15 Best Affordable Game Design Degree Programs (Bachelor’s) 2020

In this ranking, we look at the 15 best affordable colleges for a game design degree. The field of game design is an interdisciplinary one that may involve:

• gamification and game theory
• mathematics
• art and graphic design
• computers and technology

There is a large number of non-degree and degree programs available at colleges and universities across the country. Future game designers can choose from a variety of careers in the field such as:

• software developers and programmers
• game designers and testers
• animators
• graphic designers
• two- and three-dimensional artists
• audio engineers

Depending on the curriculum, a student may choose to pursue a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Fine Arts as the pathway for earning their degree. However, it can be difficult to figure out where to begin, which is why we compiled the following list of the 15 best game design schools in the country.

Methodology

Our goal was to capture the balance between quality and affordability for students looking for a low-cost game design degree. To do this, we evaluated each school based on two key metrics — tuition and student: faculty ratios — and awarded points as outlined below. To get our initial list of schools, we conducted a search using the National Center for Education Statistics’ (NCES) College Navigator database. We then narrowed down our initial pool of 20 schools to find the top 15 based on the methodology.

Average Cost of Attendance

As you compare the tuition rates for each school, remember to also think about the quality of a school in relation to cost. In other words, avoid choosing an institution simply because it offers the cheapest tuition. Instead, make your decision based on its academic options, the experience of its faculty, its opportunities for extracurricular activities, and any other feature you are looking for in your college experience. Below, we provided tuition rates obtained from the NCES and ranked each school based on the cost of one academic year of study.

Points:
Under $7,500: 3 points
$7,500 to $15,000: 2 points
$15,001 and above: 1 point

Student: Faculty Ratio

Student: faculty ratios help us to understand the learning environment at a particular institution. For instance, schools with low student: faculty ratios may be more likely to offer opportunities for individualized mentoring, academic support, or personalized studies based on a student’s career goals. For the following ranking, we awarded the most points to colleges and universities that reported low ratios of 10 or fewer students per faculty members, according to the NCES.

Points:
10:1 or less: 3 points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 points
Greater than 15:1: 1 point

Ranking Top 15 Best Affordable Colleges for a Game Design Degree

15. Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

Points: 3
Program Website

Established in 1890, Columbia College Chicago is a private institution specializing in arts and media disciplines. The school’s inexpensive Bachelor of Arts in Game Design is a top-value degree. It allows students the opportunity to design simulations and games in terms of user experience, narrative, and gameplay. Students can expect to make games in nearly every gaming course to build their skill set throughout the program. During the final year, students are required to create an entire finished product with other game-related majors. This is through a capstone experience based on the production model of the professional game industry. Students pursuing the affordable Bachelor’s in Game Design can choose from two concentrations:

• sound design
• game development.

The first focuses on building impact and emotion through audio. Students will learn both scripting and music theory skills and develop advanced knowledge of:

• the aesthetics of sound
• studio production techniques and technology
• digital audio and acoustics.

The game development concentration trains students in self-leadership and personal organization. It encourages them to think like a designer, learning to make trade-offs, understanding systems, and developing their own voice as a creative professional.

Degree Options:
Game Design (BA)
In-State Tuition: $27,176
Out-of-State Tuition: $27,176
Student: Faculty Ratio: 14:1

14. St. Andrews University

Laurinburg, North Carolina

Points: 3
Program Website

St. Andrews University is a four-year, Presbyterian, private liberal arts college. It offers a low-cost Bachelor of Arts in Art with a concentration in game art and design. In this high-value major, students learn the processes and techniques required to construct two- and three-dimensional art assets used to create video and computer games. From a beginner to an advanced level, the inexpensive degree program instructs students how to texture, sculpt, and model. Students utilize a current game engine to create playable levels. Throughout the program, students also gain experience in:

• animation
• character rigging
• lighting and rendering
• building multiple-layer textures
• creating advanced character models

Required courses also include game art foundations, and art history. The program culminates in the creation of a portfolio as well as a show and demo reel. Here, which students put into practice what they have learned. After graduating, students are prepared for careers as:

• texture map artists
• level designers
• game testers
• character animators
• environment artists. 

