Columbus is one of the key educational cities in Ohio, offering serious options for students aiming to explore game design and related fields. From solid mid-ranked universities to a top-tier institution, the place provides a variety of game design schools that cater to a broad range of academic goals and preferences.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in Columbus, Ohio, 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 Columbus, Ohio (2026)
Ohio State University
The Ohio State University’s College of Arts and Sciences features a Game Studies minor that can be taken with a communication or design major. This minor guides students in understanding games more deeply — what they are, how they are created, how they can be interpreted, and how they affect society. Additionally, the students must complete an Introduction to Game Design course and an Intermediate Game Design elective as part of the curriculum. These two would introduce them to game design principles, experiential media, and computer game design concepts. Completing the program positions students for a variety of game design careers.
General Information:
- Current ranking in the world: 23 of 14,131
- Current ranking in the United States: 18 of 2,496
- Current ranking in Columbus: 1 of 8
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 51%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
Tuition and fees at the Ohio State University range from about $11,000 per year for in-state students to over $40,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Franklin University
Franklin University currently offers an online video game design and development course. This remote learning option caters to students who have multiple commitments but are still eager to improve their skills in designing and developing games. Aside from discovering new techniques in game development, the course also trains students in various areas, such as programming languages, game engines, mathematical skills, and the creation of game assets. Students who successfully finish the program can expand their career opportunities in game design and game development.
General Information:
- Current ranking in the world: 2412 of 14,131
- Current ranking in the United States: 603 of 2,496
- Current ranking in Columbus: 3 of 8
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 30%
Tuition and fees at Franklin University range from about $9,000 to over $12,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Columbus College of Art & Design
Columbus College of Art & Design offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Art & Design program. This pathway allows students to learn everything about game-making. The sample freshman courses in the curriculum are 2D Creative Practice, Drawing for Entertainment Design, 3D Making with Care, and many more. Students also have the opportunity to expand their studies through extracurricular activities. They can join organizations like the Game Development Guild and attend events such as GDEX. The careers waiting for graduates include 2D/3D game production artist, game artist, game designer, interactive curriculum designer, and interactive media artist.
General Information:
- Current ranking in the world: 5897 of 14,131
- Current ranking in the United States: 1555 of 2,496
- Current ranking in Columbus: 5 of 8
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Master’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
Tuition and fees at Columbus College of Art & Design range from about $33,000 to over $39,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Why Study Game Design in Columbus, Ohio?
Access to diverse game design educational pathways. It is what Columbus is mainly known for. The options range from a minor to an online course to a degree program. Plus, the city has a developing indie scene, with small game studios like Multivarious Games LLC and Skymill Studio contributing to a growing network of developers. On top of this, Ohio’s broader game design reputation boosts the potential of careers outside campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Columbus house universities that offer game design education?
A: Yes, students can find a fine selection of game design schools in the city that have programs focused on game design.
Q: Which program in Columbus has the most game design-specific concentration?
A: For this, students can choose to take up the game studies minor at the Ohio State University or the Game Art & Design program at Columbus College of Art & Design.
Q: Can I study game design in an online setup in Columbus?
A: Yes. It is possible through the online game design course at Franklin 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.
