While New Hampshire is not a leading contributor to the gaming industry, the state fosters an emerging community, with game design schools preparing students for successful careers in the field. From dedicated game design degrees to programs with game-aligned coursework and project experience, meaningful pathways that help build portfolios and practical skills await students.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in New Hampshire, 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.
Four Game Design Schools in New Hampshire (2026)
University of New Hampshire
The University of New Hampshire administers a game design boot camp that promises to transform students from complete beginners to game design professionals. Led by experienced industry instructors, learners study in a curriculum that covers the essentials of game design, core game design principles and prototyping, and professional game design and implementation. Specifically, the learning outcomes include understanding and designing game systems, designing quests and objectives, designing mechanics, and adding visuals. By completing the boot camp courses, students can land in-demand jobs like game artist, game designer, and level designer.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 363 of 14,131
- US ranking: 127 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 87%
- Graduation Rate: 76%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $15,000 per year for in-state students to over $35,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University houses comprehensive options to be well-rounded in the gaming space. For the in-campus formats, students can choose between the Bachelor of Science in Game & Simulation Programming and the Bachelor of Science in Game Art & Interactive Design. The former helps them learn AI development, coding, game engine integration, modern programming languages, and more, while the latter assists in developing skills in 3D visual asset and interactive design creation, interactive visual design optimization, and the like.
Meanwhile, the online alternatives include a Bachelor of Science in Game Programming and Development and a Bachelor of Science in Game Art and Development. The first one focuses on game design principles, programming languages, and production and testing techniques. On the other hand, the other concentrates on the application of industry tools and design strategy.
Graduates of these programs can secure positions as animators, audio engineers, character artists, environment artists, gameplay programmers, UI/UX developers, and more.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 2564 of 14,131
- US ranking: 647 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $15,000 to over $19,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Plymouth State University
Plymouth State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Game Design, which aims to develop hard and soft skills that employers look for. Likewise, the curriculum enables students to understand and apply game design and programming principles. It also allows them to learn about game-specific business problems and art components of games. Completion of this extensive game design program positions graduates for work as digital artists, game designers, and interactive web developers.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 2732 of 14,131
- US ranking: 698 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $11,000 per year for in-state students to over $23,000 per year for out-of-state students.
New England College
New England College provides a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation and Game Design. This program concentrates on the aesthetic experience of animation, digital art, and game design. Further, the curriculum fosters knowledge and skills that mixes creativity and technology. By underlining experiential learning and artistic expression, the program prepares students for careers as 3D animators, concept artists, and game designers.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 2887 of 14,131
- US ranking: 745 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 31%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $14,000 to over $40,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Honorable Mention: NHTI – Concord’s Community College (Offers a video game design and development course and a game development programming certificate).
Why Study Game Design in New Hampshire?
Even with the finite selection of game design schools in New Hampshire, game design aspirants won’t leave feeling shortchanged. The existing university options in the state blend creative production, digital media skills, and foundational design principles across animation, interactive design, and visual storytelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does New Hampshire offer quality game design programs?
A: Yes, the state houses game design schools that deliver comprehensive game design programs.
Q: What is the top game design program in the state?
A: Two of the strongest choices are the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation and Game Design at New England College and the Bachelor of Science in Game Design at Plymouth State University.
Q: Are online programs available from schools in New Hampshire?
A: Yes, you can find online game design-related programs at Southern New Hampshire University.
Note: This article incorporates the latest available data and information at the time of writing. Keep in mind that statistics can vary over time due to updates and real-world changes.
