Video Game Design School Cost

Did you know that the average cost for tuition, fees, room and board was $21,728 for all four-year institutions for the 2014-2015 school year? For the 1985-86 school year, this figure was $10,624. Though tuition has nearly doubled since then, the truth is college has never been "cheap." When you consider that the National Average Wage Index for years 1985 and 1986 was $16,822.51 and $17,321.82, respectively, a $10,000 tuition bill is nothing to sneeze at!

To minimize costs back then, parents used most of the same tactics that are still used today. They applied for every source of "free" money possible, such as the Monetary Award Program (MAP), Pell Grants, and scholarship programs and many opted for public schools, which are often less expensive than private schools are. Work-study was also an option to help cover tuition costs. To take it a step further, parents and students also spent hours researching to find the most affordable schools. And yes, they did (and still do) exist.

While time consuming, tedious and stressful, all of the research, filling out applications, and waiting is well worth the effort. By being persistent, parents and students can avoid the mountains of post-college debt that 44.2 million Americans have to deal with. And the debt amount isn't in the millions or even the billions. These 44.2 million Americans owed $1.26 trillion in student loan debt as of 2016, with the average Class of 2016 graduate owing $37,172. This figure is up six percent from 2015.

Since we've already pointed you in the right direction of the "free" money, it's time to take a look at some schools that offer quality game design programs at an affordable price. We think 15 is a good start, with a few bonus schools at the end. Before we get started, it is important to note that the schools on our list are not ranked. They are listed alphabetically. In addition, "tuition" does not include fees, books, housing, transportation, or other college-related expenses.

Find a school

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average tuition cost for a private four-year college or university was $37,990 for the 2014-2015 school year. The average cost for a public four-year college or university was $18,632.

1. Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois

Chartered in 1896 as Bradley Polytechnic Institute, Bradley University is a private school that is home to approximately 4,500 undergraduate and 900 graduate students from across the U.S. and 33 countries. The school offers more than 100 undergraduate programs and 34 graduate, doctorate and certificate programs across five colleges and a graduate school. The Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts houses the Department of Interactive Media, which offers a BS and a Minor in Game Design.

The Game Design program is a "technology heavy program" that emphasizes "design and production of games, focusing on the creative process from conception to implementation."

Tuition: Full-time (12-16 credit hours per semester) is $31,740 for the 2016-2017 school year.

Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 70 percent of all undergraduate students at Bradley University utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education. The average financial aid package for incoming freshmen is $22,107, with approximately 98.0 of incoming students receiving some form of financial assistance, the majority of which is in the form of scholarships and grants.

The average loan amount for all undergraduates at Bradley University is $10,751 Per Year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $21,502 after two years and $43,004 after four.

2. Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), Atlanta, Georgia

Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) was founded in 1885 and opened for classes October 8, 1888. When it opened, this public school had just 129 students enrolled in the BS in Mechanical Engineering program. Today, Georgia Tech is home to more than 25,000 students enrolled in more than 80 degree programs and more than 50 minors through six colleges and more than 25 schools.

The College of Computing is home to [email protected]—an "institute-wide initiative designed to advance the game community through interdisciplinary research, funding opportunities, tech transfer and expansion of industry collaborations." The College also offers several programs for aspiring game designers. Options include a BS in Computational Media (BSCM) with a Game Studies Focus (also supported by the School of Literature Communication and Culture within the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts), MS degrees in Digital Media and Digital Media – HCI, and a PhD in Digital Media. All College of Computing students will have access to resources offered by the GVU Center at Georgia Tech and the Institute for People and Technology.

Tuition: Georgia residents $10,106 for the 2017-2018 school year. Nonresidents $30,904.

Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 34 percent of all undergraduate students at Georgia Tech utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $9,131 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $18,262 after two years and $36,524 after four.

3. Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), Indiana

Established in 1969, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) is a public research university that is home to 29,804 students (Fall 2016) enrolled in more than 250 degree programs across 19 schools. Several programs are available for aspiring game designers through the School of Informatics and Computing (SOAC). Offerings include a BS in Media Arts and Science with a Specialization in Game Design and Development and a five-year BS+MS in Media Arts and Science with a Specialization in Human-Computer Interaction.

