Top 3 Game Development Programs in Florida 2025
University of Central Florida
423 Game Development graduates annually, 93% graduation rate
Full Sail University
480 Game Development graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
University of Miami
69 Game Development graduates annually, 94% graduation rate
- 1.Florida has 20+ game development and related programs across public universities, private colleges, and specialized institutions
- 2.Full Sail University leads with industry-focused curriculum and 29-month accelerated bachelor's program
- 3.UCF offers the most affordable option at $6,368 in-state tuition with strong industry partnerships
- 4.Florida game developers earn median $78,450 annually, with Orlando studios paying 15% above state average
- 5.Orlando hosts major gaming companies including EA Sports, Disney Interactive, and Universal Games
Game Development Education in Florida
Florida has emerged as a significant hub for game development education and industry, particularly around Orlando. The state offers diverse program types from specialized institutions like Full Sail University to traditional computer science programs with game development concentrations at public universities.
For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national game development rankings. Students considering broader tech options should review our computer science programs in Florida or software engineering programs in Florida. Career-focused students can explore our software engineer salary guide for Florida-specific compensation data.
Florida Gaming Industry Overview
Florida has become a significant player in the gaming industry, particularly around Orlando. The state hosts major gaming companies including EA Sports (FIFA, Madden franchises), Disney Interactive Studios, Universal Games and Digital Platforms, and numerous indie studios.
Orlando serves as the primary gaming hub, benefiting from the presence of theme park companies that require interactive entertainment expertise. The city's relatively low cost of living compared to traditional tech centers like California makes it attractive for both established studios and startups.
- EA Sports - FIFA, Madden NFL, and other major sports franchises
- Disney Interactive Studios - Mobile and console game development
- Universal Games - Theme park interactive experiences
- Red Storm Entertainment (Ubisoft) - Tom Clancy games
- Numerous indie studios and mobile game developers
Florida Game Development Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | Public | $4,478 | 93% | 75.8 |
| 2 | Full Sail University | Winter Park, FL | For-Profit | $26,417 | — | 74.5 |
| 3 | University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL | Private | $58,104 | 94% | 66.4 |
| 4 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | Public | $4,477 | 95% | 55.6 |
| 5 | Florida Polytechnic University | Lakeland, FL | Public | $3,152 | 81% | 53.7 |
| 6 | Florida Institute of Technology | Melbourne, FL | Private | $43,420 | 81% | 51 |
| 7 | Saint Leo University | Saint Leo, FL | Private | $26,240 | 85% | 50.8 |
| 8 | University of North Florida | Jacksonville, FL | Public | $3,996 | 82% | 46.4 |
| 9 | Florida International University | Miami, FL | Public | $4,721 | — | 46.1 |
| 10 | Rasmussen University-Florida | Ocala, FL | For-Profit | $13,452 | — | 44.7 |
| 11 | Florida Southern College | Lakeland, FL | Private | $41,500 | — | 44.4 |
| 12 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | Daytona Beach, FL | Private | $40,680 | 70% | 44.4 |
| 13 | University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | Public | $3,735 | 84% | 44 |
| 14 | University of Florida-Online | Gainesville, FL | Public | $3,358 | 65% | 43.1 |
| 15 | Florida Gulf Coast University | Fort Myers, FL | Public | $4,191 | 95% | 42.1 |
Showing 1–15 of 26
Top 5 Game Development Programs in Florida: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Central Florida | Full Sail | U of Miami | U of Florida | Florida Polytechnic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $4,478 | $26,417 | $58,104 | $4,477 | $3,152 |
| Graduation Rate | 93% | N/A% | 94% | 95% | 81% |
| Annual Graduates | 423 | 480 | 69 | 63 | 111 |
| Acceptance Rate | 40% | N/A | 19% | 24% | 56% |
| Type | Public | For-Profit | Private | Public | Public |
| Score | 85.5/100 | 74.5/100 | 69.7/100 | 68.3/100 | 62.2/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Game Development in Florida
Florida offers 26 bachelor's-level game development programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Central Florida, Full Sail University, University of Miami. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $68,474 in the Florida 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 Florida
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Central Florida | $4,478 | 93% | 423 | 85.5 |
| #2 Full Sail | $26,417 | N/A% | 480 | 74.5 |
| #3 U of Miami | $58,104 | 94% | 69 | 69.7 |
Top Game Development Schools for Master's Degrees in Florida
For graduate study, Florida offers 7 master's-level game development programs. Leading institutions include University of Central Florida, University of South Florida, Saint Leo University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Florida reaching $127,166 or more.
