Illinois supports a vibrant game design and gaming ecosystem. Aside from having plenty of gaming studios, such as Digital Dreams Entertainment, Iron Galaxy Studios, and NetherRealm Studios, the state boasts a plethora of respected game design schools that make students ready to enter the gaming industry as competent professionals.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in Illinois, we reviewed publicly available information and program offerings and relied on EduRank to select the best options in the state. Our focus was on identifying schools that provide the strongest preparation for professional game design careers. This approach ensures a consistent evaluation while prioritizing choices that equip students with knowledge and practical skills for the evolving gaming industry.
How to Use Our Criteria
While our list is based on statistics and facts, we acknowledge that it is not absolute and is open to interpretation. We also recognize that each student has varying needs regarding program focus, campus culture, cost, lifestyle, and the like. With that said, our rankings are solely intended to provide guidance and highlight programs that can help students land a career in game design.
Five Game Design Schools in Illinois (2026)
University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign
The University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign offers a minor in Game Studies and Design. Under this program, students will have courses like Introduction to the Video Game Industry, The Basics of Game Design, Tools and Techniques of Game Art, and many more that hone students in this field of expertise. The university promises learners that they will be better users of games and related technologies at the end of the program. Meanwhile, it also has a Game Studies and Design Graduate minor and a Master’s degree in Game Development. Furthermore, graduates will be headed to careers as designers, graphic artists, programmers, and virtual reality developers.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 24 of 14,131
- US ranking: 19 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 44%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $12,000 per year for in-state students to over $31,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Illinois Institute of Technology
Illinois Institute of Technology features a program for students interested in game design. Particularly, it has the Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Experiential Media, in which the curriculum covers all aspects of game development, including game design, storytelling, and technical areas. Chicago’s premier tech-focused university also provides a project-based environment and a multidisciplinary community. With this program, learners will be prepared to step into roles such as an artificial intelligence programmer, game developer, level designer, narrative designer, and user interface designer.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 530 of 14,131
- US ranking: 163 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 72%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $32,000 to over $49,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
DePaul University – Illinois
The DePaul University in Illinois includes a Bachelor of Science in Game Design as part of its academic offerings. More specifically, this program allows students to study the fundamentals of game design and gain skills in the storytelling and business side of gaming. Plus, they will be able to experience the whole game development cycle from ideation all the way to testing. In addition, the coursework includes 3D Design and Modeling, Animation, Game Sound Design, and much more. The common career areas upon graduation are animation, computer graphics, game development, and software engineering.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 646 of 14,131
- US ranking: 194 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $22,000 to over $43,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Bradley University
Bradley University presents an innovative game design minor that instills students with foundations in game development areas, such as design, production, and storytelling. Likewise, this program focuses on the processes and relevant tools in the gaming space. At the same time, the university provides a Master’s degree in game development, which gives students a hands-on approach to learn more advanced concepts of game design. After graduation, learners have a bright future awaiting them within the gaming and interactive media industries.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 1614 of 14,131
- US ranking: 390 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 72%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $18,000 to over $39,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Columbia College Chicago
The Columbia College Chicago delivers a Game and Interactive Media Design bachelor’s degree. This program delves into the multidisciplinary field and combines creative, collaborative, and technical expertise. It also has concentrations on game design, game programming, and UX/IU, along with animation, arts management, and graphic design minors. Moreover, the possible career pathways after finishing the program are game designer, game programmer, narrative designer, technical designer, and UX/UI designer.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 2899 of 14,131
- US ranking: 748 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Master’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $1,000 to over $30,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Honorable Mentions: Illinois Institute of Technology, Illinois State University, Northwestern University, Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University – Carbondale, University of Chicago, and University of Illinois at Chicago.
Why Study Game Design in Illinois?
At this point, Illinois is a solid region for both educational and professional opportunities in terms of game design. To reiterate, there is an abundance of schools that offer a rich mix of programs that emphasize both technical and artistic proficiency. At the same time, there is a significant industry presence from over 20 game studios, enabling students to establish careers as soon as they graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I study game design in Illinois?
A: For sure! The state is home to several great game design schools in the United States.
Q: What is the best game design degree in Illinois?
A: Honestly, you won’t go wrong with any of the programs from the suggested institutions, but the game design program of DePaul University is one of the highly regarded choices.
Q: Is there an online alternative from Illinois schools?
A: Yes! In fact, the University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign has recently launched a full online Master’s degree in game development.