Tuition: Indiana residents $8,141 for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents $28,727.

Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 51 percent of all undergraduate students at IUPUI utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $7,374 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $14,748 after two years and $29,496 after four.

4. Miami University Oxford, Oxford, Ohio

Miami University was chartered in 1809 and it has campuses in Oxford, Hamilton, Middletown, West Chester, Ohio and Luxembourg, Europe. This public university is home to nearly 24,000 students across all campuses, and it offers more than 200 programs across seven colleges and schools, and the European Center in Luxembourg. The College of Creative Arts and the Armstrong Institute for Interactive Media Studies (AIMS) offer several programs for aspiring game designers.

The College of Creative Arts offers an MFA in Experience Design (XD:MFA). The program is collaboratively offered by Interactive Media Studies (IMS) and Graphic Design. AIMS offers a BA in IMS with game-related Tracks in Game Design, Game Development, Game Studies, Interactive Business, and Art and Interaction. AIMS also offers a co-major in IMS with Game Design, Game Development, Game Studies, Interactive Business, and Art and Interaction Tracks, a Graduate Certificate in IMS, and a Minor in IMS. All students will have the opportunity to study at the AIMS/Entrepreneurship Institute's Digital Innovation Center in San Francisco and they also have the opportunity to design their own advanced track.

Tuition: Ohio residents $11,673 for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents $11,673, plus a nonresident surcharge of $17,305.

Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 40 percent of all undergraduate students at Miami University Oxford utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $6,625 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $13,250 after two years and $26,500 after four.

5. Michigan State University (MSU), East Lansing, Michigan

Founded in 1855, Michigan State University (MSU) is home to approximately 50,543 students from all 83 counties in Michigan, all 50 states in the United States, and more than 138 other countries. MSU offers more than 200 programs across 17 degree-granting colleges. The College of Communication Arts and Sciences houses the Media and Information (MI) Department. Program offerings for aspiring game designers include a BA and a BS in Media and Information with a Game Design and Development Specialization, a BS in Computer Science with a Game Design and Development Specialization, and a BA or BFA in Studio Art with a Game Design and Development Specialization.

Also on the menu is an interdisciplinary Game Design and Development Minor. According to the school, "the minor brings together students in Media and Information, Computer Science, and Studio Art. For most majors outside of MI, the Minor often nearly fulfills the student's cognate requirements."

Graduate game offerings include an MA in HCI with a Games and Meaningful Play Focus, a PhD in Media and Information Studies (Research Area: Games and Meaningful Play), and a Graduate Certificate in Serious Games. Besides offering a wide variety of program offerings for game designers, the College of Communication Arts and Sciences is home to the Games for Entertainment and Learning (GEL) Lab. According to the College, the mission of the GEL Lab is to "design innovative prototypes, techniques, and complete games for entertainment and learning and to advance state of the art knowledge about social and individual effects of digital games."

Tuition: Michigan residents $14,114 (15 credits per semester) for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents $37,942 (15 credits per semester).

Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 46 percent of all undergraduate students at Michigan State University utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $7,311 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $14,622 after two years and $29,244 after four.

6. (The) Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio

The Ohio State University (OSU) was established in 1870. It is home to 45,289 undergraduate students and 10,219 graduate students enrolled in more than 200 majors, specializations and minors across more than a dozen colleges and schools. The College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Art offers interdisciplinary three-year MFA, a four-year BFA program in Art with an Emphasis in Art and Technology, and an MFA in Digital Animation and Interactive Media.

The Art and Technology program focuses on 3D modeling, 3D animation, 3D virtual environments within unity and oculus, art games, interactive projection mapping environments, video Art, interactive robotics, speculative design and professional Practices. The Digital Animation and Interactive Media program concentrates on Videogame Prototyping and Production, Digital Cinematography, 3D Virtual Environments, Experimental and Independent Animation and Interactive Arts Media.

Tuition: Ohio residents $10,037 for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents $28,229.

Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 44 percent of all undergraduate students at The Ohio State University utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $6,834 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $13,668 after two years and $27,336 after four.

7. Shawnee State University, Portsmouth, Ohio

Established in 1986, Shawnee State University is home to more than 4,400 students enrolled in 80 bachelor's and associate degree programs, and several master's degree programs. The Fine, Digital and Performing Arts Department has several for aspiring game designers—a BFA in Game and Simulation Arts, an AA in Art with a Game Design Concentration, a Minor in Gaming Arts, and a BFA in Visualist Design and Interactive Media with a 3D Design or Interactive Media Track.

Tuition: Shawnee residents $6,250 for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents $11,917.

Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 70 percent of all undergraduate students at Shawnee State University utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $6,612 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $13,224 after two years and $26,448 after four.

8. Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas

Texas A&M University is the state's first public institution of higher learning. Established in 1876, the school's main campus (College Station) is home more than 64,000 students enrolled in nearly 400 bachelors', masters, doctoral, and first professional degree programs across 16 colleges and schools. The College of Architecture founded the Visualization program in 1989. It features gaming-oriented study options in the MS and MFA degrees as well as enhanced game design curricula at the undergraduate level. Degree options include BS, MS, and MFA degrees in Visualization.

Visualization students have access to the Department of Visualization's Learning Interactive Visualization Experience Lab. Established in 2014, the Lab "provides space for graduate and undergraduate students to create game prototypes while learning about game theory, the art and science of the visual image and game history. In the lab, through research and rigorous scientific process, students collaborate with specialists from visualization, educational psychology, computer science and engineering to create innovative, interactive software."

According to the school, "LIVE Lab students work with industry partners including EA, Epic Games and Side Effects Software. Graduates of the program have gone on to work at numerous game design companies, including EA, Certain Affinity, BioWare, gumi America and Virtuix Omni."

Tuition: Texas residents $10,030 for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents $30,208.

Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 33 percent of all undergraduate students at Texas A&M University utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $6,385 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $12,770 after two years and $25,540 after four.

9. University of California – Irvine (UC Irvine), Irvine, California

The University of California - Irvine (UC Irvine) was established in 1965. It is home to 30,000 students enrolled more than 100 programs across more than a dozen schools. The Donald Bren School of Information & Computer Sciences offers a BS in Computer Game Science (CGS). According to the School, CGS students will "acquire a solid foundation in computer science and software development" and "learn how to create interactive and human-centered computer game designs." Students will have the opportunity to work in teams to "design and implement new games."

Tuition: California residents $11,220 for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents $11,220 + nonresident supplemental tuition $26,682.

Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 43 percent of all undergraduate students at UC Irvine utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $5,662 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $11,324 after two years and $22,348 after four.

10. University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California

The University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) was founded in 1919 as the Southern Branch of the University of California. It is home to 43,239 students from all 50 states and more than 100 foreign countries. The school offers 323 degree programs and majors through the College of Letters and Science, the university's 11 professional schools, and more than 109 academic departments. The School of Arts and Architecture is home to the Department of Design Media Arts (DMA), which offers a BA in Design Media Arts. With support from the School of Theater, Film, and Television, DMA also houses the UCLA Game Lab.

According to UCLA, the Game Lab "supports exploration of Game Aesthetics, Game Context, and Game Genres." In addition to producing games and research, the lab "functions as a center that develops public programming around critical issues in gaming, including: public lectures, workshops, exhibitions, a visiting artist program, and an annual public festival at the Hammer Museum."

Tuition: California residents $12,918 for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents $11,220 + nonresident supplemental tuition $26,682.

Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 36 percent of all undergraduate students at UCLA utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $6,125 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $12,250 after two years and $24,500 after four.

11. University of California - Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz), Santa Cruz, California

The University of California - Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz or UCSC) opened in 1965. The school is home to 17,335 students enrolled in more than 100 degree programs across 10 colleges. The Jack Baskin School of Engineering (BSOE), Department of Computer Science (CS), offers several programs for aspiring game designers including a BS in Computer Science: Computer Game Design, an MS in Games & Playable Media, and MS and PhD degrees in Computer Science with a (research) focus in Computer Games.

