Top 3 Game Development Programs in Nevada 2026
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.Game Developers earn a median salary of $132,270 with 25% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OEWS 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Game Development programs include University of Nevada-Las Vegas, University of Nevada-Reno, College of Southern Nevada based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: University of Nevada-Las Vegas offers Game Development education at $8,354/year with 90% graduation rate
- 4.4 accredited Game Development programs analyzed in Nevada using IPEDS 2023 completion data
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 2026
| 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
Should You Study Game Development in Nevada?
- 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.