Degree Options:
Art (B.A.) Concentration in Game Art and Design
In-State Tuition: $26,648
Out-of-State Tuition: $26,648
Student: Faculty Ratio: 14:1

13. Indiana Wesleyan University

Marion, Indiana

Points: 3
Program Website

Indiana Wesleyan University is a private Christian institution of higher education and an accredited university for a game design degree. The economical Bachelor of Science in Media Design prepares students to integrate a Christian worldview with a multi-disciplined, comprehensive education in:

• digital production
• design
• art

Students benefit from an affordable yet comprehensive training in industry-standard digital tools and design. They take fundamental courses that provide a challenging environment where they can refine and develop their skills. The media design degree trains students to perform as best they can. The spiritual emphasis of extracurricular programming and core courses also encourages spiritual growth. High-value coursework may include topics in:

• drawing
• Web design
• typography
• art history
• computer graphics
• digital photography
• interactive design
• two- and three-dimensional design, modeling, and animation.

Students are also required to complete a course that introduces the fundamentals of Web programming. At the end of the program, students participate in a senior art exhibit that highlights what they have learned throughout their academic experience. Career opportunities for graduates include:

• imaging
• video
• audio
• motion graphics
• three-dimensional animation and modeling
• interactive Web design and multimedia. 

Degree Options:
BS Media Design
In-State Tuition: $26,630
Out-of-State Tuition: $26,630
Student: Faculty Ratio: 14:1

12. Pennsylvania College of Art and Design

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Points: 3
Program Website

The Pennsylvania College of Art & Design is a private art school and an affordable accredited college for a game design degree. The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Media provides students with both basic and advanced training in a technology-driven field. Freshmen complete general education requirements and core foundation classes. Then, students move into more specialized coursework, including classes in:

• sound design
• typography
• concept and story development
• computer animation
• visual development.

Students then go on to master the principles of:

• production skills
• time-based media
• digital audio production
• digital animation
• three-dimensional modeling

PCA&D students are also required to participate in an internship to gain real-world experience. The low-cost program culminates in a senior thesis project as well as the Senior Show & Celebration. Graduates are prepared to work in fields such as:

• video gaming
• television
• film, and more.

PCA&D also offers related degree programs in photography, illustration, graphic design, and fine art.

Degree Options:
Digital Media
In-State Tuition: $25,850
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,850
Student: Faculty Ratio: 12:1

11. University of Wisconsin-Stout

Menomonie, Wisconsin

Points: 3
Program Website

The University of Wisconsin-Stout is a public university and a member of the University of Wisconsin System. The affordable Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design and Development is an award-winning program. Students gain core skills in design and art such as:

• animation
• three-dimensional modeling
• drawing

Students will learn to create all of the visual elements required for various types of video games, including:

• animations
• level design
• characters
• concept art

UW-Stout offers opportunities to collaborate with students majoring in computer science as well as three laboratories equipped with industry-standard, software and hardware. Students can expect to take low-cost courses that cover:

• visual effects
• animation
• two- and three-dimensional models for movies, television, and video games.

Students use core skills in design and art such as animation, digital imaging, and drawing to create the visual elements required for games, including three-dimensional characters and environments. Both computer science and game design students develop skills in their respective disciplines before working together in a team environment in three capstone courses. Graduates are prepared to work in:

• education
• simulation
• advertising
• training entertainment.

Degree Options:
B.F.A. Game Design and Development – Art
In-State Tuition: $9,457
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,424
Student: Faculty Ratio: 20:1

10. Dakota State University

Madison, South Dakota

Points: 3
Program Website

Dakota State University is a public university that was established in 1881 as a normal school. The university offers a top-value Bachelor of Science in Computer Game Design for students seeking an affordable degree. Students learn fundamental skills for video game production, development, and design. It is recognized as one of the strongest and most affordable programs in the nation. It’s the only program of its kind in the state and one of only a handful in the Upper Midwest region. The program includes rigorous coursework, including classes in physics and calculus as well as visual design and computer programming courses. Students also learn about the history of game design through studies in non-digital and digital games. Students craft effective and interesting player experiences by integrating:

• game technology
• aesthetics
• narrative
• mechanics

The best-value B.S. in Game Design at DSU also features several emphasis areas, including;

• technical art
• software design
• narrative design

At the culmination of the program, students will have experience with multimedia and interactive digital media and software. They will be prepared for careers in:

• software development
• interaction design
• game design

DSU also offers a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a bachelor’s in digital arts and design with concentrations in production animation and computer graphics.

