Chicago fosters game design talent through various game design schools with nationally-ranked programs. In connection to this, it is home to the studios behind the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane trilogy and Mortal Kombat franchise — Iron Galaxy and NetherRealm Studios, respectively.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in Chicago, Illinois, we reviewed publicly available information and program offerings, and we relied on EduRank to select the best options in the city. 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.
Top Game Design Schools in Chicago, Illinois (2026)
Illinois Institute of Technology
Illinois Institute of Technology is a tech-focused university, making it a standout choice to study game design. With its Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Experiential Media degree program, students will benefit from a curriculum that covers courses, including Game Design and Experiential Media Intro to the Professions, Fundamentals of Game Design, Game Design Level 2, and a lot more. With learners working in a project-based environment, completion of this four-year program means graduates are ready to be an artificial intelligence programmer, game developer, level designer, narrative designer, and quality assurance analyst.
General Information:
- Current ranking in the world: 530 of 14,131
- Current ranking in the United States: 163 of 2,496
- Current ranking in Chicago: 4 of 38
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 72%
Tuition and fees at Illinois Institute of Technology range from about $32,000 to over $49,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
DePaul University
DePaul University’s game design programs enable students to attain both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. In detail, once they enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Game Design, learners will work in a collaborative environment to master the process of iterative game design and development. Consequently, they can pursue a Master of Fine Arts in Game Design degree program, which features courses such as Game Design Workshop, Game Design Proseminar, Game Development Practicum, and more. Accordingly, it is guaranteed that graduates have a concrete career pathway towards the gaming industry, with recent completers securing jobs at studios like Blizzard, Iron Galaxy, NeatherRealm Studios, and many more.
General Information:
- Current ranking in the world: 646 of 14,131
- Current ranking in the United States: 194 of 2,496
- Current ranking in Chicago: 5 of 38
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
Tuition and fees at DePaul University range from about $22,000 to over $43,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Columbia College Chicago
Columbia College Chicago provides a Bachelor of Arts in Game and Interactive Media Design. All students in the program have the option to concentrate on game design, game programming, and UX/UI. The curriculum also ensures that they will be experts in game art, game design, and video game production. Furthermore, this program directly leads to careers, such as game designer, narrative designer, UX/UI designer, game programmer, and technical designer.
General Information:
- Current ranking in the world: 2899 of 14,131
- Current ranking in the United States: 748 of 2,496
- Current ranking in Chicago: 10 of 38
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Master’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
Tuition and fees at Columbia College Chicago range from about $1,000 to over $30,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Honorable Mentions: Chicago State University, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, University of Chicago, and University of Illinois at Chicago.
Why Study Game Design in Chicago, Illinois?
Chicago’s game design scene is distinguished by comprehensive programs that provide career-focused education within a thriving gaming industry. However, what truly sets the city apart is its status as the top economic hub in the Midwest. It means that graduates can easily find career opportunities at both independent and major studios.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it possible to study game design in Chicago, Illinois?
A: Yes, the area houses different schools that offer programs and related courses in game design.
Q: Among the universities in the city, which one has the best standalone game design program?
A: DePaul University’s Bachelor of Science in Game Design is often regarded as the top game design program in Chicago.
Q: Does Chicago support online game design learning in 2026?
A: Yes, students can benefit from remote learning through the online game design course provided by Chicago State University.
Note: This article incorporates the latest available data and information at the time of writing. Please note that statistics can fluctuate over time due to updates and real-world changes.
