Rhode Island has a flourishing presence in the game design industry. In particular, the growth is primarily driven by top-tier education and training programs provided by game design schools in the state, rather than a concentration of AAA game studios. Nonetheless, there are independent studios based in the area, such as Drool LLC. On top of these, it also has a growing community in the field, specifically the Rhode Island chapter of the International Game Developers Association, which consists of a group of individuals interested in creating games.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in Rhode Island, 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.
Three Game Design Schools in Rhode Island (2026)
Brown University
Brown University delivers a Systems Thinking and Principles of Game Design course within its pre-college programs. It is a two-week, on-campus offering that allows students to delve into game design, human cognition, and systems thinking. Throughout the course, students will learn how to design and analyze games, apply the principles of game design to multiple disciplines, and utilize systems thinking. At the same time, for learners who want hands-on experience, the Brown RISD Game Developers organization creates video game projects every semester. Learners who complete the program can pursue a dedicated game design degree in college, which would then lead to professional careers in the industry.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 76 of 14,131
- US ranking: 49 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 5%
- Graduation Rate: 96%
Tuition and fees at the school are about $65,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Rhode Island School of Design
The Rhode Island School of Design allows students to study game design through its Continuing Education department. One of the main courses in the program is Start Designing Games, which aims to train students in applying game design principles to prototypes, developing stories and challenges, using game engines, and more. Moreover, some of the other program streams include 3D Character Modeling, Art of the Game, Board Game Design, and Video Game Level Design. Meanwhile, the school also provides a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Film/Animation/Video, which focuses on honing the skills of students in using the tools to execute their creative vision. Both options lead to careers in various areas of game design.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 2488 of 14,131
- US ranking: 624 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Master’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 14%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
Tuition and fees at the school are about $58,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
New England Institute of Technology
The New England Institute of Technology lists two ways to pursue game design education. The first one is an associate degree in Video Game Design, which enables students to learn 2D/3D animation, game design, and software tools within 18 months. The other route is the Bachelor of Science in Video Game Design degree. In this 36-month program, learners will develop advanced skills in 2D/3D asset creation, game analytics, game design, and UI/UX design. In terms of possible career paths, the associate degree opens doors to becoming an animator, character designer, game designer, and game tester, while the bachelor’s degree leads to becoming a 2D & 3D game asset creator, environment artist, game level designer, video game designer, and UI/UX designer.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 5843 of 14,131
- US ranking: 1534 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $15,000 to over $33,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Honorable Mentions: Community College of Rhode Island, Johnson & Wales University, Rhode Island College, and the University of Rhode Island.
Why Study Game Design in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island offers access to top-ranked programs, functional facilities, and experienced faculty. In addition, the fact that the state is the smallest in the union means that students can benefit from smaller class sizes. Most importantly, both the full-pledge and non-dedicated game design programs at universities map directly to professional roles in the gaming industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Rhode Island have game design education offerings?
A: Yes, the state is home to universities that deliver degree programs and relevant coursework for game design.
Q: What game design program should I take in Rhode Island?
A: Some of the top choices are the associate and bachelor’s degree programs at New England Institute of Technology.
Q: Is there an online setup available in the state to study game design?
A: Yes. You can opt for an online game design course at the Community College of Rhode Island.
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.