Degree Options:
Computer Game Design (BS)
In-State Tuition: $9,276
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,249
Student: Faculty Ratio: 17:1

9. Southern Arkansas University

Magnolia, Arkansas

Points: 3
Program Website

Southern Arkansas University is a public institution recognized for offering one of the most affordable game design degrees in the country. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science has an option in computer gaming and animation design. The program is provided jointly by the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science and the Department of Art and Design. Students learn about the process and techniques of developing video games and animations. Students learn how to develop artistic and innovative narratives. They also learn how to put those narratives into motion through animated productions as desktop and mobile apps. Students are required to complete 120 hours including coursework that covers topics such as:

• game development
• computer science
• graphic software applications
• game programming
• computer architecture

Students are also exposed to:

• computer graphics
• software engineering
• operating systems,
• game design management

SAU also offers a top Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game, Animation, and Simulation. Students learn three-dimensional animation techniques as well as the management and production of game environments. 

Degree Options:
Computer Science (BS): Computer Gaming and Animation Design Option
In-State Tuition: $8,786
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,866
Student: Faculty Ratio: 16:1

8. Boise State University

Boise, Idaho

Points: 3
Program Website

Founded by the Episcopal Church in 1932, Boise State University is a public research university. The College of Innovation and Design offers an affordable bachelor’s degree in gaming, interactive, and mobile media (GIMM). Students are required to complete 120 hours of study, including general education requirements, core courses, and electives. The inexpensive degree program covers several lower-division topics such as:

• interactive programming
• digital tools for interactivity
• interactive and visual storytelling
• interactive audio and video

Students are also exposed to interactive physical computing. They focus on the theory, design, and creation of games for Web, mobile, and console environments. Upper-division areas of study include:

• usability and e-commerce
• game development
• animation and modeling

Students are required to complete a digital portfolio based on their work. They also must do two senior capstone experiences. In these two courses, seniors work with clients on advanced Web-, mobile-, and interactive-based projects. Graduates are prepared to enter the workforce as:

• mobile app developers
• web developers
• video game designers. 

Degree Options:
Gaming, Interactive Media, and Mobile Technology
In-State Tuition: $7,694
Out-of-State Tuition: $23,776
Student: Faculty Ratio: 17:1

7. California State University-Chico

Chico, California

Points: 3
Program Website

Established in 1887, California State University-Chico is the second-oldest campus in the California State University System. CSU-Chico offers an affordable Bachelor of Science in Computer Animation and Game Development. Students develop in-demand skills in the entertainment and video game industries. Throughout this program, students design rich multimedia environments that:

• entertain
• inform
• communicate

Students are required to complete 120 units of study. The affordable degree in game design is comprised of 27 units in major core courses that cover topics such as:

• digital modeling
• scripting and programming
• video game design
• concept design and storyboarding
• digital photography

CSU-Chico requires students to pursue an option in either game development or animation production to complete their major course requirements. The university provides opportunities for internships where students gain valuable experience and make connections in their field. Graduates are prepared to enter careers in the fields of:

• business solutions
• web applications
• commercials
• film and television, and video games as well as scientific research and other related enterprises. 

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Computer Animation and Game Development
In-State Tuition: $7,608
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,488
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 25:1

6. Franklin University

Columbus, Ohio

Points: 4
Program Website

Franklin University is a private university that offers an economical game design degree.The affordable Bachelor of Science in Interactive Media Design at Franklin University opens up several management, artistic, and technical degree paths. Students develop the skills and knowledge they need to effectively deliver interactive solutions throughout the whole development lifecycle. The 120 semester hour program includes:

• 24 hours in fundamental general education classes
• 12 hours in additional general education requirements
• 24 hours in technical credit courses.

Students are also required to choose 24 hours of university electives and complete 36 hours in a major area that covers topics such as:

• interactive media digital media design
• advanced graphic design
• human-computer interaction

An interactive media design practicum and capstone are also required. Unlike other graphic design majors, Franklin’s top IMD program exposes students to both the non-technical and technical aspects of interactive development. Students are exposed to interaction, web, rich media, graphic, and mobile design. This program combines solid technology and design skills with project management expertise.

