Top 3 Game Development Programs in Colorado
University of Colorado Boulder
483 Game Development graduates annually, 87% graduation rate
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
214 Game Development graduates annually, 89% graduation rate
Colorado School of Mines
222 Game Development graduates annually, 79% graduation rate
- 1.Colorado offers 12 accredited game development programs across universities and colleges statewide
- 2.Average tuition for in-state students ranges from $12,500 to $35,000 annually for public institutions
- 3.Game developers in Colorado earn median salaries of $75,000, with Denver metro leading at $82,000
- 4.The state's gaming industry employs over 3,200 professionals with 23% projected growth through 2032
- 5.Top programs feature partnerships with local studios like Red 5 Studios and Havok Games
Colorado's Game Development Education Landscape
Colorado has emerged as a significant player in both gaming education and industry development. The state hosts 12 accredited game development programs ranging from specialized associate degrees to comprehensive master's programs. Colorado's gaming industry generated over $2.1 billion in revenue in 2024, creating strong demand for skilled developers and designers.
The state's programs benefit from proximity to major gaming companies and a thriving tech ecosystem. Denver serves as the primary gaming hub, home to studios like Red 5 Studios, Havok Games, and numerous indie developers. This concentration creates valuable internship and networking opportunities for students across Colorado's game development programs.
Colorado institutions emphasize hands-on learning through game studios, capstone projects, and industry collaborations. Many programs integrate business and entrepreneurship components, preparing graduates for both traditional employment and independent game development careers.
What You'll Learn in Colorado Game Development Programs
Colorado's game development curricula blend technical programming skills with creative design principles. Most programs require foundational courses in computer science, mathematics, and art before advancing to specialized game development topics. Students typically complete 120-130 credit hours for bachelor's degrees, with 30-40% focused specifically on game development.
Core technical coursework covers programming languages essential for modern game development, including C++, C#, Python, and JavaScript. Students learn major game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine, along with graphics programming using OpenGL and DirectX. Many programs also incorporate emerging technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality, and mobile development platforms.
Creative components emphasize game design theory, user experience principles, and artistic skills. Students study game mechanics, level design, storytelling, and player psychology. Art-focused tracks cover 2D/3D modeling, animation, and digital painting. Business elements include project management, game marketing, and indie development strategies.
- Programming: C++, C#, Python, JavaScript, and game-specific scripting
- Game Engines: Unity, Unreal Engine, Godot, and custom engine development
- Graphics: 3D modeling, animation, shader programming, and visual effects
- Design: Game mechanics, level design, UI/UX, and player engagement
- Mathematics: Linear algebra, physics simulation, and algorithm optimization
- Business: Project management, marketing, and entrepreneurship
Complete Rankings: Colorado Game Development Programs 2025
| 1 | University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO | — | $13,910 | — | — | — |
| 2 | Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | — | $12,100 | — | — | — |
| 3 | Colorado School of Mines | Golden, CO | — | $18,390 | — | — | — |
| 4 | Colorado State University-Fort Collins | Fort Collins, CO | — | $10,299 | — | — | — |
| 5 | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | Denver, CO | — | $9,096 | — | — | — |
| 6 | United States Air Force Academy | USAF Academy, CO | — | $0 | — | — | — |
| 7 | Colorado College | Colorado Springs, CO | — | $67,458 | — | — | — |
| 8 | Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design | Lakewood, CO | — | $20,913 | — | — | — |
| 9 | University of Denver | Denver, CO | — | $58,032 | — | — | — |
| 10 | University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | — | $8,738 | — | — | — |
| 11 | Metropolitan State University of Denver | Denver, CO | — | $8,868 | — | — | — |
| 12 | Colorado Christian University | Lakewood, CO | — | $26,668 | — | — | — |
| 13 | Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | — | $8,592 | — | — | — |
| 14 | Regis University | Denver, CO | — | $41,990 | — | — | — |
| 15 | Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | — | $7,128 | — | — | — |
Top 5 Game Development Programs in Colorado: Side-by-Side
| School | CU Boulder | Colorado School of Mines | Colorado Technical... | United States Air Force... | U of Denver |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $13,910 | $18,390 | $12,100 | $0 | $58,032 |
| Graduation Rate | 87% | 79% | 89% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 483 | 222 | 114 | 75 | 59 |
| Acceptance Rate | 83% | 60% | N/A | 14% | 71% |
| Type | Public | Public | For-Profit | Public | Private |
| Score | 80.6/100 | 71.4/100 | 69.3/100 | 63.2/100 | 49.6/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Game Development in Colorado
Colorado offers 9 bachelor's-level game development programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs, Colorado School of Mines. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $85,008 in the Colorado market.
A bachelor's in game development typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Game Development Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Game Development Bachelor's Programs in Colorado
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 CU Boulder | $13,910 | 87% | 483 | 80.6 |
| #2 Colorado Technical... | $12,100 | 89% | 214 | 75.9 |
| #3 Colorado School of Mines | $18,390 | 79% | 222 | 71.4 |
Top Game Development Schools for Master's Degrees in Colorado
For graduate study, Colorado offers 5 master's-level game development programs. Leading institutions include Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs, University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado School of Mines. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Colorado reaching $157,872 or more.
Top 3 Game Development Master's Programs in Colorado
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Colorado Technical... | $12,100 | 89% | 114 | 69.3 |
| #2 CU Boulder | $13,910 | 87% | 162 | 80.6 |
| #3 Colorado School of Mines | $18,390 | 79% | 68 | 70.3 |
Most Affordable Game Development Colleges in Colorado
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable game development programs in Colorado are at University of Colorado Colorado Springs ($8,738/year), Metropolitan State University of Denver ($8,868/year), Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs ($12,100/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Colorado's competitive tech salaries.
