- 1.Game Developers earn a median salary of $132,270 with 25% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Game Development programs include University of Southern California, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of California-Santa Cruz based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: University of California-Santa Cruz offers game development education at $11,834/year with 93% graduation rate
- 4.50 accredited Game Development programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Game Development Programs - Top 10 Bachelor's
University of Southern California
USC pioneered interdisciplinary game education by bringing together Hollywood storytelling expertise with Silicon Valley engineering, creating the only program where students can learn from both Academy Award-winning technologists and AAA game industry veterans in the entertainment capital of the world.
Program Overview
USC's game development ecosystem spans two prestigious schools, offering students multiple pathways into the interactive entertainment industry. The School of Cinematic Arts houses the Interactive Media & Games Division, consistently ranked #1 Game Design school in North America by The Princeton Review since 2009, offering comprehensive BFA and MFA programs that blend artistic creativity with technical innovation. Simultaneously, the Viterbi School of Engineering provides the MS in Computer Science - Game Development, a rigorous 32-unit program that combines core computer science fundamentals with specialized game development expertise. This dual-school approach creates a unique environment where film industry artists collaborate with computer scientists, fostering innovation in areas ranging from blockbuster entertainment to serious games for healthcare and military training. Students benefit from USC's Los Angeles location, facilitating partnerships with major movie studios and game companies, while also engaging with cutting-edge research through the Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT), a DoD-sponsored center developing virtual humans and immersive simulations.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
DoD-sponsored UARC developing virtual humans, AI, and immersive technologies for military training and healthcare
Interdisciplinary research unit developing entertainment media interventions for health and rehabilitation
Industry Partners
Admissions
Rochester Institute of Technology
RIT was the first university to publish games to the Xbox One platform and operates MAGIC Spell Studios, where over 300 students have already published games like Changeling VR to Steam, creating a unique pipeline from student projects to commercial releases.
Program Overview
Rochester Institute of Technology's Game Design and Development program stands as a premier destination for aspiring game creators, offering both a Bachelor's and Master's degree through the School of Interactive Games and Media within the Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences. The undergraduate BS program emphasizes game programming within a robust computing education, preparing students for careers across gaming, simulation, modeling, training, and visualization industries. What sets RIT apart is its mandatory cooperative education program—students complete two full-time, paid co-op blocks starting after their second year, gaining real-world experience at major studios while building industry connections. The program combines technical depth in areas like game engines, graphics programming, and mobile development with creative elements including game design, interactive media, animation, and user interaction. Students can customize their education through specialized electives and advance to the MS program through an accelerated bachelor's/master's pathway, all while working in professional facilities like MAGIC Spell Studios where they can commercialize their own games.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Commercial game development and publishing for students and indie developers
Resources and mentoring for students and indie developers to enter the games industry and launch start-ups
Narrative design and interactive storytelling research
Industry Partners
Admissions
University of California-Santa Cruz
UCSC pioneered the academic study of games and is consistently ranked among the top 5 game design programs worldwide, with a unique location just one hour from Silicon Valley enabling direct industry connections while maintaining a research-focused academic environment.
Program Overview
UC Santa Cruz's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science: Computer Game Design represents one of the most prestigious and comprehensive game development programs in the world. This four-year undergraduate degree program uniquely fuses technical engineering prowess with artistic vision, focusing on the construction and design of interactive computer games. Students dive deep into the technical, narrative, and artistic foundations of game development, culminating in an intensive year-long game project sequence during their final year where they create professional-quality games from concept to completion.
The program is consistently ranked among the top game design programs globally, holding the #5 spot for best game/simulation development program in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report 2024. What sets UCSC apart is its interdisciplinary approach spanning multiple divisions, fostering collaboration between engineering, arts, and social sciences. The program operates through the Baskin School of Engineering's Computational Media Department, which houses world-class research faculty and the Center for Computational Experience - an interdisciplinary research center focused on human-computer interaction and technology for games and play.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Interdisciplinary research center focused on human computer interaction and technology for games and play
Intersection of games, human-computer interaction, and learning science
Industry Partners
Admissions
Carnegie Mellon University
CMU was one of the first universities worldwide to offer a master's degree in interaction design in the mid-1990s and houses the Entertainment Technology Center, which collaborates directly with IDeATe to deliver game design education that bridges technical excellence with creative innovation.
University of California-Irvine
Located in Silicon Beach with direct industry partnerships including Blizzard, Riot, EA, and Disney, UCI's program offers the rare combination of rigorous computer science foundations within an Informatics department that emphasizes human-centered design and the cultural impact of games.
University of Miami
The Interactive Media MFA stands out for its multidisciplinary approach that brings together students from diverse backgrounds to explore the societal impact of interactive technologies while developing both technical skills and ethical leadership capabilities.
DePaul University
DePaul houses the professional DePaul Originals Game Studio on campus where students work on commercially shipped games, with alumni founding successful studios like Young Horses (creators of Octodad and Bugsnax) and landing positions at major studios including Blizzard, Bethesda, and NeatherRealm Studios.
