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2025 US game schools ranking: which are the best?
2025 US game schools ranking: which are the best?
How do you choose the right school to pursue your dreams of becoming a video game creator, game designer, game programmer, game artist, sound designer, or producer?
GAMEducation has created a ranking system for the best video game schools in the US, a first-of-its-kind approach incorporating the professional placement of recent alumni.
We consider graduate placement in game studios the cornerstone of game school success. GAMEducation’s rankings derive from a careful examination of thousands of young graduates who have entered the game industry between 2018 and today.
Other important criteria to note are the quality of student game projects and the rigor of degree programs.
Game Developers Conference (GDC 2019)
GAMEducation brings together professionals from the video game industry and data specialists based in America, Asia, and Europe. We inaugurate a new type of school ranking based on the career placement of young graduates over the last five years, while paying particular attention to the quality of these positions.
Another important criterion is the quality of the student's video game projects completed during their studies.
This ranking thus highlights the schools that best enable students to acquire the necessary skills for a successful career in the gaming industry.
Our rankings are based on data from more than 300 studios and 5,000 alumni in the United States
Our rankings are based on data from more than 300 studios and 5,000 alumni in the United States
The US ranking requires a diligent examination of more than 5,000 alumni profiles from 100 US schools.
This information results in a precise overview of alumni positioning in over 300 video game studios across the US, and provides an in-depth look at the universities and institutes as well as the preparation they offer.
We completed two rankings in the United States, analyzing data:
We completed two rankings in the United States, analyzing data:
VIDEO GAME SCHOOLS: Where did graduates complete their studies before accepting quality positions in the US video game industry?
VIDEO GAME STUDIOS: Which studios have recruited the most graduates, and for which positions?
☆ TOP 5 US Game Schools ☆
☆ TOP 5 US Game Schools ☆
Mentioning a school ranked beyond the 5th place is a service we offer
TOP 5 US STUDIOs
TOP 5 US STUDIOs
for hiring young talent
for hiring young talent
☆ 2025 top 5 US game schools ☆
☆ 2025 top 5 US game schools ☆
#1 SMU Guildhall
#1 SMU Guildhall
Dallas, Texas
Dallas, Texas
604 students.
Graduate School established in 2003.
Tuition & fees (2024) per semester: Master of Interactive Technology in Game Development: $13,672 ; Certificate in Digital Game Development: $13,011.
#2 FIEA, Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy / UCF, University of Central Florida
#2 FIEA, Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy / UCF, University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
Orlando, Florida
140 students
Graduate Public School established in 2004
Tuition & fees (2024/2025): Master of Science $32,940 (in-state), $57,672 (out-of-state)
The University of Utah created its first video game training program in 2007 with a Bachelor's degree in Entertainment Arts & Engineering (EAE), followed in 2010 by a Master's degree in Computer Science including video games, which in 2013 became a Master's degree in Entertainment Arts & Engineering focusing specifically on video game design. A Bachelor in Game was added in 2017.
ACADEMICS:
FIEA follows a non-traditional educational philosophy that focuses on simulating a professional video game development environment and encourages collaborative teamwork among students from the school's three main disciplines: art, programming, and production.
The Master of Science in Interactive Entertainment is offered in three tracks:
Production/Design
Art
Programming
STUDENT PROJECTS:
Fantasmagorie (2024). A narrative adventure game combining exploration, escape, and puzzles in a dark and psychological atmosphere.
Caesura (2024). A third-person action-adventure game set in an imaginary world where music plays a central role.
The main companies who have hired FIEA graduates since 2020 are:
Electronic Arts (EA)
Iron Galaxy Studios
Red Storm Entertainment
Epic Games
Spunky Studios
Undead Labs
Mass Virtual
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The distribution of FIEA graduates in the video game industry since 2020 is well-balanced, with all roles represented. Artistic roles dominate at 54%, with a significant proportion of Tech Artists. Within the Game Artist category, the most common positions are 3D Artists (12%) and Lighting Artists (6%). Game Designers make up nearly one-third of the profiles, highlighting a strong focus on design. Technical roles account for 14%, completing this overview.
This distribution reflects the versatility and quality of the education provided by FIEA.
#3 the University of Utah
#3 the University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
35,236 students (2023).
Public Research University
Tuition and fees (2024-25):
Undergraduate In-state $12,424, Out-of-state $34,900
Graduate In-state $18,658, Out-of-state $38,604
The University of Utah created its first video game training program in 2007 with a Bachelor's degree in Entertainment Arts & Engineering (EAE), followed in 2010 by a Master's degree in Computer Science including video games, which in 2013 became a Master's degree in Entertainment Arts & Engineering focusing specifically on video game design. A Bachelor in Game was added in 2017.
