Game Design Schools by State for 2027

Pick a state

Game Design Schools by State: The Map

Each tile is a state, shaded by how many game-related programs it has. Select one to see its schools.

Every state

Game Design Programs in All 50 States and DC

California has 78 programs, more than 2 times New York's 29. Most states have only a handful: the median is 3. 9 states have related programs, such as animation or two-year degrees, but no game bachelor's, and 7 have nothing in any of the four fields.

Near you

How to Choose a Game Design School Near You

Distance matters less than cost. A public university in your own state charges you in-state tuition, and that usually beats every other option on price. If your state has a public game program, start there. Each state page lists them, with completion rates and net prices, and the best game design schools ranking shows how they compare nationally.

If your state has no program, or only private ones, look across the border next. 27 public universities have a game design, game programming or simulation bachelor's, and a regional exchange can bring the nonresident price down. After that, look at the online game design degrees confirmed fully online, which let you study from anywhere.

Location matters for one more thing: internships. A school near game studios makes it easier to work part-time or intern during your degree. That's worth weighing, but it's rarely worth paying full nonresident tuition for on its own.

Paying less

Regional Tuition Exchanges for Game Design Students

Four regional programs let residents of member states attend participating public schools in other member states for less than full nonresident tuition. Participation is set by each school and program, so check before you count on it.

Not every state is covered. The Academic Common Market's own FAQ says North Carolina no longer participates and that residents of DC and Pennsylvania aren't eligible. Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, New Jersey and New York aren't members of any of the four for undergraduates, and Florida and Texas take part in the Academic Common Market only at the graduate level.

No program at home

States With No Game Design Schools

Alaska, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, South Carolina, Wyoming have no program in game design, game programming, simulation or animation in the federal data. Each of their pages lists the closest game bachelor's programs, the cheapest public options in their exchange's member states, and the pay for game jobs in the state. A further 9 states, including District of Columbia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maine, have animation or two-year programs but no game bachelor's.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Find Game Design Schools Near Me?

Pick your state on the map. Each state page lists every game design, game programming, simulation and animation program there, scored on completion, net price and size, plus the programs in the states around it. 35 of the 50 states and DC have at least one game bachelor's.

Which State Has the Most Game Design Schools?

California, with 78 programs across the four fields, followed by New York with 29 and Arizona with 16.

What If There Are No Game Design Schools in My State?

7 states have no program in any of the four fields: Alaska, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, South Carolina, Wyoming. Their pages list the nearest programs, the regional tuition exchange that can cut out-of-state tuition, and the programs confirmed fully online.

Can I Get In-State Tuition at a Game Design School in Another State?

Sometimes. Four regional exchanges, WUE in the West, MSEP in the Midwest, the Academic Common Market in the South and Tuition Break in New England, let residents of member states pay less than full nonresident tuition at participating public schools. Each state page says which one covers you.

Is It Worth Moving to Another State for a Game Design Degree?

It can be, if the program is a better fit and the cost works. Compare the net price at a school in your state with the nonresident price, after any exchange discount, at the one you're considering. Studios hire on portfolio, not on where your school is.

Sources

1. 1 NCES, IPEDS Completions 2022 to 2024 and Completions by Distance Education 2024 Every program in the ranking, the field code it is filed under, its graduates each year, and whether the school reports it can be completed by distance education. 354 programs in four fields. Accessed October 13, 2026.
2. 2 NCES, IPEDS Student Financial Aid 2022-23, average net price The cost factor: average net price for first-time, full-time students who received grant aid, in-state for public schools. School-wide.
3. 3 Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Member states and quoted terms. Accessed October 13, 2026.
4. 4 Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) Member states and quoted terms. Accessed October 13, 2026.
5. 5 Academic Common Market (ACM) Member states and quoted terms. Accessed October 13, 2026.
6. 6 New England Board of Higher Education Tuition Break Member states and quoted terms. Accessed October 13, 2026.