Colorado is one of the growing gaming zones in the United States. In particular, the state’s gaming community is expanding, housing indie or small studios, including Riptide Games, Leviathan Games, and Backflip Studios (before shutting down in 2019). At the same time, Colorado is one of the most attractive states for students who want to receive a premier education that will not cost them a fortune. In the area, there are a few notable options for game design schools that are perfect for achieving gaming career goals.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in Colorado, 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 Colorado (2026)
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Colorado Boulder takes the summit position of game design schools in the state for its relevant academic output and program presence. In detail, students can take advantage of the ATLAS Institute at the University to enroll in a comprehensive game design and development program. Learners can hone their technical prowess and creativity and gain practical experience. At the same time, it has the Alienware Buffalo Esports and Gaming Lounge. This gaming and esports oasis trains students for competitions. Hence, graduates of the University of Colorado Boulder are shaped to be competent for careers on both sides of the gaming industry.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 62 of 14,131
- US ranking: 44 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 75%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $14,000 per year for in-state students to over $40,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Colorado State University
Colorado State University is perfect for students who prefer remote learning, as it offers an online game design course and an online Digital Game Artist Certificate course. Curriculum highlights include programming languages, technical and aesthetic fundamentals, animation, and 2D and 3D modeling. Students in these courses gain creative and technical skills without setting foot on the campus. Accordingly, possible career pathways for graduates are game designer and game artist roles.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 117 of 14,131
- US ranking: 65 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $10,000 per year for in-state students to over $31,000 per year for out-of-state students.
University of Denver
The University of Denver houses the Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science, wherein several paths to learn game design are available. The top options are BA and BS degrees in Game Development. In the included programs, students will be introduced to game design before studying game programming, game networking, 3D modeling, and more. On top of that, the school boasts graduate and PhD programs, taking game design education to the highest level. With that said, graduates can pursue roles in game design and development.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 518 of 14,131
- US ranking: 161 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 78%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $58,000 per year for in-state students and out-of-state students.
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs offers a Bachelor of Innovation in Game Design and Development degree. More particularly, courses under the program include Game Design for Diverse Populations, Team-Based Game Testing and Deployment, Artificial Intelligence for Games, and Commercial Game Design Practicum. The degree also emphasizes teaching programming and technical design. With the skills and knowledge that students will get from this program, they will be capable of entering the gaming industry or even building their own game development studio.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 1111 of 14,131
- US ranking: 284 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $8,000 per year for in-state students to over $25,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Colorado Technical University
Colorado Technical University provides aspiring game designers with a program focused on game design under the Bachelor’s in Digital Media Design degree. A few areas that the program focuses on are game mechanics and simulations. Likewise, the school enables students to learn industry tools and techniques. That is why graduates are well-equipped with knowledge and skills to thrive in the video game scene.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 5084 of 14,131
- US ranking: 1328 of 2,496
- Control: Private for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 18%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $12,000 per year for in-state students to over $14,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Honorable Mentions: Aims Community College, Arapahoe Community College, Front Range Community College, Red Rocks Community College, Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, and Westwood College.
Why Study Game Design in Colorado?
Given that it is a relatively affordable place to study, Colorado is desirable for aspiring game designers. With programs that emphasize both technical mastery and artistic expression, the Centennial State efficiently prepares learners for diverse careers in the industry. However, when it comes to job opportunities, you will most likely find yourself seeking elsewhere. Nonetheless, if studying is your sole purpose at the moment, Colorado is a great choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I study game design in Colorado?
A: Indeed. Learning game design in the state is very much feasible.
Q: What program should I consider taking in the state?
A: The answer depends on your aspirations and career objectives. However, if you are interested in programming and prototyping, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs’ Bachelor of Innovation in Game Design & Development might be the right pick.
Q: Are there online alternatives to finishing a game design program in Colorado?
A: Most university or school options are still on campus due to the nature of the field. Nevertheless, some courses and hybrid options are available.
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.
