Top 3 Game Development Programs in Maryland 2025
University of Maryland-College Park
873 game development graduates annually, 84% graduation rate
University of Maryland-Baltimore County
151 game development graduates annually, 90% graduation rate
Towson University
176 game development graduates annually, 91% graduation rate
- 1.Maryland offers 14+ accredited game development programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of Maryland-College Park leads with 84% graduation rate
- 3.Maryland software developers earn median $122,420 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville
- 5.Cost of living index: 109.4% of US average (above average)
Game Development Education in Maryland: Overview
Maryland offers 14 accredited game development programs, producing approximately 1,351 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville, with major employers including NSA, Lockheed Martin, Johns Hopkins APL.
With a median software developer salary of $122,420 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 109.4% compared to the US average, Maryland offers competitive salaries that offset the higher cost of living.
The top game development programs in the state are led by University of Maryland-College Park, University of Maryland-Baltimore County, Towson University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 14 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)
Maryland-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Maryland Game Development Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | Public | $9,889 | 84% | 88 |
| 2 | University of Maryland-Baltimore County | Baltimore, MD | Public | $9,238 | 90% | 61.9 |
| 3 | Towson University | Towson, MD | Public | $7,382 | 91% | 61.7 |
| 4 | United States Naval Academy | Annapolis, MD | Public | $0 | — | 55 |
| 5 | Loyola University Maryland | Baltimore, MD | Private | $55,480 | 92% | 50.5 |
| 6 | Hood College | Frederick, MD | Private | $45,120 | 84% | 47.5 |
| 7 | Capitol Technology University | Laurel, MD | Private | $26,088 | 87% | 44.1 |
| 8 | Coppin State University | Baltimore, MD | Public | $4,933 | — | 43 |
| 9 | Washington Adventist University | Takoma Park, MD | Private | $23,400 | — | 41.5 |
| 10 | Washington College | Chestertown, MD | Private | $52,146 | — | 39 |
| 11 | Frostburg State University | Frostburg, MD | Public | $7,110 | — | 37.3 |
| 12 | Morgan State University | Baltimore, MD | Public | $5,587 | 52% | 37.2 |
| 13 | Maryland Institute College of Art | Baltimore, MD | Private | $53,160 | — | 37 |
| 14 | Women's Institute of Torah Seminary and College | Baltimore, MD | Private | $9,000 | 2% | 21 |
Top 5 Game Development Programs in Maryland: Side-by-Side
| School | UMD College Park | UMBC | Towson | United States Naval Academy | Loyola University Maryland |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $9,889 | $9,238 | $7,382 | $0 | $55,480 |
| Graduation Rate | 84% | 90% | 91% | N/A% | 92% |
| Annual Graduates | 873 | 151 | 176 | 40 | 25 |
| Acceptance Rate | 45% | 74% | 83% | 9% | 76% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Private |
| Score | 88.0/100 | 61.9/100 | 61.7/100 | 55.0/100 | 50.5/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Game Development in Maryland
Maryland offers 13 bachelor's-level game development programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Maryland-College Park, University of Maryland-Baltimore County, Towson University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $85,694 in the Maryland 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 Maryland
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UMD College Park | $9,889 | 84% | 873 | 88.0 |
| #2 UMBC | $9,238 | 90% | 330 | 69.2 |
| #3 Towson | $7,382 | 91% | 176 | 61.7 |
Top Game Development Schools for Master's Degrees in Maryland
For graduate study, Maryland offers 6 master's-level game development programs. Leading institutions include University of Maryland-Baltimore County, University of Maryland-College Park, Towson University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Maryland reaching $159,146 or more.
Top 3 Game Development Master's Programs in Maryland
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UMBC | $9,238 | 90% | 151 | 61.9 |
| #2 UMD College Park | $9,889 | 84% | 64 | 75.2 |
| #3 Towson | $7,382 | 91% | 41 | 61.3 |
Most Affordable Game Development Colleges in Maryland
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable game development programs in Maryland are at Coppin State University ($4,933/year), Morgan State University ($5,587/year), Frostburg State University ($7,110/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Maryland's competitive tech salaries.
At Coppin State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $19,732 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $85,694, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.4 years. See our Most Affordable Game Development Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Game Development Programs in Maryland (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Coppin State | $4,933 | $19,732 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #2 Morgan State | $5,587 | $22,348 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #3 Frostburg State | $7,110 | $28,440 | 0.6 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Game Development Schools in Maryland
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 game development programs in Maryland, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, MD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,889 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 84% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 873 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 45%
- • Ranking Score: 88.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 84% graduation rate
- 873 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 88.0 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (84%), program size (873 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (45% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The University of Maryland's Immersive Media Design program offers two unique interdisciplinary majors that fuse artistic expression with technical mastery, providing career skills to create emerging forms of digital media beyond flat screens including augmented reality, virtual reality, and interactive installations.
Admission Prerequisites
- •English Composition (equivalent of UMD's ENGL 101)
- •college-level mathematics (equivalent of UMD's Math 107)
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.0
- Transfer Friendly
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Maryland-Baltimore County
Baltimore, MD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,238 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 151 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 74%
- • Ranking Score: 61.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 151 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 61.9 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (151 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (74% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UMBC offers a dedicated Game Development track within Computer Science with specialized courses like Graphics for Games and Games Group Project. The program provides access to accelerated B.S./M.S. options and strong career support through comprehensive services.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •English Composition (equivalent of ENGL 101)
- •college-level mathematics (equivalent of Math 107)
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Towson University
Towson, MD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,382 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 176 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 83%
- • Ranking Score: 61.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 176 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 61.7 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (91%), program size (176 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (83% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
United States Naval Academy
Annapolis, MD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $0 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 40 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 9%
- • Ranking Score: 55.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 40 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 55.0 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (40 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (9% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Loyola University Maryland
Baltimore, MD • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $55,480 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 25 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 76%
- • Ranking Score: 50.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 25 game development graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 50.5 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (25 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (76% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Data Scientist opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville
- You're seeking competitive salaries ($122,420 median)
- You want to work at companies like NSA or Lockheed Martin
- You prefer Maryland's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Maryland's 14)
- You're looking for lower cost of living (consider TX, NC, GA)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Maryland
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Explore computer engineering programs in Maryland
Game Development Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Game Development in Maryland FAQ
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 - Maryland 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.