Top 3 Game Development Programs in Idaho 2025
Boise State University
143 game development graduates annually, 89% graduation rate
Brigham Young University-Idaho
332 game development graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Idaho State University
22 game development graduates annually, 87% graduation rate
- 1.Idaho offers 6+ accredited game development programs across public and private universities
- 2.Boise State University leads with 89% graduation rate
- 3.Idaho software developers earn median $95,670 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Boise, Idaho Falls, Meridian
- 5.Cost of living index: 97.5% of US average (below average)
Game Development Education in Idaho: Overview
Idaho offers 6 accredited game development programs, producing approximately 529 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Boise, Idaho Falls, Meridian, with major employers including Micron Technology, HP, Clearwater Analytics.
With a median software developer salary of $95,670 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 97.5% compared to the US average, Idaho offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers.
The top game development programs in the state are led by Boise State University, Brigham Young University-Idaho, Idaho State University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Idaho Game Development Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boise State University | Boise, ID | Public | $5,941 | 89% | 64.7 |
| 2 | Brigham Young University-Idaho | Rexburg, ID | Private | $4,656 | — | 64.3 |
| 3 | Idaho State University | Pocatello, ID | Public | $5,992 | 87% | 53.9 |
| 4 | University of Idaho | Moscow, ID | Public | $6,540 | 83% | 45.3 |
| 5 | Northwest Nazarene University | Nampa, ID | Private | $40,095 | — | 40 |
| 6 | North Idaho College | Coeur d'Alene, ID | Public | $4,000 | — | 39.9 |
Top 5 Game Development Programs in Idaho: Side-by-Side
| School | Boise State | Brigham Young University-... | Idaho State | U of Idaho | Northwest Nazarene |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $5,941 | $4,656 | $5,992 | $6,540 | $40,095 |
| Graduation Rate | 89% | N/A% | 87% | 83% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 143 | 332 | 22 | 14 | 13 |
| Acceptance Rate | 84% | 97% | N/A | 79% | 63% |
| Type | Public | Private | Public | Public | Private |
| Score | 64.7/100 | 64.3/100 | 53.9/100 | 45.3/100 | 40.0/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Game Development in Idaho
Idaho offers 5 bachelor's-level game development programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Boise State University, Brigham Young University-Idaho, Idaho State University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $66,969 in the Idaho 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 Idaho
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Boise State | $5,941 | 89% | 143 | 64.7 |
| #2 Brigham Young University-... | $4,656 | N/A% | 332 | 64.3 |
| #3 Idaho State | $5,992 | 87% | 22 | 53.9 |
Top Game Development Schools for Master's Degrees in Idaho
For graduate study, Idaho offers 3 master's-level game development programs. Leading institutions include Boise State University, University of Idaho, Idaho State University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Idaho reaching $124,371 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best game development master's programs for more options beyond Idaho.
Top 3 Game Development Master's Programs in Idaho
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Boise State | $5,941 | 89% | 18 | 53.5 |
| #2 U of Idaho | $6,540 | 83% | 14 | 45.3 |
| #3 Idaho State | $5,992 | 87% | 3 | 51.0 |
Most Affordable Game Development Colleges in Idaho
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable game development programs in Idaho are at North Idaho College ($4,000/year), Brigham Young University-Idaho ($4,656/year), Boise State University ($5,941/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Idaho's competitive tech salaries.
At North Idaho College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $16,000 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $66,969, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.5 years. See our Most Affordable Game Development Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Game Development Programs in Idaho (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 North Idaho College | $4,000 | $16,000 | 0.5 years | Public |
| #2 Brigham Young University-... | $4,656 | $18,624 | 0.6 years | Private |
| #3 Boise State | $5,941 | $23,764 | 0.7 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Game Development Schools in Idaho
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 game development programs in Idaho, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Boise State University
Boise, ID • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,941 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 89% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 143 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 84%
- • Ranking Score: 64.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 143 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 64.7 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (89%), program size (143 graduates), state salary outcomes ($95,670), and selectivity (84% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Brigham Young University-Idaho
Rexburg, ID • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,656 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 332 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 97%
- • Ranking Score: 64.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 332 game development graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 64.3 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (332 graduates), state salary outcomes ($95,670), and selectivity (97% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Idaho State University
Pocatello, ID • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,992 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 22 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 53.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 22 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 53.9 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (22 graduates), state salary outcomes ($95,670), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Idaho
Moscow, ID • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,540 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 83% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 14 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 79%
- • Ranking Score: 45.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 83% graduation rate
- 14 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 45.3 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (83%), program size (14 graduates), state salary outcomes ($95,670), and selectivity (79% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Northwest Nazarene University
Nampa, ID • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $40,095 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 13 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 63%
- • Ranking Score: 40.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 13 game development graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 40.0 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (13 graduates), state salary outcomes ($95,670), and selectivity (63% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Idaho with strong job growth.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in Idaho with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in Idaho with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in Idaho with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in Idaho with strong job growth.
Game Development Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Boise, Idaho Falls, Meridian
- You're seeking lower cost of living (97.5% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Micron Technology or HP
- You prefer Idaho's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Idaho's 6)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Game Development in Idaho FAQ
Based on 6 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Game Development degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Idaho-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Idaho salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
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.