Degree Options:
B.S. Interactive Media Design (IMD)
In-State Tuition: $12,649
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,649
Student: Faculty Ratio: 11:1

5. Wilmington University

New Castle, Delaware

Points: 4
Program Website

Wilmington University is a private, doctoral research institution founded as Wilmington College in 1968. The school’s affordable Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development combines the skills of:

• programming
• three-dimensional modeling
• graphic design
• video production
• interactive design

Students learn the expertise they need to successfully create simulations and video games for:

• mobile devices
• consoles
• major platforms

Students enjoy the flexibility of weekend, evening, or day classes in either seven-week blocks or 15-week semesters as well as WilmU’s affordable tuition rates. In the 120-credit-hour program, students complete 40 courses that provide both a broad overview and an understanding of the various facets of game design. Students are immersed in leading-edge technologies through lab environments that provide access to industry-standard gaming software. The curriculum balances design courses and programming courses while focusing on:

• user experiences
• design interfaces
• audio and video techniques

On the back end, the curriculum teaches marketing and project management. Students are required to create a portfolio that they may then use when applying for positions after graduation.

Degree Options:
B.S. in Game Design and Development
In-State Tuition: $11,210
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,210
Student: Faculty Ratio: 13:1

4. Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg, Massachusetts

Points: 4
Program Website

Fitchburg State University is recognized as one of the most affordable universities for a game design degree. The University offers a low-cost Bachelor of Science in Game Design, the first of its kind to be available at a public institution of higher education in the Northeast. It seeks to make the tools and methods of game development and design available to everyone. Students learn the fundamentals of game programming and logic as well as the foundations of visual art and the core concepts of game design. Students learn how to effectively design games by:

• focusing on the player
• iterating
• problem-solving
• creative brainstorming

Students learn to put their ideas into motion, transforming their concepts into two- and three-dimensional products based on art and research. Another key component of this program is building proficiencies with:

• current programming languages
• hardware
• platforms
• software

Student also learn to master new tools as they become available. Outside of the classroom, students may continue their work through opportunities such as:

• internships
• professional capstone projects
• study-abroad programs

Graduates are prepared for careers as:

• programmers
• game artists and analysts
• interactive designers
• production assistants
• data managers
• producers
• game and level designers.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Game Design
In-State Tuition: $10,354
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,434
Student: Faculty Ratio: 14:1

3. Shawnee State University

Portsmouth, Ohio

Points: 4
Program Website

Shawnee State University is a four-year public institution of higher education. Shawnee State University’s program is for students who are interested in the programming side of creating and developing video games or the artistic side of production. Students can choose to pursue the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game and Simulation. It focuses on interface design, character design, and three-dimensional animation. Or they may opt for the Bachelor of Science in Digital Simulation and Gaming Engineering Technology. It examines programming, computer science, and software development. Students can tailor their degree through electives to further meet their interests and professional goals. In addition to gaining the theoretical knowledge required for success, students in both programs also acquire practical experience by participating in a joint senior project. In this component, students build upon skills in:

• motion capture
• game design
• art asset development
• animation

Students use what they have learned in the classroom to transform music, animation, sound, art, and ideas into actual working simulations and games.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game & Simulation
Bachelor of Science in Digital Simulation & Gaming Engineering Technology
In-State Tuition: $8,556
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,714
Student: Faculty Ratio: 15:1

2. Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, Arkansas

Points: 4
Program Website

Arkansas Tech University is a public institution of higher learning and an affordable, accredited university for a game design degree. ATU offers an affordable Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game and Interactive Media Design. It’s a 120-credit-hour program that introduces students to the latest in interactive digital technology sciences. It also provides a foundation in cutting-edge visual communication arts. In addition to completing general education coursework, students focus on topics such as:

• digital illustration
• art history
• two- and three-dimensional modeling
• game development

Seniors are required to participate in a game project and compile a professional portfolio that showcases what they have learned throughout their studies. Students have the option to tailor their degree through electives to focus the program on an area that best meets their professional goals. Graduates are prepared to seek employment in the entertainment and video game industries as well as other fields that require skills in:

• story formation
• interactive environment construction
• mobile application development
• editing
• web design
• programming
• simulation
• animation. 

