]. (Data retrieved November 17, 2022). U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/topics/default-management/official-cohort-default-rates-schools/”]Official Cohort Default Rates for Schools[/hen-ui-link]. (Data retrieved March 8, 2023). U.S. Department of Education, Office of Federal Student Aid[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]