UCSC's Art Department houses the Arts Division, which offers an MFA in Digital Arts and New Media (DANM) with a Playable Media research option. Finally, UCSC is home to The Center for Games and Playable Media. Established in 2010, the Center houses the schools "five games-related research labs including the Expressive Intelligence Studio — one of the largest technical game research groups in the world."

Tuition: California residents, $13,515 for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents $13,515 + nonresident tuition $26,682.

Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 55 percent of all undergraduate students at UCSC utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $5,968 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $11,936 after two years and $23,872 after four.

12. University of Central Florida (UCF) + Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA), Orlando, Florida

Founded in 1963 the University of Central Florida (UCF) is one of the nation's youngest universities. With 63,000 students enrolled in more than 200 degree programs across 13 colleges, UCF is also the largest university by enrollment in Florida and the second largest in the nation. The School of Visual Arts & Design (SVAD), which is housed within the College of Arts & Humanities, and the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA) offer several programs for aspiring game designers. The School of Visual Arts & Design offers a BA in Digital Media with a Specialization in Game Design, an MFA in Emerging Media with a Track in Digital Media, and an MA in Digital Media - Visual Language and Interactive Media.

The Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy is UCF's graduate video game design school. The Academy opened its doors to "a select group of future game developers and creators" in August of 2005. Today, FIEA is home to around 65 Students enrolled in the MS in Interactive Entertainment program with three Tracks. Track options include Art, Production and Programming. During semesters two and three of the program, all students will work on a "final, large-scale game with fellow producers, programmers and artists."

Tuition: Florida residents $33,000 for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents $57,500.

Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 45 percent of all undergraduate students at UCF utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $7,011 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $14,022 after two years and $28,044 after four.

13. University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin), Austin, Texas

The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) was founded in 1883 as "The University of Texas." It is home to around 50,950 students enrolled in more than 300 academic programs across 18 colleges and schools. The College of Fine Arts, Computer Science Department, Radio-Television-Film Department, and the Center for Arts and Entertainment Technologies (CAET) offer an interdisciplinary undergraduate Certificate program for aspiring game designers.

The interdisciplinary Game and Mobile Media Applications (GAMMA) Program allows students from a variety of different degree programs to "collaboratively develop 2D and 3D games for mobile, online, and social technology platforms in the program's culminating experience: the Capstone Course." GAMMA students also have the opportunity to work "alongside organizations such as UT's EGaDS! and IGDA Austin" as well as "local game and mobile studios and industry professionals."

GAMMA students may earn one of the following Certificates:

CS Game Development Certificate
CS Mobile Computing Certificate
CoFA Digital Art Production Certificate
CoFA Digital Audio Composition & Production Certificate
CoFA Digital World Designer Certificate
RTF Visual Effects & Animation Certificate

The Certificate is awarded in addition to the undergraduate degree in any given program outside of GAMMA.

Tuition: Texas residents (12+ credit hours per semester) $10,310 for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents $18,262.

Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 38 percent of all undergraduate students at UT Austin utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $7,330 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $14,660 after two years and $29,320 after four.

14. University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas), Dallas, Texas

The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) was established as a member of the University of Texas System in 1969. The school is home to 24,554 students enrolled in 133 academic programs across seven schools. The School of Arts and Humanities, Department of Arts and Technology (ATEC) is home to more than 1,100 students and it offers several programs for aspiring game designers. Offerings include a BA in Arts and Technology (BA ATEC), an MA in Arts and Technology (MA ATEC), an MFA in Arts and Technology (MFA ATEC), and a PhD in Arts and Technology (PhD ATEC).

ATEC students have the opportunity to choose electives in more than one area. Just a few options for game designers include User Experience Design for Games, Game Design, Interaction Design, Level Design, Modeling and Texturing, Virtual Environments, Rigging, Game Production Lab, Game Pipeline Methodologies, Serious Games, Game Production Lab, Interactive Narrative, and Educational Games, name a few.

Tuition: Texas residents $11,192 for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents $28,808.

Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 53 percent of all undergraduate students at UT Dallas utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $7,330 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $17,636 after two years and $35,272 after four.

15. University of Utah (The U), Salt Lake City, Utah

Founded in 1850, the University of Utah (The U) is home to 31,551 students from across the U.S. and around the world. The school offers nearly 200 academic undergraduate and graduate programs across 17 colleges and schools, and more than 100 departments. The College of Engineering and the College of Fine Arts offer the Entertainment Arts and Engineering Master Games Studio (EAE:MGS). Tracks include Arts, Engineering, Technical Arts, and Production. According to the Studio, "all students in each of the tracks have a series of common classes including Game Design, Rapid Prototyping, Pre-Production, and Final Project." In addition, students will "develop and enhance a professional game portfolio" and they will have the opportunity to complete an internship in the game industry.

The David Eccles School of Business and the Entertainment Arts & Engineering Program also offer a dual degree program "designed to take advantage of the complementary elements in the Masters of Business Administration (MBA) and the Masters of Entertainment Arts & Engineering." The MBA/MEAE, which aims to bridge the 'suits' vs. the 'dev' divide, takes three years to complete.

Other viable offerings include a BA in Film and Media Arts and a BS in Computer Science. Both programs offer an Emphasis in Entertainment Arts and Engineering (EAE). The BA is available through the School of Computing and Department of Film and Media Arts, and the BS is available through the School of Computing.

Tuition: Utah residents $7,202 for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents $22,679.

Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 34 percent of all undergraduate students at the University of Utah utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $7,583 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $15,166 after two years and $30,332 after four.

Tip: Did you know that you could also save money on tuition by enrolling in a shorter program? We found two excellent schools that offer game design programs that will allow you to graduate in a shorter amount of time, resulting in much less debt. And because you can complete many of these programs online, you will save on the costs that come with attending class on-campus. Here you go. . .

The DAVE School, Orlando, Florida

The Digital Animation & Visual Effects School (The DAVE School) was founded on June 8, 2000 and it is a division of Florida Technical College (FTC). The school is located at Universal Studios Florida, Sound Stage 25, and average class sizes range from 20 and 30 students. Max is 40. The DAVE School offers a Game Production Program, which takes 60 weeks to complete. The cost is $33,500 (2015). There are no additional costs or supplies required for the completion of the program, which awards an Accredited Diploma.

Other offerings include a bachelor's degree in Production Programming with a Track in Game Programming or Productivity. Total tuition for the program is $50,040 and it is offered online only. This helps save money on housing, transportation, campus-related fees, and other similar costs.

Financial aid is available for those who qualify. The Pell Grant, Federal Student Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG), and Federal Work Study (FWS) are the types of aid listed on The DAVE School website. The DAVE School is also approved by the applicable State Approving Agency for Veterans Affairs and participates in many Veterans Educational Benefit programs. DAVE also awards one scholarship to cover the entire amount of tuition for the Visual Effects Production or Game Production program. In addition, three graduating seniors from every high school in the U.S. and Puerto Rico will receive a $1,000 Imagine America Scholarship.

Animation Mentor, Emeryville, California

Animation Mentor: The Online Animation School opened in 2005 "to address the need for industry-trained animators by uniting students with industry professionals in a production environment." The school also offers six-week game workshops including Game Animation Fundamentals ($899 total) and Game Animation Combat Attacks ($899 total).

Students may apply for student loans, grant reimbursement programs, and corporate discount programs to help offset tuition costs. At the end of the day, because the programs are shorter and delivered online, students graduate with substantially less debt than national average.

Note: With the exception of student debt information, which was obtained from College Factual, all school, program, and tuition information has been obtained directly from each the schools website. At the time this article was published, all information was accurate.

Sources

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"College Factual." College Factual. Media Factual, 2016. Web. 10 Oct. 2016.

"National Average Wage Index." Social Security Administration (SSA). The United States Social Security Administration, 2014. Web. 10 Oct. 2016.

"Paying for College, Student Loan Debt." College Factual. Media Factual, n.d. Web. 10 Oct. 2016.