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game and Interactive Media Design
In-State Tuition: $7,254
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,678
Student: Faculty Ratio: 19:1

1. Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw, Georgia

Points: 4
Program Website

Ranked as the best affordable university for a game design degree, Kennesaw State University is a public university. It offers the affordable Bachelor of Science in Computer Game Design and Development.The program prepares students with the knowledge and skills they need to apply software engineering and computing techniques to the production and design of digital media for:

• education
• research
• entertainment

Game design and development is a specialization within the computing field. Students will build on and apply their expertise in computing software and hardware. The CGDD curriculum exposes students to:

• algorithms
• data structures
• artificial intelligence
• simulation
• game design
• software engineering
• modeling
• two- and three-dimensional graphics
• the theory and history of gaming

Students must choose an upper-level concentration to develop depth. Although available concentrations can change according to the evolution of the field, offerings may include:

• computer science
• creative content generation
• simulations-informatics
• planning management

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Computer Game Design and Development
In-State Tuition: $6,347
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,329
Student: Faculty Ratio: 21:1

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Career Options for a Bachelor’s in Game Design Degree?

At their core, video game designers are ultimately responsible for bringing ideas to life. They work with other designers to create an idea, flesh out the concept, develop a draft, identify how it should be played as well as the players for whom it is intended, and market the product to their company to get the “go-ahead” to produce it. As a mostly interdisciplinary career, game designers must be adaptable, creative, and able to tackle several roles at one time. The job requires the use of many skills such as:

• drafting
• control interface design
• storyline
• concept
• character
• artistic development
• writing
• sketching
• programming
• graphic design
• gameplay mechanics

While video game design is the most popular career option, other occupations in this field include:

• Writer
• User Interface Designer
• Sound Designer
• Software Engineer
• Multimedia Programmer
• Level Programmer
• Graphic Designer
• Game Tester
• Game Developer
• Environment Designer
• Concept Artist
• Character Designer
• Artificial Intelligence Programmer
• Applications Developer
• Animator

What is the Salary Potential for a Game Design Degree?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that there is no one set category for video game designers. Instead, the BLS splits up this field according to multimedia artists and animators, software developers, web developers, and graphic designers. For this section, we looked at multimedia artists and animators who are responsible for creating images that appear to move as well as visual effects for video games, movies, television, and other types of media. According to the BLS, the annual mean salary for this occupation was $72,520 as of May 2018. The highest 10 percent earned more than $124,310, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $40,870. In May 2018, the top-paying industries for multimedia artists and animators included:

• Software publishers: $82,360
• Motion picture and video industries: $77,860
• Computer systems design and related services: $76,920
• Advertising, public relations, and related services: $67,330

The BLS indicates that employment of multimedia artists and animators is projected to grow 8 percent between 2016 and 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. This estimated growth will be due to a growing need for visual effects and animation in television, movies, and video games as consumers continue to demand more realistic products and graphics for both their consoles and their mobile devices.

What Will You Study in a Bachelor’s in Game Design Program?

In most cases, a bachelor’s degree in game design can be completed in four years. Depending on the nature of the school’s curriculum as well as whether an accelerated path is offered, students may earn their degree within a shorter amount of time. Earning a Bachelor’s in Game Design and Development is a critical step for different positions throughout the game industry such as:

• engineering staff
• intermediate-level programmers
• entry-level designers

Undergraduate game design programs differ from school to school. However, most teach every aspect of designing and developing video games, from concept to execution and from the practical aspects to the technical. Advanced computer and math skills are taught, and students develop teamwork and scheduling skills. Below are examples of courses that prospective students can expect to take while pursuing a Bachelor’s in Game Design degree:

• Drawing
• Animation
• 2-D and 3-D Modeling
• Game Design
• Computer Graphics
• Programming Languages
• Software Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence
• Storyline Development
• Theory and History of Gaming

Students also have the flexibility to choose the type of bachelor’s degree they would like to pursue. For example, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design provides an artistic and aesthetic basis for game design. It treats the field as an intersection of computer science, culture, and art. A Bachelor of Arts in Game Design approaches the field from a humanities perspective, merging storytelling and art with programming. A Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in game design provides a well-rounded foundation in game design with a heavy emphasis on:

• computer science
• programming
• language

Regardless of the specific program you choose, we hope that our list of the best affordable colleges for a game design degree serves as a helpful starting point as you prepare to enter this dynamic, rewarding field.

AS Staff

This concludes our ranking of the top 15 best affordable colleges for a game design degree.

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