Top 3 Game Development Programs in Texas 2025
University of Texas at Austin
Top-ranked game development program with Austin's thriving indie scene and 90% industry placement rate
SMU Guildhall
Industry-focused graduate program with direct studio partnerships and 95% employment rate within 6 months
Texas A&M University
Strong computer science foundation with emerging game development track and research opportunities
- 1.Texas has 15+ accredited game development programs with strong industry connections in Austin's growing game scene
- 2.UT Austin ranks #1 in Texas with 87% graduation rate and direct access to 200+ game studios in the state
- 3.Texas game developers earn median $92,180 annually—competitive with national averages while enjoying lower cost of living
- 4.Austin hosts major studios like BioWare, Origin Systems legacy, and 100+ indie developers creating job opportunities
- 5.In-state tuition at public universities averages $12,000—significantly lower than California or New York alternatives
Game Development Education Landscape in Texas
Texas has emerged as a major hub for game development education and industry growth. With Austin leading the charge as a tech and creative center, the state offers diverse programs from traditional computer science tracks to specialized game design degrees.
The state's game development scene benefits from a strong tech ecosystem, no state income tax, and a lower cost of living compared to California. For students considering all options nationwide, our national game development program rankings provide comprehensive comparisons. Those interested in broader tech careers should explore our software engineering programs in Texas or review game developer career prospects for salary expectations.
Texas universities have built strong relationships with local studios, from major companies like BioWare Austin to thriving indie developers. This creates excellent internship and job placement opportunities for graduates. Students can also leverage the state's broader computer science programs if they prefer a more traditional tech foundation.
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, University Career Services, Industry Reports
Graduate employment in game industry within 12 months
Modern tools, engines, and industry practices
Studio partnerships and internship opportunities
Portfolio quality and career advancement
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Texas at Austin | Austin | Public | $11,998 | 87% | 90% | 94.2 |
| 2 | SMU Guildhall | Plano | Private | $61,740 | 89% | 95% | 92.8 |
| 3 | Texas A&M University | College Station | Public | $12,153 | 83% | 78% | 89.5 |
| 4 | Rice University | Houston | Private | $54,960 | 94% | 82% | 87.3 |
| 5 | University of Houston | Houston | Public | $12,518 | 69% | 75% | 85.1 |
| 6 | Texas Tech University | Lubbock | Public | $11,832 | 72% | 68% | 82.7 |
| 7 | UT Dallas | Richardson | Public | $14,564 | 79% | 71% | 81.4 |
| 8 | Texas State University | San Marcos | Public | $11,520 | 68% | 65% | 79.8 |
| 9 | University of North Texas | Denton | Public | $12,485 | 67% | 62% | 77.2 |
| 10 | Sam Houston State | Huntsville | Public | $10,518 | 64% | 58% | 75.5 |
| 11 | Texas Christian University | Fort Worth | Private | $53,980 | 85% | 73% | 74.9 |
| 12 | UT San Antonio | San Antonio | Public | $10,896 | 51% | 55% | 72.1 |
| 13 | Baylor University | Waco | Private | $51,738 | 78% | 68% | 71.3 |
| 14 | Stephen F. Austin State | Nacogdoches | Public | $10,134 | 58% | 52% | 68.7 |
| 15 | Lamar University | Beaumont | Public | $10,560 | 44% | 48% | 65.2 |
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, Texas • University
Program Highlights
- • Home to the largest game development community in Texas
- • Strong alumni network at major studios like BioWare, id Software legacy
- • Regular industry guest lectures and networking events
- • Collaborative environment with film and digital media programs
Program Strengths
- Top-tier computer science program with game development specialization
- Direct connections to Austin's 100+ game studios and tech companies
- Strong research programs in graphics, AI, and interactive media
- 90% industry placement rate with average starting salaries of $75,000+
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities and game development labs
Why Ranked #1
UT Austin leads Texas in game development education with an exceptional computer science foundation and specialized game development tracks. Located in the heart of Austin's thriving tech and creative scene, students benefit from direct access to major studios and indie developers.
Student Reviews
"The combination of rigorous CS fundamentals and hands-on game projects prepared me perfectly for the industry. Austin's game scene provided endless internship opportunities."
