New York has one of the most vibrant gaming and game design ecosystems in the United States. The state’s gaming industry has a $5 billion economic impact and over 13,000 supported jobs, said the Entertainment Software Association. At the same time, New York continues to be one of the best places for aspiring game designers, offering a variety of premier game design schools. On top of these, the Empire State delivers abundant recreational and cultural opportunities, along with a wealth of resources and business opportunities nearby.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in New York, 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 New York (2026)
Cornell University
Cornell University’s Game Design Initiative, which started in 2001, offers an undergraduate Game Design minor. Specifically, this program champions experiential learning about artistic storytelling, principles of design, and technical skills. The courses within the curriculum include Introduction to Computer Game Design, Advanced Topics in Computer Game Design, and more. Moreover, graduates will gain multidisciplinary skills applicable in areas, including game analytics, gameplay design, project management, and software development.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 5 of 14,131
- US ranking: 4 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 8%
- Graduation Rate: 95%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $29,000 to over $65,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
New York University
New York University houses the Game Center, which is an institution that administers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design. It is a four-year program that introduces students to the basics of games through multifarious lenses. Before completing a senior project, learners focus on areas such as audio design, game business, game design, game development, game studies, programming, and visual design. This well-rounded undergraduate education prepares students for careers in game design, game development, game scholarship, and game criticism.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 22 of 14,131
- US ranking: 17 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 9%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $38,000 to over $60,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute delivers a Bachelor of Science in Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences within its Department of Games and Experiential Media. With six concentrations to choose from, the program blends theory and application with an emphasis on interdisciplinary work. The objectives of the curriculum include giving students a sense of procedural literacy, making them fluent in programming or scripting languages, and helping learners build a career-ready portfolio. After completing the undergraduate program, students can pursue higher education with a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Critical Game Design or establish careers in animation, game design, game development, and interactive simulation and visualization.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 328 of 14,131
- US ranking: 120 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
Tuition and fees at the school are about $60,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester Institute of Technology boasts a Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development that delivers real-world experiences, specialization opportunities, industry connections, and studio access. With an emphasis in game programming, the program allows students to explore and gain knowledge in animation, design, game design, interactive media, modeling, and user interaction. In line with this, it prepares learners for a Game Design and Development MS, which is also offered at the university. Meanwhile, the typical job titles upon graduation include associate game designer, associate UI engineer, game designer, game developer, level designer, programmer, and UI/UX designer.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 520 of 14,131
- US ranking: 162 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 71%
Tuition and fees at the school are about $56,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
The New School
The New School operates a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design and Technology program with a game design pathway. In particular, students will delve into the critical processes of game design while studying how engaging player experience is shaped by aesthetics and cultural influences. At the end of the program, the typical career paths for graduates include animation, game design, motion graphics, and virtual reality and immersive experience design.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 761 of 14,131
- US ranking: 218 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 71%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $51,000 to over $54,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Honorable Mentions: Adelphi University, Alfred State College, Binghamton University, Fashion Institute of Technology, Long Island University, Marist University, Mount Saint Mary College, Pace University, Pratt Institute, Rochester Institute of Technology, St. John’s University, Stony Brook University, Syracuse University, The College of Saint Rose, University at Buffalo, and Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology.
Why Study Game Design in New York?
In the hierarchy of video game ecosystems, New York is one of the states that is at the top of the pecking order. At its core, it is home to a number of first-class academic game design programs that produce one of the most educated workforces. Also, its billion-dollar digital game development industry houses hundreds of gaming studios, including Take Two Interactive and Velan Studios, providing thousands of direct and indirect digital game development jobs. In other words, the states ensure that quality education has corresponding bright career opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes New York a good state for game design?
A: The region houses several top-ranked educational institutions and a plethora of game development companies.
Q: What is the best game design program in New York?
A: New York University’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design is commonly recognized as the top program, with a strong national ranking and industry preparation.
Q: Are there online alternatives for game design education in New York?
A: Yes, students can learn game design online through some of the school options in the area. You can check the official websites to see full details.
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.
