Top 3 Game Development Programs in Tennessee 2025
Vanderbilt University
198 game development graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
113 game development graduates annually, 73% graduation rate
Tennessee Technological University
129 game development graduates annually, 88% graduation rate
- 1.Tennessee offers 27+ accredited game development programs across public and private universities
- 2.Vanderbilt University leads with 99% graduation rate
- 3.Tennessee software developers earn median $108,470 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis
- 5.Cost of living index: 93.2% of US average (below average)
Game Development Education in Tennessee: Overview
Tennessee offers 27 accredited game development programs, producing approximately 835 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, with major employers including HCA Healthcare, Asurion, AllianceBernstein.
With a median software developer salary of $108,470 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 93.2% compared to the US average, Tennessee offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers compared to higher-cost coastal markets. Tennessee has no state income tax on wages, further boosting take-home pay.
The top game development programs in the state are led by Vanderbilt University, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Tennessee Technological University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 25 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)
Tennessee-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Tennessee Game Development Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN | Private | $61,618 | 99% | 98.2 |
| 2 | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | Knoxville, TN | Public | $11,332 | 73% | 73.9 |
| 3 | Tennessee Technological University | Cookeville, TN | Public | $8,764 | 88% | 72 |
| 4 | Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro, TN | Public | $7,536 | 97% | 70.1 |
| 5 | The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga | Chattanooga, TN | Public | $8,232 | 91% | 65.9 |
| 6 | Lipscomb University | Nashville, TN | Private | $35,848 | 90% | 56.9 |
| 7 | The University of the South | Sewanee, TN | Private | $53,418 | 100% | 53.9 |
| 8 | University of Memphis | Memphis, TN | Public | $8,520 | — | 51.8 |
| 9 | Rhodes College | Memphis, TN | Private | $54,082 | — | 51.5 |
| 10 | Milligan University | Milligan, TN | Private | $37,700 | 86% | 49.8 |
| 11 | Johnson University | Knoxville, TN | Private | $18,428 | 87% | 49.4 |
| 12 | Southern Adventist University | Collegedale, TN | Private | $24,350 | 75% | 48.8 |
| 13 | Tennessee State University | Nashville, TN | Public | $7,320 | 88% | 48.6 |
| 14 | The University of Tennessee-Martin | Martin, TN | Public | $8,546 | 94% | 48.5 |
| 15 | East Tennessee State University | Johnson City, TN | Public | $7,706 | 97% | 46.1 |
| 16 | Lane College | Jackson, TN | Private | $9,270 | — | 45.6 |
| 17 | King University | Bristol, TN | Private | $32,902 | — | 42.1 |
| 18 | Austin Peay State University | Clarksville, TN | Public | $7,008 | — | 40.9 |
| 19 | South College | Knoxville, TN | For-Profit | $16,450 | — | 40.9 |
| 20 | Union University | Jackson, TN | Private | $19,476 | — | 40.5 |
| 21 | Tusculum University | Greeneville, TN | Private | $27,500 | — | 39.7 |
| 22 | Lee University | Cleveland, TN | Private | $21,960 | — | 38.5 |
| 23 | Carson-Newman University | Jefferson City, TN | Private | $32,900 | — | 37.3 |
| 24 | Christian Brothers University | Memphis, TN | Private | $37,300 | — | 36.8 |
| 25 | Trevecca Nazarene University | Nashville, TN | Private | $28,590 | — | 35.9 |
Top 5 Game Development Programs in Tennessee: Side-by-Side
| School | Vanderbilt | University of Tennessee-K... | Tennessee Technological | Middle Tennessee State | University of Tennessee-C... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $61,618 | $11,332 | $8,764 | $7,536 | $8,232 |
| Graduation Rate | 99% | 73% | 88% | 97% | 91% |
| Annual Graduates | 198 | 113 | 129 | 73 | 69 |
| Acceptance Rate | 6% | 46% | 83% | 68% | 77% |
| Type | Private | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 98.2/100 | 73.9/100 | 72.0/100 | 70.1/100 | 65.9/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Game Development in Tennessee
Tennessee offers 26 bachelor's-level game development programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Vanderbilt University, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Tennessee Technological University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $75,929 in the Tennessee 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 Tennessee
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Vanderbilt | $61,618 | 99% | 198 | 98.2 |
| #2 University of Tennessee-K... | $11,332 | 73% | 113 | 73.9 |
| #3 Tennessee Technological | $8,764 | 88% | 129 | 72.0 |
Top Game Development Schools for Master's Degrees in Tennessee
For graduate study, Tennessee offers 9 master's-level game development programs. Leading institutions include Vanderbilt University, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Middle Tennessee State University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Tennessee reaching $141,011 or more.
Top 3 Game Development Master's Programs in Tennessee
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Vanderbilt | $61,618 | 99% | 72 | 92.6 |
| #2 University of Tennessee-K... | $11,332 | 73% | 22 | 60.3 |
| #3 Middle Tennessee State | $7,536 | 97% | 17 | 59.9 |
Most Affordable Game Development Colleges in Tennessee
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable game development programs in Tennessee are at Austin Peay State University ($7,008/year), Tennessee State University ($7,320/year), Middle Tennessee State University ($7,536/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Tennessee's competitive tech salaries.
At Austin Peay State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $28,032 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $75,929, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years. See our Most Affordable Game Development Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Game Development Programs in Tennessee (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Austin Peay State | $7,008 | $28,032 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #2 Tennessee State | $7,320 | $29,280 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #3 Middle Tennessee State | $7,536 | $30,144 | 0.7 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Game Development Schools in Tennessee
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 game development programs in Tennessee, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $61,618 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 198 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 6%
- • Ranking Score: 98.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 198 game development graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 98.2 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (198 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (6% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,332 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 73% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 113 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 46%
- • Ranking Score: 73.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 73% graduation rate
- 113 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 73.9 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (73%), program size (113 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (46% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, TN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,764 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 88% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 129 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 83%
- • Ranking Score: 72.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 88% graduation rate
- 129 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 72.0 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (88%), program size (129 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (83% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Tennessee Tech's Computer Science program offers specialized concentrations in high-demand areas and holds prestigious NSA/DHS cybersecurity designation. The program serves over 900 students with access to research centers and has alumni spanning 30 states and 10+ countries globally.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,536 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 73 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 68%
- • Ranking Score: 70.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 73 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 70.1 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (73 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (68% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
MTSU's Interactive Media program combines text, images, video, sound, graphics, and interactivity across digital platforms including social media, apps, virtual and augmented reality, and games. The interdisciplinary curriculum includes hands-on learning with a senior capstone course and required professional internship, preparing graduates for careers across all industries that communicate with emerging technologies.
Available Scholarships
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Internship Required
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: Asurion, Questus, Azra AI, Realtracs, Conversion Interactive Agency, Roblox, First Hospitality, Saudi Arabia Ministry of Education, fuoco, SparkPlug, GEODIS, TikTok, Ingram Content Group, U.S. News & World Report, Mercari US, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, OUTFRONT Media, Walmart, Qualcomm, Warner Bros. Discovery
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,232 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 69 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 77%
- • Ranking Score: 65.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 69 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 65.9 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (91%), program size (69 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (77% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Data Scientist opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis
- You're seeking lower cost of living than coastal states (93.2% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like HCA Healthcare or Asurion
- You want no state income tax on wages
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Tennessee's 27)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Tennessee
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Explore computer science programs in Tennessee
Explore computer engineering programs in Tennessee
Game Development Programs in Other States
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Game Development in Tennessee 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 - Tennessee 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.