Most Affordable Online Game Design Degrees

Game Design is an academic field concerned with the technical and creative components required to create multimedia games such as video games.
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Updated January 6, 2023

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Learning Different Game Arts and Designs

Global revenue for video games in was estimated at around $109 billion. The market for video games has grown exponentially over the past decade with large influxes of new gamers and gaming technologies. To keep the growth going, companies need new graduates from strong programs like the 15 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Game Design.

Game Design is an academic field concerned with the technical and creative components required to create multimedia games such as video games. Students must be familiar with technical aspects such as mathematics and computer science. Most engines and processes that make up video games operate using computer programming languages such as Java or C++.

But in addition to the technical aspects, students must also be able to do things like create characters and storyboards. They are not simply bringing someone else’s world to light, but instead they are creating their own world and then building it from the ground up. This combination of hard and soft skills make game designers highly sought after on the job market after graduation.

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How Much Money Can I Earn Working in Game Design?

Game Design is lucrative and highly-demanded profession, especially as technology becomes a more common and popular part of our culture. The median salary for a Multimedia Artist or Animator is over $70,000 per year according to the Bureau for Labor Statistics. There is also expected to be an 8 percent expansion in the job market over the next ten years, which means 6,200 new jobs!

The technical training that game designers receive can also lead to a career in software development. Software Developers earn a median salary of more than $100,000 per year. They are also expected to see 24 percent growth in their job market, or 302,000 new jobs over the coming decade.

Why Choose An Affordable Online Game Design Degree?

Online degree programs allow students a tremendous amount of flexibility in both their class schedule and how their program is structured overall. Students can access courses whenever they want and complete work at their own paces. Certain programs even allow students to move more slowly or quickly through a series of courses based on their level of comfort with the material.Online programs can often give credit for life experiences or previous experience with mathematics or computer science. This allows students to complete the programs more quickly and to showcase their diverse knowledge base to future employers. It is also easy for students to become part-time students if they wish to maintain a full-time job or raise a family during their course of study.

What are the Most Affordable Online Game Design Degrees?

Our data is pulled from trusted sources including:

The schools listed here offer flexible, quality education at the most affordable rates. These degrees are organized by the average price it will cost you to earn the whole degree, fees and financial aid included. Whatever your goals in the literacy field, these programs can help you achieve them without breaking the bank.

Featured Online Game Design Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

Rankings

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#1 Most Affordable Online Game Design Degrees

California State University-Monterey Bay

  • Seaside, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

From its campus in Seaside, California State University, Monterey Bay offers premier degrees for students looking for a competitive program. The public institution enrolls 2,864 remote learners. The bachelor of science in communication design with a concentration in game design offers degree-seekers interested in game design a rigorous education with industry relevance.

Participants in the bachelor of science in communication design program take advantage of its supportive virtual learning community by connecting with peers and faculty in a remote classroom environment. The foundational and advanced topics covered in classes prepare enrollees with relevant knowledge for their future careers in game design. Learners strengthen their competency for a future job through the hands-on practice in experiential learning opportunities, like internships and research projects. Academic advising and career counseling are just some of the resources focused on student success that the institution offers to degree-seekers during the program.

When preparing for the costs of a degree, students should meet with the financial aid office to discuss funding opportunities. The college offers many fellowship, scholarship, and federal aid options. At the institution, 81% of enrollees receive some form of financial assistance.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,742
Out-of-state
$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$16,680
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
75%
Students Enrolled
7,650
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
37% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#2 Most Affordable Online Game Design Degrees

Lindenwood University

  • Saint Charles, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Interested in a flexible education that prepares you for a career in the game design field? Check out the online bachelor of arts in game design at Lindenwood University. The private college supports five online bachelor’s programs, connecting 4,457 remote learners with a premier undergraduate education.

The bachelor of arts in game design gives students the tools they need for success in a future career in the field. Enrollees learn about both foundational concepts and advanced topics in game design through a variety of classes. Hands-on learning experiences let degree-seekers deepen their knowledge of the industry to help their career aspirations. Learners gain many benefits from internships, externships, and applied research projects. Students can speak with their academic advisor and career services to receive guidance throughout the duration of their studies.

Applicants who qualify can bring down the price of their degree with internal and external funding opportunities like scholarships and fellowships. A leader in distance learning, the college supports degree-seekers' educational endeavors with financial assistance, awarding aid to 100% of enrollees.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$18,000
Out-of-state
$18,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,000
Out-of-state
$18,000
Retention Rate
64%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
8,392
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
53% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 Most Affordable Online Game Design Degrees

University of Advancing Technology

  • Tempe, AZ
  • 4 years
  • Online

A Tempe, Arizona, school, the University of Advancing Technology provides premier online programs for students seeking competitive study. With 17 bachelor's programs available online, the private institution supports 329 virtual learners. The bachelor of arts in game design provides degree-seekers with a rigorous, industry-relevant education.

The game design program's virtual classroom space lets participants connect with peers, professors, and other members of the distance learning community. Enrollees complete coursework covering foundational and advanced topics to gain knowledge relevant to the game design field. Learners also can pursue experiential learning opportunities, such as research projects and internships, to advance their competency for a career in game design. Academic advising and career counseling are just some of the resources the institution provides degree-seekers to support their success.

Financial aid officers can alert learners to funding opportunities that may help defray the costs of a game design degree. Financial assistance at the college include many different fellowships, scholarships, and federal aid. Of all enrollees, 88% receive some kind of financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,823
Out-of-state
$15,823
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$17,000
Out-of-state
$17,000
Retention Rate
56%
Acceptance Rate
87%
Students Enrolled
789
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
42% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Most Affordable Online Game Design Degrees

Miami International University of Art & Design

  • Miami, FL
  • 4 years
  • Campus

Students looking for a flexible online education in game design should consider the bachelor of fine arts in game art and design at Miami International University of Art & Design. From its campus in Miami, Florida, the college provides institutional resources to benefit its online learners, such as a supportive remote community.

Students in the game art and design program gain industry knowledge through interactive classes. Courses in the curriculum cover general education and advanced game design topics and can be customized. Enrollees can supplement their learning through experiential learning opportunities. Degree-seekers gain first-hand knowledge of what it's like working in the game design field by completing research, internships, and externships.

The admissions office can tell prospective students about enrollment criteria. Students should also check with the financial aid office to see if they qualify for any funding opportunities, since 87% of all enrollees are awarded some type of financial aid. Learners who meet the proper criteria can bring down degree expenses with scholarships, fellowships, and other types of financial assistance.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$19,260
Out-of-state
$19,260
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$23,580
Out-of-state
$23,580
Retention Rate
57%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,104
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Most Affordable Online Game Design Degrees

University of Baltimore

  • Baltimore, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Baltimore's bachelor of science in simulation and game design offers a flexible education for people interested in the game design field. The public college provides a premier education to 2,202 remote learners.

Students prepare for a successful game design career with the tools they gain in the bachelor of science in simulation and game design. Both foundational concepts and advanced topics in game design are covered by the various classes in the broad curriculum. Degree-seekers increase their industry knowledge with hands-on learning experiences, helping their career aspirations. Internships, externships, and applied research projects benefit learners. Guidance is available to students throughout the duration of the program by talking with an academic advisor or career counselor.

To lower degree expenses, qualified applicants can pursue funding opportunities, like scholarships and fellowships, from internal and external sources. A remote education leader, the college awards financial aid to 97% of enrollees to support them on their academic journey.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,014
Out-of-state
$19,374
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,824
Out-of-state
$20,034
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
4,476
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
49% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

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