Louisiana may not be the first state that comes to mind for gaming and game design in the United States, but it has a growing niche in the field. Its local gaming industry is flourishing, as game studios like King Crow Studios and Pixel Dash Studios continue to play active roles. Moreover, the average yearly salary for game designers in the state just reached $127,514 as of January 2026. On top of these, Louisiana is now home to game design schools that help graduates enter competitive roles in the entertainment and digital industries, making the state an under-the-radar spot for education in the field.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in Louisiana, 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 Louisiana (2026)
Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University, formally known as Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, offers a two-year master’s degree in Digital Media Arts & Engineering. In particular, this program includes courses that delve into animation, interactive design, and video games. Students can also expect a practice-driven approach, since the university houses the Digital Media Center, which is a shared facility with the North American Test Center of Electronic Arts. With a focus on development, teamwork, and training, graduates will be ready for careers in 3D animation and modeling, video game design, and UX design.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 173 of 14,131
- US ranking: 79 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 71%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $8,000 to over $9,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Tulane University
Tulane University in New Orleans equips students with a Digital Media Practices program that has coursework in game design, with a chance to create experimental video games as their senior project. Also, the Games & Interactive Media pathway allows learners to study creative coding and game making using the JavaScript library p5.js and Unity game engine, respectively. Some of the classes involved are Experimental Game Design, VR and Narrative in Games, and Intro to Game Studies. Upon graduation, all students who finished the program will have competitive knowledge, skills, and experience to pursue roles in the field of game design.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 249 of 14,131
- US ranking: 100 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 15%
- Graduation Rate: 89%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $61,000 to over $63,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette lists two options to gain expertise in game design. At the forefront is the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree with a concentration in video game design and development. The curriculum will have courses focusing on games, particularly in the junior and senior years, such as Introduction to Video Game Design and Development and Programming Languages. At the same time, learners can opt for an online game design course offered by the university if they prefer remote learning. Completing the programs open career opportunities in video game design and development, software development, simulation systems, and modeling and simulation engineering.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 1201 of 14,131
- US ranking: 307 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 89%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $5,000 per year for in-state students to over $19,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Loyola University New Orleans
The Loyola University in New Orleans also supports two professional programs that help students enter the field of game design. The first option is the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with Game Programming. As an overview, a few of the courses offered in this one are Introduction to Programming, Computer Graphics, and Programming Languages. Meanwhile, the second option is a design degree with an Interactive Design concentration. Students who choose this will explore the design areas of artificial intelligence, augmented reality, virtual reality, and video games to learn how to create experiences through user experience and user interface design. Accordingly, the possible career pathways are a gameplay programmer or a UX and UI designer.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 1916 of 14,131
- US ranking: 470 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 88%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $20,000 to over $45,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Southeastern Louisiana University
Southeastern Louisiana University does not have a dedicated game design degree. However, it offers alternative programs that still pave the way for a career in game design. More specifically, students can choose between a Bachelor of Arts in Art with a graphic design concentration and a Bachelor of Arts in Art with a New Media and Animation specialization.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 2115 of 14,131
- US ranking: 514 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $5,000 per year for in-state students to over $19,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Why Study Game Design in Louisiana?
Students who choose Louisiana for a game design education benefit from hands-on labs, industry tools, and portfolio project work. All of which can help them land roles in the game industry. Aside from this, the state has a mix of public and private not-for-profit universities, allowing students to pick what suits their preferences and budget. The post-graduation phase is also captivating, with many local gaming studios providing career opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it possible to get formal game design education in Louisiana?
A: Yes, many university options offer game design programs or relevant comprehensive courses.
Q: What game design program is the most ideal?
A: One of the strongest options one can take is the Computer Science program with a video game design and development concentration.
Q: Are there online courses in Louisiana?
A: Yes, there are a few game design schools that offer online alternatives for students looking for flexibility or those who prefer remote learning.