ACADEMICS:
Bachelor of Science in Games (BSG) (4 years)
Bachelor of Science in computer science, entertainment arts and engineering emphasis
Master of Entertainment Arts and Engineering degree program (MEAE) (2 years)
MBA/MEAE dual degree (3 years)
Minor in Games
STUDENT PROJECTS:
Echoes of Acropolis (2024). A roguelike adventure game with stunning graphics set in a mysterious ethereal ring world. Created by a team of 15 students.
Digital Audio Wasteland (2024). A humorous and musical first-person exploration game set in a post-apocalyptic world.
The primary studios that have hired University of Utah graduates since 2020 are:
WB Games / Avalanche
Rockstar Games
Winged Remnant
Visual Concepts
Electronic Arts (EA)
Blizzard Entertainment
Epic Games
Bungie
Synodic Arc
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The distribution of University of Utah graduates in the video game industry since 2020 shows a balance with a strong predominance of artistic roles (51%). Within the Game Artist category, the most common positions are Visual Effects Artists (13%) and 3D Artists (10%). Game Designers make up 26% of the profiles, reflecting a strong presence in creative roles. Technical roles account for 18%, which is a significant proportion. Although smaller, the share of Audio Designers remains above the average for schools in this ranking.
This distribution highlights the university's ability to train skilled and versatile professionals across all key areas.
#4 USC - UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
#4 USC - UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California
48,945 students
Private (not-for-profit) with very high research activity
2024/2025 Tuition: $71,647
The University of Southern California created its first video game program in 2002 with the MFA in Interactive Media. Its most popular degree programs today were created in 2006.
USC enjoys an exceptional location in California. Located in Los Angeles and relatively close to Silicon Valley, USC students benefit from the strong connections the school has developed over many years with the region's largest companies.
ACADEMICS:
B.F.A. in Game Development and Interaction Design
B.F.A. in Game Art
B.S. in Computer Science (Games)
M.S. in Game Design and Development
M.S. in Computer Science with Specialization in Game Development
M.F.A. in Interactive Media
GAMES PROJECTS:
Egregore (2024) A first-person adventure game set in modern-day Cairo, where the player uncovers an occult conspiracy.
The Veiled Ones (2024) A first-person stealth horror exorcism game, developed as part of the Advanced Game Project (AGP).
The main companies who have hired University of Southern California graduates in games since 2020 are:
Rockstar Games
Riot Games
Blizzard Entertainment
Electronic Arts (EA)
Treyarch
Sony Interactive Entertainment
HoYoverse
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The distribution of USC alumni in the video game industry since 2020 is remarkably balanced, reflecting the generalist nature of their training. Game Designer roles dominate with 29% of profiles, while Game Programmers make up a significant 26%. Artistic roles account for 26%, within which the predominant positions are 3D Artists (7%) and Visual Effects Artists (4%). Audio Designers (13%) and Producers (6%) are better represented compared to the average from other schools.
This diversity highlights the versatility of USC graduates in the industry.
#5 Drexel University - Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
#5 Drexel University - Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
23 000 students
Private university
Tuition & Fees 2024-2025:
Bachelor of Science in Game Design & Production: 61 842 $ US / an (US students) ; 62 462 $ US / an (international students)
Master of Science in Digital Media: $1,466 / credit (US students) ; $32.130 / an (international students)
The Westphal College of Media Arts & Design at Drexel University is renowned for its innovative approach to teaching media arts and design. Its cooperative education program (Co-op) integrates paid professional experiences into the academic curriculum, enabling students to gain hands-on experience in their field of study. The college offers state-of-the-art facilities, such as the URBN Center, which houses design studios and computer labs.
This combination of practical learning and exceptional resources prepares students to become creative leaders in the design and media industries.
ACADEMICS:
Bachelor of Science in Game Design & Production
Master of Science in Digital Media
Minor in Game Design & Production
Accelerated BS/MS in Game Design & Production and Digital Media
Game Programming and Development concentration within the Computer Science degree
CAPSTONE PROJECTS:
Lockjaw: Robo-Royale (2024) A multiplayer party brawler where 2 to 4 robots battle it out in arenas to upgrade their abilities.
Terra Inferno (2024) A turn-based strategy game combined with resource management on the lush planet of Terra Inferno.
Top studios recruiting Drexel University graduates since 2020:
Rockstar Games
Abducted Monkeys
Tencent
Microsoft
Impact Gameworks
Forgotten Empires
[P1] Games
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The distribution of Drexel University alumni in the video game industry, graduating since 2020, highlights a predominance of artistic roles, accounting for 53% of profiles. Among Game Artists, the best-represented roles are Visual Effects Artists (9%) and 3D Artists (9%). Technical roles make up nearly one-third (29%) of the share, complemented by design roles (18%).
This distribution underscores Drexel's artistic focus, balanced by a strong technical foundation.
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