Top 3 Game Development Programs in Utah 2025
Western Governors University
1501 game development graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Weber State University
130 game development graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
Utah Valley University
125 game development graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
- 1.Utah offers 9+ accredited game development programs across public and private universities
- 2.Western Governors University leads with strong% graduation rate
- 3.Utah software developers earn median $108,000 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Salt Lake City, Provo, Lehi
- 5.Cost of living index: 101.3% of US average (above average)
Game Development Education in Utah: Overview
Utah offers 9 accredited game development programs, producing approximately 1,967 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Salt Lake City, Provo, Lehi, with major employers including Adobe, Qualtrics, Pluralsight.
With a median software developer salary of $108,000 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 101.3% compared to the US average, Utah offers competitive salaries that offset the higher cost of living.
The top game development programs in the state are led by Western Governors University, Weber State University, Utah Valley University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 9 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)
Utah-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Utah Game Development Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | — | 75.9 |
| 2 | Weber State University | Ogden, UT | Public | $5,471 | 92% | 60.9 |
| 3 | Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | Public | $5,614 | 92% | 60.8 |
| 4 | Neumont College of Computer Science | Salt Lake City, UT | For-Profit | $25,500 | 97% | 51.3 |
| 5 | Brigham Young University | Provo, UT | Private | $6,496 | 91% | 48.1 |
| 6 | Utah Tech University | Saint George, UT | Public | $5,266 | — | 43.6 |
| 7 | Southern Utah University | Cedar City, UT | Public | $6,006 | 86% | 43.2 |
| 8 | University of Utah | Salt Lake City, UT | Public | $8,175 | 72% | 41.7 |
| 9 | Westminster University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $40,896 | — | 36.2 |
Top 5 Game Development Programs in Utah: Side-by-Side
| School | Western Governors | Weber State | Utah Valley | Neumont College of... | Brigham Young |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $7,710 | $5,471 | $5,614 | $25,500 | $6,496 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | 92% | 92% | 97% | 91% |
| Annual Graduates | 1501 | 130 | 125 | 70 | 23 |
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | N/A | N/A | 89% | 69% |
| Type | Private | Public | Public | For-Profit | Private |
| Score | 75.9/100 | 60.9/100 | 60.8/100 | 51.3/100 | 48.1/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Game Development in Utah
Utah offers 9 bachelor's-level game development programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Western Governors University, Weber State University, Utah Valley University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $75,600 in the Utah 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 Utah
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Western Governors | $7,710 | N/A% | 1501 | 75.9 |
| #2 Weber State | $5,471 | 92% | 130 | 60.9 |
| #3 Utah Valley | $5,614 | 92% | 125 | 60.8 |
Top Game Development Schools for Master's Degrees in Utah
For graduate study, Utah offers 4 master's-level game development programs. Leading institutions include Brigham Young University, University of Utah, Weber State University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Utah reaching $140,400 or more.
Top 3 Game Development Master's Programs in Utah
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Brigham Young | $6,496 | 91% | 23 | 48.1 |
| #2 U of Utah | $8,175 | 72% | 49 | 41.7 |
| #3 Weber State | $5,471 | 92% | 12 | 59.8 |
Most Affordable Game Development Colleges in Utah
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable game development programs in Utah are at Utah Tech University ($5,266/year), Weber State University ($5,471/year), Utah Valley University ($5,614/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Utah's competitive tech salaries.
At Utah Tech University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $21,064 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $75,600, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.5 years. See our Most Affordable Game Development Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Game Development Programs in Utah (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Utah Tech | $5,266 | $21,064 | 0.5 years | Public |
| #2 Weber State | $5,471 | $21,884 | 0.5 years | Public |
| #3 Utah Valley | $5,614 | $22,456 | 0.6 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Game Development Schools in Utah
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 game development programs in Utah, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,710 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 1,501 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 75.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 1,501 game development graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 75.9 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (1,501 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,000), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Weber State University
Ogden, UT • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,471 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 130 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 60.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 130 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 60.9 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (130 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,000), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Weber State's computer science program works closely with industry companies to secure jobs for students and was rated the 23rd best computer science degree in the U.S. by Accredited Schools Online. Students can pursue certificates in mobile app and game development while working on real-world capstone projects with community partners.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: Microsoft, Google
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Utah Valley University
Orem, UT • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,614 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 125 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 60.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 125 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 60.8 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (125 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,000), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Neumont College of Computer Science
Salt Lake City, UT • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $25,500 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 70 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 89%
- • Ranking Score: 51.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 70 game development graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 51.3 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (70 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,000), and selectivity (89% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Neumont offers a unique project-based learning approach with Enterprise Projects involving real companies, completing a bachelor's degree in just 3 years, and has run 836 Enterprise Projects with 185 different companies providing real-world experience before graduation.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Scholarships
Program Details
- Credits: 180 credits
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $76,000
- Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Tesla, Oracle, 3M, HP, Amazon, Blizzard Entertainment, Dell EMC
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,496 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 23 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 69%
- • Ranking Score: 48.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 23 game development graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 48.1 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (91%), program size (23 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,000), and selectivity (69% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
BYU's Animation BFA is a limited enrollment program requiring departmental admission approval with a structured progression from pre-major through portfolio reviews. The program combines technical skills in 3D graphics, character animation, and scripting with collaborative production processes and ethical examination of entertainment industry values.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Intro to Drawing for Pre-Anim
- •Intro to 3D Graphics
- •Drawing Fundamentals
- •How to Program
Admissions
- Acceptance Rate: 69.2%
Program Details
- Credits: 65
Career Paths
Software Developer
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Data Scientist
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AI/ML Engineer
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Cybersecurity Analyst
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Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Salt Lake City, Provo, Lehi
- You're seeking competitive salaries ($108,000 median)
- You want to work at companies like Adobe or Qualtrics
- You prefer Utah's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Utah's 9)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Utah
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Game Development Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Game Development in Utah 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 - Utah 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.