Top 3 Game Development Programs in Kentucky 2025
Campbellsville University
128 game development graduates annually, 80% graduation rate
University of Kentucky
68 game development graduates annually, 75% graduation rate
Murray State University
16 game development graduates annually, 87% graduation rate
- 1.Kentucky offers 7+ accredited game development programs across public and private universities
- 2.Campbellsville University leads with 80% graduation rate
- 3.Kentucky software developers earn median $91,230 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Louisville, Lexington, Covington
- 5.Cost of living index: 92.2% of US average (below average)
Game Development Education in Kentucky: Overview
Kentucky offers 7 accredited game development programs, producing approximately 252 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Louisville, Lexington, Covington, with major employers including Humana, Yum! Brands, Kindred Healthcare.
With a median software developer salary of $91,230 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 92.2% compared to the US average, Kentucky offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers.
The top game development programs in the state are led by Campbellsville University, University of Kentucky, Murray State University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Kentucky Game Development Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Campbellsville University | Campbellsville, KY | Private | $26,490 | 80% | 71.4 |
| 2 | University of Kentucky | Lexington, KY | Public | $11,849 | 75% | 61.2 |
| 3 | Murray State University | Murray, KY | Public | $8,436 | 87% | 49.5 |
| 4 | Centre College | Danville, KY | Private | $50,250 | — | 44.9 |
| 5 | Western Kentucky University | Bowling Green, KY | Public | $11,436 | — | 40.1 |
| 6 | Transylvania University | Lexington, KY | Private | $43,160 | — | 34.2 |
| 7 | Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights, KY | Public | $10,512 | — | 30.2 |
Top 5 Game Development Programs in Kentucky: Side-by-Side
| School | Campbellsville | U of Kentucky | Murray State | Centre College | Western Kentucky |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $26,490 | $11,849 | $8,436 | $50,250 | $11,436 |
| Graduation Rate | 80% | 75% | 87% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 128 | 68 | 16 | 12 | 22 |
| Acceptance Rate | 98% | 92% | 86% | 54% | 97% |
| Type | Private | Public | Public | Private | Public |
| Score | 71.4/100 | 61.2/100 | 49.5/100 | 44.9/100 | 40.1/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Game Development in Kentucky
Kentucky offers 6 bachelor's-level game development programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Kentucky, Murray State University, Centre College. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $63,861 in the Kentucky 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 Kentucky
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Kentucky | $11,849 | 75% | 68 | 61.2 |
| #2 Murray State | $8,436 | 87% | 16 | 49.5 |
| #3 Centre College | $50,250 | N/A% | 12 | 44.9 |
Top Game Development Schools for Master's Degrees in Kentucky
For graduate study, Kentucky offers 2 master's-level game development programs. Leading institutions include Campbellsville University, Northern Kentucky University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Kentucky reaching $118,599 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best game development master's programs for more options beyond Kentucky.
Top 3 Game Development Master's Programs in Kentucky
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Campbellsville | $26,490 | 80% | 128 | 71.4 |
| #2 Northern Kentucky | $10,512 | N/A% | 2 | 30.2 |
Most Affordable Game Development Colleges in Kentucky
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable game development programs in Kentucky are at Murray State University ($8,436/year), Northern Kentucky University ($10,512/year), Western Kentucky University ($11,436/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Kentucky's competitive tech salaries.
At Murray State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $33,744 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $63,861, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 1.2 years. See our Most Affordable Game Development Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Game Development Programs in Kentucky (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Murray State | $8,436 | $33,744 | 1.2 years | Public |
| #2 Northern Kentucky | $10,512 | $42,048 | 1.5 years | Public |
| #3 Western Kentucky | $11,436 | $45,744 | 1.6 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Game Development Schools in Kentucky
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 game development programs in Kentucky, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $26,490 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 80% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 128 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 98%
- • Ranking Score: 71.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 80% graduation rate
- 128 game development graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 71.4 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (80%), program size (128 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (98% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,849 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 75% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 68 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 92%
- • Ranking Score: 61.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 75% graduation rate
- 68 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 61.2 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (75%), program size (68 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (92% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Murray State University
Murray, KY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,436 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 16 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 86%
- • Ranking Score: 49.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 16 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 49.5 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (16 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (86% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Centre College
Danville, KY • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $50,250 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 12 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 54%
- • Ranking Score: 44.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 12 game development graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 44.9 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (12 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (54% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,436 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 22 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 97%
- • Ranking Score: 40.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 22 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 40.1 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (22 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (97% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in Kentucky 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 Louisville, Lexington, Covington
- You're seeking lower cost of living (92.2% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Humana or Yum! Brands
- You prefer Kentucky's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Kentucky's 7)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Game Development in Kentucky FAQ
Based on 7 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)
Kentucky-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 - Kentucky 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.