Florida holds a significant position in the realm of game design in the United States. Home to nationally ranked game design schools and top-ranked university programs, the state offers a wide range of options with real career outcomes. With studios like Electronic Arts, CyberDream, GameSim, Iron Galaxy Studios, and an average annual salary of $111,434, Florida ensures the quality education a student has is matched with a bright professional future.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in Florida, 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 Florida (2026)
University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida consistently ranks among the top game design schools in the state. Offering a Bachelor’s degree in Digital Media with a track focused on game design, students can learn about 3D modeling, animation, level design, programming, project management, and technical art. Graduates of the program are more than ready to enter the industry of game design and development, securing roles such as a game designer, technical artist, system designer, and the like.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 250 of 14,131
- US ranking: 101 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 40%
- Graduation Rate: 75%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $4,000 per year for in-state students to over $25,000 per year for out-of-state students.
University of Florida
University of Florida delivers a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts and Sciences degree, which tackles the arts, communications, and engineering. As part of the program, learners will gain experience in animation, digital storytelling, and game design. Available in online and on-campus setups, some of the courses included are 3D Animation Techniques, Game Development, and Interaction & Usability. After completion, graduates can pursue roles as a character modeler, game artist, game designer, level designer, and technical animator.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 28 of 14,131
- US ranking: 23 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 24%
- Graduation Rate: 92%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $4,000 per year for in-state students to over $27,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Florida State University
The Florida State University may not have a full-pledged degree in game design, but it offers a solid game design course within the Department of Scientific Computing. Specifically, the course, Introduction to Game and Simulator Design, instructs students on concepts of design and implementation of environments in games or simulations. Moreover, a few of the covered topics are audio, game engine, and practical modeling. Despite not being a dedicated program for gaming, it still guarantees students employment in game design and related fields.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 140 of 14,131
- US ranking: 70 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 25%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $4,000 per year for in-state students to over $24,000 per year for out-of-state students.
University of South Florida
University of South Florida provides a curriculum in Animation and Digital Modeling. Through a comprehensive approach and courses focusing on animation tools and principles, this school works on producing students who are experts in 2D and 3D animation and the development of 3D objects for games. Aside from the academic route, students can join the GameDev Club, which aims to hone learners through collaboration and hands-on experience regarding every area of game development. Of course, finishing this program ensures roles related to animation and graphics.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 147 of 14,131
- US ranking: 75 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 41%
- Graduation Rate: 75%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $4,000 per year for in-state students to over $19,000 per year for out-of-state students.
University of Miami
The University of Miami offers a degree in Interactive Media with a minor in game design. In particular, the core courses under this program are Introduction to Game Studies, Introduction to Game Design, and Designing Games for Impact, preparing students to be well-rounded in the field. Seeking careers in animation or game design and development is doable for graduates, as the university has alumni working at Apex Legends, Disney, and even Google.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 106 of 14,131
- US ranking: 61 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 19%
- Graduation Rate: 84%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $43,000 to over $58,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Honorable Mentions: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida Atlantic University, Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy, Florida International University, Full Sail University, Nova Southeastern University, Ringling College of Art and Design, and Stetson University.
Why Study Game Design in Florida?
Florida is not just about Disney and endless beaches. It is also one of the best places to start a career in game design. Whether you want to be the person building worlds, animating characters, or writing the systems under the hood, there is a program here for you. But what really makes Florida stand out is the mix of opportunity, creative energy, and established studios that can help launch your career. With animation, game design, and visual effects jobs available throughout the state, many residents find they come to the area for college and stay for employment opportunities. That means if you graduate with solid skills, you will find plenty of places to put them to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I study game design in Florida?
A: Yes! The state houses world-ranked universities that have game design programs and can compete with offerings in California and New York.
Q: Are there online game design options available in the state?
A: For students who cannot attend on-campus classes, Florida has options in which an online setup is feasible.
Q: Do the game design programs in Florida lead to job opportunities?
A: Indeed. With renowned universities in game design and well-known gaming companies in the state, there is an endless supply of work.
