Indiana has a growing gaming scene, especially in game development and education. More concretely, several indie game developers, such as Basilisk Games, Mommy’s Best Games, and Re-Logic, are starting to establish a strong community base. Alongside this industry growth, the state provides multiple pathways for aspiring professionals to prepare for a gaming career through several game design schools that have programs equipping them with the necessary skills and training.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in Indiana, 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 Indiana (2026)
Purdue University
Purdue University, through its School of Applied and Creative Computing department, delivers a Bachelor of Arts in Game Development degree. In a span of three years, learners will have the opportunity to explore a curriculum that covers 3D modeling, data visualization, game design, and game development. Also, the school boasts industry connections and hands-on learning to teach students about imaging, programming, and advanced software tools. Upon graduation, they will be qualified to fill in gaming roles, namely: animation tracker, cinematic lead, game design scripter, and technical artist.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 41 of 14,131
- US ranking: 33 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 50%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $9,000 per year for in-state students to over $28,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Indiana University – Bloomington
The Indiana University in Bloomington houses a dedicated game design program for aspiring game designers. In particular, they can opt for a Bachelor’s degree in game design. Students will learn the fundamentals of game design, game theory, progressive design, and system strategies, within a curriculum that includes art, design, programming, project management, and sound as the focal areas. After completing the program, learners can choose to become animators, video game designers, gaming dealers, gaming managers, gaming service workers, gaming supervisors, or multimedia artists.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 184 of 14,131
- US ranking: 83 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 81%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $10,000 per year for in-state students to over $39,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indiana University Indianapolis offers two pathways to penetrate the gaming industry. First, learners can apply for a Media Arts and Science bachelor’s degree with a Game Design and Development specialization, wherein they will learn concept art, digital animation and sound, game testing, scriptwriting, and user experience technology. Second, they can take a Game Design and Development minor, in which they will develop games using Unity and Unreal, administer playtests, and assess feedback. In line with this, some possible job titles include augmented reality designer/developer, game designer, game producer, Unity/Unreal developer, and much more.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 224 of 14,131
- US ranking: 97 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $9,000 per year for in-state students to over $32,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Ball State University
The Ball State University in Muncie provides a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a game design and development concentration. Taking courses like Animation, Intro to Game Design, Game Programming, and Game Studio, this interdisciplinary program infuses students with essential skills, enabling them to create their own video games. Similarly, they will be studying 3D animation and digital audio manipulation. At the end of the program, graduates can pursue professional opportunities related to the gaming field.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 923 of 14,131
- US ranking: 246 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $8,000 per year for in-state students to over $27,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Butler University
Butler University presents a specialized track for both the major and minor in game design within its Computer Science program. Along with this, the university offers a course in game mechanics and narrative design, in which learners can delve into the creation of games. By examining a game thoroughly, students will then experience designing a game narrative and game ruleset. In the same way as other programs, completing this ensures a career in game design.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 1716 of 14,131
- US ranking: 415 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 80%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $14,000 to over $44,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Honorable Mentions: Indiana Tech, Indiana Wesleyan University, Ivy Tech Community College, Purdue University Northwest, and University of Saint Francis Fort Wayne.
Why Study Game Design in Indiana?
The thing that makes the game design landscape of Indiana appealing is its industry-focused environment. That means students will find ways to get quality education across several academic institutions that provide both creative and technical skills. Subsequently, they will graduate with clear career destinations among the local gaming studios in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Indiana offer ways to study game design?
A: Yes, it does. The Hoosier State has several schools offering a degree or program in game design.
Q: What game design program is considered the best in the state?
A: All programs of different institutions in Indiana are solid choices, but the most popular one is the game development and design major at Indiana University Bloomington.
Q: Are there game design minors available in Indiana?
A: Yes. The Indiana University Indianapolis has a game design and development minor that complements other majors.