At University of Colorado Colorado Springs, a 4-year degree costs approximately $34,952 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $85,008, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years.
Most Affordable Game Development Programs in Colorado (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Colorado Colorado... | $8,738 | $34,952 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #2 Metropolitan State... | $8,868 | $35,472 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #3 Colorado Technical... | $12,100 | $48,400 | 1 years | For-Profit |
Colorado Gaming Industry: Growth and Opportunities
Colorado's gaming industry has experienced remarkable growth, with employment increasing by 34% over the past five years. The state now employs over 3,200 gaming professionals across 180+ companies, from major studios to indie developers. This growth directly benefits graduates of Colorado's game development degree programs.
Denver leads the state's gaming ecosystem with the highest concentration of studios and the most job opportunities. The city's tech-friendly environment and lower cost of living compared to coastal gaming hubs make it attractive to both established companies and startups. Boulder and Fort Collins also host significant gaming activity, particularly in educational and serious games development.
Key industry segments in Colorado include mobile gaming, educational games, and simulation software. The state's aerospace and defense industries create additional opportunities for simulation and training game developers. Many Colorado graduates find success in adjacent fields like software engineering and computer science roles within gaming companies.
- Mobile and casual games dominate the market with 65% of studios
- Educational gaming sector growing 28% annually
- VR/AR gaming emerging with 15 specialized companies
- Indie game development thriving with strong community support
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $13,910 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 483 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 83%
- • Ranking Score: 80.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 483 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 80.6 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (483 graduates), state salary outcomes ($121,440), and selectivity (83% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, CO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $18,390 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 79% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 222 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 60%
- • Ranking Score: 71.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 79% graduation rate
- 222 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 71.4 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (79%), program size (222 graduates), state salary outcomes ($121,440), and selectivity (60% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Colorado School of Mines Computer Science program offers six specialized emphasis areas including unique tracks in Space and Robotics, with a hands-on capstone field session where students create software products for real clients. The program is designed to be accessible to students with or without prior programming experience while providing both theoretical foundations and practical applications.
Admission Prerequisites
- •4 years of college-prep or advanced math trigonometry or pre-calculus at a minimum
- •3 years of lab science either physics or chemistry at a minimum
- •4 years of English
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: technology companies, engineering companies, financial companies
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, CO • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $12,100 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 89% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 114 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 69.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 114 game development graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 69.3 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (89%), program size (114 graduates), state salary outcomes ($121,440), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
United States Air Force Academy
USAF Academy, CO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $0 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 75 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 14%
- • Ranking Score: 63.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 75 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 63.2 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (75 graduates), state salary outcomes ($121,440), and selectivity (14% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Denver
Denver, CO • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $58,032 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 59 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 71%
- • Ranking Score: 49.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 59 game development graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 49.6 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (59 graduates), state salary outcomes ($121,440), and selectivity (71% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The University of Denver's Bachelor of Arts in Game Development combines strong technical computer science foundations with artistic game design creativity, preparing students to bridge the gap between artist and programmer. Students design and build fully working games from scratch through hands-on capstone projects with comprehensive development processes.
Career Paths
Create game mechanics, implement features, and optimize performance across platforms
Game Designer
Design gameplay systems, balance mechanics, and create engaging player experiences
Technical Artist
Bridge art and programming teams, create tools, and optimize visual pipelines
UI/UX Designer
Design user interfaces and optimize player experience across gaming platforms
Mobile Game Developer
Specialize in iOS and Android game development with platform-specific optimizations
How to Choose the Right Colorado Game Development Program
Selecting the ideal game development program depends on your career goals, learning style, and financial situation. Colorado offers diverse options from research-focused university programs to hands-on technical colleges. Consider whether you prefer broad computer science foundations or specialized game development curricula.
Evaluate each program's industry connections and internship opportunities. Schools with strong ties to Colorado's gaming industry provide valuable networking and job placement advantages. Look for programs that showcase student work through game showcases, competitions, and published titles.
Financial considerations are crucial when comparing programs. In-state tuition at public universities like CU Boulder and Colorado State offers significant savings over private institutions. However, private schools may provide smaller class sizes and more personalized attention. Consider total program costs, including equipment, software, and living expenses.
Which Should You Choose?
- You want broad computer science foundations with game development specialization
- Graduate school or research careers interest you
- You prefer larger programs with diverse course offerings
- Access to research opportunities and advanced labs is important
- You want immediate focus on game development skills
- Hands-on project work appeals more than theoretical study
- You prefer smaller, more focused program communities
- Industry connections and job placement are top priorities
- You need scheduling flexibility while working
- Geographic location limits access to campus programs
- You're transitioning from another career field
- Self-directed learning suits your style
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on 12 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Game Development degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific game development salaries from BLS OES 2024
Related Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Tuition, enrollment, and graduation rate data
Employment projections and salary data
State-specific program information and outcomes
State employment and wage statistics
Source: Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
Next Steps: Applying to Colorado Game Development Programs
Research and Compare Programs
Use our rankings and program details to identify 3-5 schools that match your goals, budget, and preferred learning style.
Prepare Application Materials
Gather transcripts, letters of recommendation, and create a portfolio showcasing any programming or creative work.
Visit Campuses and Meet Faculty
Schedule campus visits to see facilities, meet professors, and get a feel for program culture and student community.
Apply for Financial Aid
Complete FAFSA applications and research Colorado-specific scholarships and grants for STEM and gaming students.
Consider Alternative Pathways
Explore bootcamps, online courses, and industry certifications as supplements or alternatives to traditional degrees.
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.