Top 3 Game Development Programs in Nevada 2025
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
169 game development graduates annually, 90% graduation rate
University of Nevada-Reno
133 game development graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
College of Southern Nevada
37 game development graduates annually, 73% graduation rate
- 1.Nevada offers 4+ accredited game development programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of Nevada-Las Vegas leads with 90% graduation rate
- 3.Nevada software developers earn median $98,760 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson
- 5.Cost of living index: 104% of US average (above average)
Game Development Education in Nevada: Overview
Nevada offers 4 accredited game development programs, producing approximately 361 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson, with major employers including Switch, IGT, Zappos.
With a median software developer salary of $98,760 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 104% compared to the US average, Nevada offers competitive salaries that offset the higher cost of living.
The top game development programs in the state are led by University of Nevada-Las Vegas, University of Nevada-Reno, College of Southern Nevada, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Nevada Game Development Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Nevada-Las Vegas | Las Vegas, NV | Public | $8,354 | 90% | 75.5 |
| 2 | University of Nevada-Reno | Reno, NV | Public | $7,876 | — | 63.1 |
| 3 | College of Southern Nevada | Las Vegas, NV | Public | $3,465 | 73% | 58.1 |
| 4 | Truckee Meadows Community College | Reno, NV | Public | $2,772 | 74% | 33.1 |
Top 5 Game Development Programs in Nevada: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Nevada-Las Vegas | U of Nevada-Reno | College of Southern Nevada | Truckee Meadows Community... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 |
| In-State Tuition | $8,354 | $7,876 | $3,465 | $2,772 |
| Graduation Rate | 90% | N/A% | 73% | 74% |
| Annual Graduates | 169 | 133 | 37 | 22 |
| Acceptance Rate | 96% | 85% | N/A | N/A |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 75.5/100 | 63.1/100 | 58.1/100 | 33.1/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Game Development in Nevada
Nevada offers 2 bachelor's-level game development programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Nevada-Las Vegas, University of Nevada-Reno. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $69,132 in the Nevada 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 Nevada
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Nevada-Las Vegas | $8,354 | 90% | 169 | 75.5 |
| #2 U of Nevada-Reno | $7,876 | N/A% | 133 | 63.1 |
Top Game Development Schools for Master's Degrees in Nevada
For graduate study, Nevada offers 2 master's-level game development programs. Leading institutions include University of Nevada-Reno, University of Nevada-Las Vegas. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Nevada reaching $128,388 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best game development master's programs for more options beyond Nevada.
Top 3 Game Development Master's Programs in Nevada
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Nevada-Reno | $7,876 | N/A% | 28 | 47.6 |
| #2 U of Nevada-Las Vegas | $8,354 | 90% | 8 | 46.8 |
Most Affordable Game Development Colleges in Nevada
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable game development programs in Nevada are at Truckee Meadows Community College ($2,772/year), College of Southern Nevada ($3,465/year), University of Nevada-Reno ($7,876/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Nevada's competitive tech salaries.
At Truckee Meadows Community College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $11,088 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $69,132, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.3 years. See our Most Affordable Game Development Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Game Development Programs in Nevada (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Truckee Meadows Community... | $2,772 | $11,088 | 0.3 years | Public |
| #2 College of Southern Nevada | $3,465 | $13,860 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #3 U of Nevada-Reno | $7,876 | $31,504 | 0.9 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Game Development Schools in Nevada
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 game development programs in Nevada, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,354 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 169 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 96%
- • Ranking Score: 75.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 169 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 75.5 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (169 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,760), and selectivity (96% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Nevada-Reno
Reno, NV • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,876 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 133 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 85%
- • Ranking Score: 63.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 133 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 63.1 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (133 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,760), and selectivity (85% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
College of Southern Nevada
Las Vegas, NV • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,465 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 73% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 37 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 58.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 73% graduation rate
- 37 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 58.1 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (73%), program size (37 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,760), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Truckee Meadows Community College
Reno, NV • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $2,772 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 74% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 22 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 33.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 74% graduation rate
- 22 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 33.1 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (74%), program size (22 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,760), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Nevada with strong job growth.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in Nevada with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in Nevada with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in Nevada with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in Nevada 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 Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson
- You're seeking competitive salaries ($98,760 median)
- You want to work at companies like Switch or IGT
- You prefer Nevada's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Nevada's 4)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Game Development in Nevada FAQ
Based on 4 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)
Nevada-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 - Nevada 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.