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Key Takeaways
Best game development degree programs: Wichita State, Southwestern College, Fort Hays State
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $2,100 to $38,330/year
Johnson County Community ... offers the most affordable option at $2,400/yr
Game Development degree programs available: 5 associate's, 2 master's in Kansas
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
2 online game development degree programs in Kansas
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Kansas community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
5 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Garmin, Sprint, Cerner, Koch Industries
Tech hubs in Kansas City and Wichita
Hakia Research 2026
Game Development degree programs near 44+ cities across Kansas
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Kansas Game Development programs
We rank 13 accredited game development programs in Kansas using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are Game Development Degree Programs in Kansas Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Game Development Degree Rankings in Kansas
Compare the top-ranked Game Development programs in Kansas by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Game Development Programs in Kansas
Program Landscape
Kansas offers 5 accredited associate's degree programs in game development, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Johnson County Community ..., Butler Community College, Barton County Community C..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Kansas offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $2,996/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $50,787 in Kansas.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Kansas's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Garmin, Sprint, Cerner hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among game development schools in Kansas, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their game development degrees in Kansas.
Best Bachelor's Game Development Programs in Kansas
Program Landscape
Kansas ranks among the nation's top destinations for game development education, with 6 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 4 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Wichita State, Southwestern College, Fort Hays State, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Kansas game development programs earn a median salary of $78,489, 20% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Garmin, Sprint, Cerner.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $4,437 to $38,330 annually, with an average of $24,502/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 85%, with the highest reaching 96%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Kansas's leading technology employers. For students seeking game development degrees in Kansas, these top-ranked game development schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Show all 6 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Baker University | Baldwin City, KS | Private | $33,200 | — | 29.8 |
Best Master's Game Development Programs in Kansas
Program Landscape
Kansas offers 2 master's degree programs in game development, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Wichita State, Kansas State, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Kansas earn a median salary of $92,340, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Garmin, Sprint, Cerner actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $8,606/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Kansas's game development schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Kansas State University
Game Development Degree Costs & Tuition in Kansas
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $14,330/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $35,825/year |
| Community college tuition | $3,583/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $85,980 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $21,494 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Game Development Students in Kansas
State Aid Programs
Kansas students pursuing game development degrees have access to multiple financial aid pathways, starting with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Through Federal Student Aid, undergraduate and graduate students can explore federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities regardless of institution type. The federal government provides need-based and merit-based support that can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs across Kansas's 20 institutions offering game development programs.
Key Programs & Amounts
Kansas-specific aid comes through the Kansas Comprehensive Grant, a need-based grant program administered by the Kansas Board of Regents that supports students attending independent institutions throughout the state. Students at public universities like Wichita State University and University of Kansas should also investigate institutional scholarships and departmental funding opportunities specific to computer science and game development disciplines. Many Kansas schools offer merit scholarships based on academic performance, portfolio quality, and demonstrated creative talent, particularly valuable for game development majors whose work can showcase exceptional skill.
Institutional Scholarships
For students exploring related fields, examining Computer Science in Kansas and Software Engineering in Kansas programs may reveal additional funding opportunities, as many scholarships span STEM disciplines. The Kansas Transfer Equivalency System also enables community college students to transfer credits efficiently, reducing overall time-to-degree and associated costs. Students should complete the FAFSA by priority deadlines and contact financial aid offices at their chosen institutions for information about game development-specific scholarships and assistantships.
Game Development Degree ROI Calculator, Kansas
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a game development degree in Kansas. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Game Development Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a game development degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$133,333
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Game Development Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Kansas metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Kansas City | $102K |
| Wichita | $97K |
| Overland Park | $92K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Game Development Graduates in Kansas
Find game development jobs in Kansas. These major employers across Kansas metro areas are actively hiring game development degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Game Development Jobs in Overland Park
KSGame Development Jobs in Wichita
KSTransfer Pathways for Game Development Degrees in Kansas
State Transfer System
Kansas provides streamlined transfer pathways for game development students through the Kansas Transfer Equivalency System, which establishes systemwide course transfer agreements among public institutions. This framework enables students to complete associate's degrees at 8 community colleges before transferring to one of 10 bachelor's degree-granting institutions without losing credits. Institutions like Johnson County Community College (39 completions in 2023) and Butler Community College (30 completions) serve as primary entry points for students seeking affordable initial coursework. Community college tuition averages significantly below four-year institutions, making this pathway economically attractive: Johnson County Community College charges $2,400 annually while Butler Community College costs $3,090.