— Recent graduate, now at Arkane Studios
SMU Guildhall
Plano, Texas • University
Program Highlights
- • Students work on real game projects with industry partners
- • Strong connections to Dallas-area studios and tech companies
- • Portfolio-based curriculum emphasizing shipped game experience
- • Alumni at major studios including Blizzard, Epic Games, Ubisoft
Program Strengths
- Intensive 21-month graduate program focused purely on game development
- 95% employment rate within 6 months of graduation
- Direct partnerships with major studios including Gearbox, id Software
- Specialized tracks in programming, art, design, and production
- Industry mentorship program with working professionals
Why Ranked #2
SMU Guildhall offers one of the most industry-focused game development programs in the country. As a graduate-level program, it attracts students from diverse backgrounds and maintains exceptionally high job placement rates through direct studio partnerships.
Student Reviews
"Guildhall's industry connections are unmatched. I had three job offers before graduation, all from studios that recruit directly from the program."
— 2024 graduate, now at Gearbox Software
Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas • University
Program Highlights
- • Strong engineering culture that emphasizes problem-solving
- • Aggie network provides career connections across Texas tech industry
- • Emerging VR and AR research initiatives
- • Annual game jam and development competitions
Program Strengths
- Solid computer science foundation with game development electives
- Strong research programs in computer graphics and visualization
- Excellent value with in-state tuition under $13,000
- Active game development student organizations and clubs
- Growing partnerships with Austin and Houston game studios
Why Ranked #3
Texas A&M provides excellent value through its strong computer science program with growing game development opportunities. The university's research focus and Aggie network create unique pathways into both traditional tech and game industry careers.
Student Reviews
"The CS program gave me incredible technical skills. While not purely game-focused, the strong fundamentals opened doors at both game studios and tech companies."
— 2023 graduate, now at Unity Technologies
Texas Game Development Industry Landscape
Texas hosts over 200 game development studios and related companies, making it the third-largest game development hub in the United States. Austin leads with major studios like BioWare Austin, Arkane Studios Austin, and a thriving indie scene that includes studios like Twisted Pixel and Robot Entertainment.
The state benefits from several competitive advantages: no state income tax, lower cost of living compared to California, and a business-friendly environment that attracts both established studios and startups. Dallas-Fort Worth hosts companies like Gearbox Software and id Software's legacy influence, while Houston has emerging VR and simulation companies.
Texas game companies frequently collaborate with universities on research projects and internship programs. Students interested in the broader tech ecosystem can explore Texas software engineering programs or artificial intelligence degrees that complement game development skills.
- Austin: 100+ studios including BioWare, Arkane Studios, Origin Systems legacy
- Dallas-Fort Worth: Gearbox Software, id Software heritage, emerging mobile studios
- Houston: VR/AR companies, simulation software, energy sector gaming applications
- San Antonio: Military simulation, serious games, educational technology
Career Paths
Game Programmer
SOC 15-1252Develop core game systems, gameplay mechanics, and engine features for PC, console, and mobile games
Game Designer
Create game mechanics, level design, and player experiences across various gaming platforms
Technical Artist
Bridge art and programming teams, develop tools, shaders, and optimization solutions
Producer
Manage game development projects, coordinate teams, and ensure milestone delivery
UI/UX Designer
Design user interfaces and experiences for games and interactive applications
Game Development Programs by State
| Factor | Public In-State | Public Out-of-State | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $12,000 | $35,000 | $55,000 |
| Class Sizes | Medium (20-30) | Medium (20-30) | Small (10-20) |
| Industry Connections | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Research Opportunities | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Financial Aid | Moderate | Limited | Generous |
Which Should You Choose?
- Lower cost of living while studying and working in games
- Access to a growing but manageable game development scene
- Strong computer science foundations with game specialization
- No state income tax maximizing your post-graduation earnings
- Opportunities in both AAA and indie game development
- Access to the largest concentration of AAA studios (California)
- East Coast networking and indie scene access (New York)
- Specialized game-only programs with less CS emphasis
- Maximum diversity in studio types and gaming platforms
- International game development opportunities
Source: Entertainment Software Association 2024
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Game Development Programs
Related Game Development Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Official graduation rates, enrollment data, and tuition information for all accredited institutions
State-specific salary data for software developers and related occupations
Game industry statistics, studio locations, and employment data
Job placement rates and graduate outcome data from individual institutions
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.