Top 3 Game Development Programs in Oregon 2025
Oregon State University
912 game development graduates annually, 84% graduation rate
Lewis & Clark College
18 game development graduates annually, 95% graduation rate
Willamette University
5 game development graduates annually, 87% graduation rate
- 1.Oregon offers 8+ accredited game development programs across public and private universities
- 2.Oregon State University leads with 84% graduation rate
- 3.Oregon software developers earn median $105,670 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro
- 5.Cost of living index: 102.9% of US average (above average)
Game Development Education in Oregon: Overview
Oregon offers 8 accredited game development programs, producing approximately 1,086 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro, with major employers including Intel, Nike, Salesforce.
With a median software developer salary of $105,670 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 102.9% compared to the US average, Oregon offers competitive salaries that offset the higher cost of living.
The top game development programs in the state are led by Oregon State University, Lewis & Clark College, Willamette University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 8 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)
Oregon-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Oregon Game Development Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oregon State University | Corvallis, OR | Public | $11,145 | 84% | 78.3 |
| 2 | Lewis & Clark College | Portland, OR | Private | $61,916 | 95% | 48.1 |
| 3 | Willamette University | Salem, OR | Private | $48,000 | 87% | 43.1 |
| 4 | Pacific Northwest College of Art | Portland, OR | Private | $47,026 | 69% | 42.3 |
| 5 | Portland State University | Portland, OR | Public | $8,694 | — | 41.6 |
| 6 | University of Portland | Portland, OR | Private | $54,400 | — | 35.1 |
| 7 | Linfield University | McMinnville, OR | Private | $49,810 | — | 32.7 |
| 8 | Pacific University | Forest Grove, OR | Private | $53,174 | — | 30.6 |
Top 5 Game Development Programs in Oregon: Side-by-Side
| School | Oregon State | Lewis & Clark College | Willamette | Pacific Northwest... | Portland State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $11,145 | $61,916 | $48,000 | $47,026 | $8,694 |
| Graduation Rate | 84% | 95% | 87% | 69% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 912 | 18 | 5 | 15 | 87 |
| Acceptance Rate | 79% | 75% | 79% | 69% | 91% |
| Type | Public | Private | Private | Private | Public |
| Score | 78.3/100 | 48.1/100 | 43.1/100 | 42.3/100 | 41.6/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Game Development in Oregon
Oregon offers 8 bachelor's-level game development programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Oregon State University, Lewis & Clark College, Portland State University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $73,969 in the Oregon 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 Oregon
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Oregon State | $11,145 | 84% | 912 | 78.3 |
| #2 Lewis & Clark College | $61,916 | 95% | 18 | 48.1 |
| #3 Portland State | $8,694 | N/A% | 160 | 45.6 |
Top Game Development Schools for Master's Degrees in Oregon
For graduate study, Oregon offers 2 master's-level game development programs. Leading institutions include Oregon State University, Portland State University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Oregon reaching $137,371 or more.
Top 3 Game Development Master's Programs in Oregon
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Oregon State | $11,145 | 84% | 103 | 78.3 |
| #2 Portland State | $8,694 | N/A% | 87 | 41.6 |
Most Affordable Game Development Colleges in Oregon
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable game development programs in Oregon are at Portland State University ($8,694/year), Oregon State University ($11,145/year), Pacific Northwest College of Art ($47,026/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Oregon's competitive tech salaries.
At Portland State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $34,776 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $73,969, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.9 years. See our Most Affordable Game Development Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Game Development Programs in Oregon (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Portland State | $8,694 | $34,776 | 0.9 years | Public |
| #2 Oregon State | $11,145 | $44,580 | 1.1 years | Public |
| #3 Pacific Northwest... | $47,026 | $188,104 | 4.8 years | Private |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Game Development Schools in Oregon
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 game development programs in Oregon, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,145 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 84% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 912 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 79%
- • Ranking Score: 78.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 84% graduation rate
- 912 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 78.3 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (84%), program size (912 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,670), and selectivity (79% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Oregon State offers both a Computer Science Applied option in Simulation and Game Programming and an Arts, Media, and Technology program, providing multidisciplinary education combining computer graphics, physics, math, and new media with direct pathways to major gaming companies like Bungie, Epic, and Blizzard.
Program Details
- Credits: 180
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: Bungie, Epic, Dice, Blizzard, Pipeworks, Zynga, Gearbox, Bethesda
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Lewis & Clark College
Portland, OR • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $61,916 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 18 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 75%
- • Ranking Score: 48.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 18 game development graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 48.1 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (18 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,670), and selectivity (75% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Willamette University
Salem, OR • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $48,000 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 5 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 79%
- • Ranking Score: 43.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 5 game development graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 43.1 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (5 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,670), and selectivity (79% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Pacific Northwest College of Art
Portland, OR • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $47,026 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 69% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 15 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 69%
- • Ranking Score: 42.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 69% graduation rate
- 15 game development graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 42.3 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (69%), program size (15 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,670), and selectivity (69% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Portland State University
Portland, OR • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,694 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 87 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 91%
- • Ranking Score: 41.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 87 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 41.6 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (87 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,670), and selectivity (91% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
PSU's Computer Science program combines rigorous coursework with real-world experience through paid internships at major tech companies like Intel, Nike, Amazon, and Google. Located in Portland's 'Silicon Forest,' the program offers access to a vibrant tech ecosystem with 85% job placement and starting salaries exceeding $90,000.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Program Details
- Credits: 180 credits (undergraduate), 45 credits (master's), 90 credits (doctoral)
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: more than $90,000
- Job Placement: 85% job placement for graduates
- Top Employers: Intel, Nike, Amazon, Zoom, Google
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Sources
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Oregon with strong job growth.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Data Scientist opportunities in Oregon with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Oregon with strong job growth.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Oregon with strong job growth.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Oregon with strong job growth.
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro
- You're seeking competitive salaries ($105,670 median)
- You want to work at companies like Intel or Nike
- You prefer Oregon's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Oregon's 8)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Oregon
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Explore software engineering programs in Oregon
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Explore computer engineering programs in Oregon
Game Development Programs in Other States
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Texas
New York
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Illinois
Pennsylvania
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Game Development in Oregon 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 - Oregon 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.