How Transfers Work
The Kansas Transfer Equivalency System guarantees that courses completed at community colleges align with lower-level requirements at universities like Wichita State University, University of Kansas, and Kansas State University. This structured approach allows students to complete general education and foundational game development coursework at reduced cost, then transition to specialized upper-level courses at four-year institutions. The Kansas Board of Regents publishes official articulation agreements detailing specific course equivalencies. Students can explore related technical pathways through Computer Programming in Kansas community college programs, which strengthen foundational skills. For financial planning during transfer, the Kansas Comprehensive Grant supports eligible students at participating institutions. To compare affordability across all transfer options, consult Most Affordable Programs featuring Kansas's most cost-effective pathways.
Why Pursue a Game Development Degree in Kansas?
Industry & Workforce
Kansas offers a strong landscape for game development education, with 20 institutions across the state providing programs at multiple degree levels (IPEDS). Bachelor's degree programs are available at 10 institutions, while 8 associate's programs serve students seeking accelerated entry into the field. The state's commitment to game development is evident in completion data: 249 bachelor's degrees, 79 associate's degrees, and 276 master's degrees were awarded in 2023 alone (IPEDS). This comprehensive educational infrastructure positions Kansas as a competitive destination for aspiring game developers.
Salary Outlook
The state's affordability stands out in a competitive national landscape. Average public in-state tuition at four-year institutions is just $7,625, significantly lower than the national average (College Scorecard). Top-ranked programs like Wichita State University offer tuition as low as $7,247 while maintaining exceptional graduation outcomes. Kansas's major employment hubs, including Wichita, Kansas City, and Topeka metro areas, host technology employers that actively recruit game development graduates. Students can explore related fields through neighboring programs in Computer Science in Kansas, Software Engineering in Kansas, and UX Design in Kansas to build interdisciplinary expertise. The combination of affordable education, quality institutions, and regional employment opportunities makes Kansas an economical choice for game development careers.
Game Development Program Availability in Kansas
Source: IPEDS 2024
Game Development Job Market & Salary Data in Kansas
Employment Outlook
Kansas has established itself as a growing hub for game development talent, with 20 institutions offering game development programs across the state (IPEDS). The state's educational pipeline is particularly strong at the bachelor's level, where 10 institutions produce graduates annually, with 249 completions reported in the most recent data cycle. Beyond traditional four-year programs, Kansas supports 8 associate's programs generating 79 completions, providing alternative pathways into the industry. This diverse educational landscape creates a steady stream of qualified professionals entering the Kansas job market.
Salaries by Metro
Job opportunities for game developers in Kansas are concentrated in major metropolitan areas including Wichita, the Kansas City Metro, Topeka, and Lawrence. For current salary data and detailed occupational information for computer and video game developers in Kansas, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides comprehensive labor market analysis. Students and professionals can explore additional career pathways through related fields such as Computer Science in Kansas, Software Engineering in Kansas, and Computer Programming in Kansas, which often overlap with game development career opportunities and employer requirements.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Game Development Programs in Kansas
Online Programs
2 available in Kansas
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Game Development Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 11
- Median Tuition
- $8,000
- Total Programs
- 35
- Median Tuition
- $14,400
- Total Programs
- 19
- Median Tuition
- $6,600
- Total Programs
- 20
- Median Tuition
- $13,900
- Total Programs
- 202
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 53
- Median Tuition
- $5,500
- Total Programs
- 81
- Median Tuition
- $7,600
- Total Programs
- 122
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Game Development Degree Programs in Kansas: FAQ
What are the best game development degree programs in Kansas?
How much do game development degree programs cost in Kansas?
What salary can game development degree graduates earn in Kansas?
Are there online game development degree programs in Kansas?
What companies hire game development degree graduates in Kansas?
Is a game development degree program worth it in Kansas?
How long do game development degree programs take in Kansas?
What financial aid is available for game development degree students in Kansas?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Kansas salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.