Michigan State University
MSU's program uniquely combines rigorous academic research on game psychology and social impact with hands-on industry partnerships, producing graduates who understand not just how to make games, but how games affect society and culture.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
WPI's IMGD program is one of the only academic units in the nation that houses all areas of games and interactive media within a single program, and operates on a 'learning through making and research through design' philosophy from day one.
University of Arizona
22 game development graduates annually
Best Game Development Programs - Compare Top 5 Bachelor's
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | 82.5/100 |
| #2 Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | Private | $55,784 | 90% | 82/100 |
| #3 University of California-Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz, CA | Public | $11,834 | 93% | 80.4/100 |
| #4 Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $62,260 | 98% | 78.7/100 |
| #5 University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | 76.6/100 |
Best Game Development Bachelor's Programs 2026
| Rank | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | $66,640 | 92% | 82.5 |
| 2 | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | $55,784 | 90% | 82 |
| 3 | University of California-Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz, CA | $11,834 | 93% | 80.4 |
| 4 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | $62,260 | 98% | 78.7 |
| 5 | University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | $11,834 | 96% | 76.6 |
| 6 | University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL | $58,104 | 94% | 65 |
| 7 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | $43,379 | 86% | 62.6 |
| 8 | Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI | $16,930 | 87% | 61.8 |
| 9 | Worcester Polytechnic Institute | Worcester, MA | $57,960 | 83% | 61.5 |
| 10 | University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | $11,546 | 68% | 60.4 |
| 11 | Indiana University-Bloomington | Bloomington, IN | $10,312 | 84% | 59.7 |
| 12 | Boise State University | Boise, ID | $5,941 | 89% | 58.8 |
| 13 | Marist College | Poughkeepsie, NY | $45,330 | 100% | 58.6 |
| 14 | Columbia College Chicago | Chicago, IL | $30,734 | 91% | 57.5 |
| 15 | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | Troy, NY | $60,360 | — | 57.4 |
| 16 | Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | $5,614 | 92% | 56 |
| 17 | University of Wisconsin-Stout | Menomonie, WI | $7,330 | — | 55.3 |
| 18 | California State University-Chico | Chico, CA | $5,742 | — | 54.2 |
| 19 | University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | Cincinnati, OH | $11,228 | 78% | 54.1 |
| 20 | Laguna College of Art and Design | Laguna Beach, CA | $35,650 | 69% | 53.3 |
| 21 | Shenandoah University | Winchester, VA | $34,614 | 91% | 52.2 |
| 22 | Sacred Heart University | Fairfield, CT | $48,160 | 73% | 50.6 |
| 23 | High Point University | High Point, NC | $38,748 | 76% | 49.3 |
| 24 | Eastern Michigan University | Ypsilanti, MI | $15,200 | — | 48 |
| 25 | Pennsylvania College of Art and Design | Lancaster, PA | $29,250 | 73% | 47.8 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Career Paths
Develop gameplay systems, graphics engines, and core game functionality using languages like C++ and C#
Game Designer
Create game concepts, mechanics, levels, and player experiences through documentation and prototyping
Technical Artist
Bridge the gap between art and programming by creating tools, shaders, and technical solutions for visual content
Apply programming skills to broader software development roles beyond gaming
Develop artificial intelligence systems for games and interactive entertainment
Choosing Between Game Development and Computer Science
Students often debate whether to pursue a dedicated game development degree or a traditional computer science program with game development electives. Both paths can lead to successful careers in the gaming industry, but each offers distinct advantages depending on career goals and interests.
Game development programs provide specialized training directly applicable to the gaming industry, including hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and engines. These programs often feature smaller class sizes, dedicated game development labs, and direct industry connections that can facilitate internship and job placement opportunities.
Computer science degrees offer broader career flexibility and deeper theoretical foundations that can benefit long-term career advancement. Graduates with CS degrees can easily transition between gaming, software engineering, data science, and other technology sectors. Many successful game developers hold computer science degrees and learned game-specific skills through personal projects and professional experience.
For students interested in cutting-edge game technologies, considering programs that incorporate artificial intelligence coursework can provide valuable skills for developing intelligent NPCs, procedural content generation, and advanced gameplay systems. The intersection of AI and gaming represents a rapidly growing career opportunity.
Choose a Game Development Bachelor's Program If:
- You're passionate about video game development specifically
- You want hands-on experience with game engines and tools
- You prefer smaller, specialized programs with direct industry connections
- You're committed to building a career in the gaming industry
- You want maximum career flexibility across tech sectors
- You're interested in broader software engineering opportunities
- You prefer stronger theoretical foundations in algorithms and data structures
- You want higher starting salaries and more job opportunities
Game Development Bachelor's Program FAQ
Based on 52 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Degree completions (sqrt normalized, capped at 500)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
State-specific salary data from BLS OES 2024
Admission rate (lower = more selective)
Institution type (R1/R2 research bonus)
CAE-CD designation, curator bonuses
Data completeness proxy
Reporting completeness
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.