Top 3 Game Development Master's Programs in Florida
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Central Florida | $4,478 | 93% | 84 | 84.7 |
| #2 U of South Florida | $4,559 | 85% | 54 | 61.2 |
| #3 Saint Leo | $26,240 | 85% | 44 | 50.8 |
Most Affordable Game Development Colleges in Florida
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable game development programs in Florida are at Florida Polytechnic University ($3,152/year), University of Florida-Online ($3,358/year), University of West Florida ($3,735/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Florida's competitive tech salaries.
At Florida Polytechnic University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $12,608 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $68,474, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.4 years.
Most Affordable Game Development Programs in Florida (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Florida Polytechnic | $3,152 | $12,608 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #2 U of Florida-Online | $3,358 | $13,432 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #3 U of West Florida | $3,735 | $14,940 | 0.4 years | Public |
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,478 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 93% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 423 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 40%
- • Ranking Score: 85.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- 423 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 85.5 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (93%), program size (423 graduates), state salary outcomes ($97,820), and selectivity (40% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UCF's game design programs are world-renowned, with the graduate program ranking #1 globally for the fourth time in five years and strong industry connections including partnerships with Electronic Arts and other major gaming companies. Students work in industry-like teams developing real video games while learning from faculty with strong industry backgrounds.
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $81,300
- Job Placement: 85% of FIEA graduates find employment in their desired fields
- Top Employers: Electronic Arts, Activision Blizzard, Iron Galaxy, Microsoft, Universal
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Full Sail University
Winter Park, FL • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $26,417 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 480 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 74.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 480 game development graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 74.5 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (480 graduates), state salary outcomes ($97,820), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Full Sail's Game Design program offers a unique dual-degree structure where students earn both an Associate and Bachelor's degree, with accelerated scheduling that can be completed in as little as 12 months for graduate programs, plus lifetime career development support.
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •math assessment required
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.0 (2.5 for Game Design master's degrees)
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $58,104 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 94% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 69 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 19%
- • Ranking Score: 69.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 94% graduation rate
- 69 game development graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 69.7 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (94%), program size (69 graduates), state salary outcomes ($97,820), and selectivity (19% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,477 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 63 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 24%
- • Ranking Score: 68.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 63 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 68.3 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (63 graduates), state salary outcomes ($97,820), and selectivity (24% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The University of Florida's Digital Arts and Sciences program is an interdisciplinary program that crosses traditional college boundaries between arts, communications, and engineering, housed within the cutting-edge Digital Worlds Institute. Students gain experience working in collaborative teams on media projects including digital storytelling, animation, and game design.
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •ARH 2000
- •DIG 2121
- •DIG 2632
- •DIG 3097
- •DIG 3525C
- •DIG 3526C
- •DIG 3873
- •DIG 3588C
- •DIG 4841
- •DIG 4970
- •MAC 1140
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.5
Program Details
- Credits: 120
Florida Polytechnic University
Lakeland, FL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,152 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 81% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 111 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 56%
- • Ranking Score: 62.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- 111 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 62.2 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (81%), program size (111 graduates), state salary outcomes ($97,820), and selectivity (56% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Florida Polytechnic University offers a unique STEM-focused environment with mandatory internships at high-tech companies, hands-on capstone projects, and small campus personalized mentorship. The university ranks #1 in Florida for computer science and provides direct industry connections that frequently lead to employment opportunities.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
- Internship Required
Career Paths
Develop game systems, gameplay mechanics, and technical features using C++, C#, and game engines like Unity or Unreal.
Game Designer
Create game concepts, mechanics, levels, and user experiences. Work closely with artists and programmers to bring ideas to life.
3D Artist/Animator
Create visual assets, character models, environments, and animations for games using Maya, Blender, and other 3D software.
UI/UX Designer
Design user interfaces and user experiences for games, focusing on usability, accessibility, and player engagement.
Quality Assurance Tester
Test games for bugs, balance issues, and user experience problems. Entry-level role that can lead to senior QA or production roles.
Other Tech Degree Programs in Florida
Game Development Programs in Other States
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to Orlando's gaming industry hub
- Affordable public university options
- Warm weather year-round
- Proximity to theme park interactive entertainment
- Growing indie game development scene
- Lower cost of living than California or New York
- More established gaming industry presence (California)
- Stronger indie game development communities (Pacific Northwest)
- More AAA studio opportunities (California, Texas)
- Traditional tech company fallback options
- More diverse gaming company types
Florida Game Development Programs FAQ
Based on 15 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 Game Development Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Federal database for graduation rates, enrollment, and institutional data
State-specific employment and wage data for software developers and related occupations
Industry salary and hiring trends from major Florida gaming employers
Graduate placement rates and starting salary data from individual institutions
Taylor Rupe
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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.