New Jersey has an active and increasingly recognized game design industry. Based on the most recent data, as mentioned by Juego Studios, the state recorded a 13% year-over-year growth in the sector and surpassed $530 million in revenue as of late 2023. It is also home to extensive academic programs across several game design schools that prepare learners for professional careers in game design.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in New Jersey, 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 Jersey (2026)
Rutgers University – New Brunswick
Rutgers University in New Brunswick offers a Game Design Methodology course within the School of Communication and Innovation. In detail, the objective of this course is to enable students to analyze key parts of interactive experiences, design and develop game design ideas, and more. The institution also boasts the Gaming Research and Immersive Design Lab, which is a space for online instructors to improve their expertise in the field and empower their students at a higher level. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have unique opportunities as game designers.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 35 of 14,131
- US ranking: 29 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $13,000 per year for in-state students to over $33,000 per year for out-of-state students.
New Jersey Institute of Technology
The New Jersey Institute of Technology is known for having a game development minor, which consists of tracks, including game production, game programming, and virtual & augmented reality (XR). This academic offering delivers courses like 2D/3D Game Programming, Game Architecture and Design, and Game Design for XR. The university is also a key location for the Global Game Jam‘s Northern NJ sector, which is the largest game creation event that fosters collaboration and improves the technical abilities of game design learners. In line with this, graduates will be best suited for careers in applications in artificial intelligence, digital design, game development, and virtual and augmented reality.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 726 of 14,131
- US ranking: 210 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 73%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $15,000 per year for in-state students to over $33,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Stevens Institute of Technology
Stevens Institute of Technology provides a Bachelor’s in Visual Arts and Technology degree with a game design concentration. In a span of four years, the program works to refine the creative wheelhouse of students. Particularly, the game design track teaches students to create 2D/3D games, examine game design, and explore game design to make meaningful projects. At the end of the program, graduates will have the technical and creative expertise needed to thrive in multifarious roles, such as game designer, graphic designer, and UX/UI designer.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 904 of 14,131
- US ranking: 240 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 43%
- Graduation Rate: 90%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $41,000 to over $58,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Montclair State University
Montclair State University promotes game design education through its Bachelor of Arts in Creative Arts & Technology program with a concentration in Game Design & Development. This option is designed for those interested in how games work, as it focuses on the basics of game design, scripting, storytelling, and hands-on learning. Additionally, the curriculum requires students to take Introduction to Game Design, Digital Game Design, Level Design, and more. Moreover, some alumni find themselves working as an associate motion capture technician, audio engineer, gameplay capture technician, level designer, and narrative designer.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 1034 of 14,131
- US ranking: 272 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 87%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $13,000 per year for in-state students to over $23,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Rider University
Rider University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Game and Interactive Media Design, which has a curriculum consisting of courses such as Intro to Game Studies, Game Design, Game Development, and an Internship in Game Design. Consequently, the goal is to let students explore animation, audio, non-linear narrative, and user experience design to analyze, conceptualize, and produce games. Upon graduation, the roles awaiting students include 3D modeling artist, animator, audio effects developer, game designer, level designer, and visual artist.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 1974 of 14,131
- US ranking: 482 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $18,000 to over $37,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Honorable Mentions: College of New Jersey, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Felician University, and Rowan University.
Why Study Game Design in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, game design students benefit from hands-on labs, creative studios, and projects that emphasize portfolio development. Learners can also count on getting quality education, as schools in the state rank nationally in the specific field. On top of these, its growing economy in the sector and proximity to major tech and media hubs enhances opportunities for students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is New Jersey a strong option for studying game design?
A: Yes, especially because of the many universities present in the region that offer comprehensive game design or related programs.
Q: What is considered the best game design program in New Jersey?
A: New Jersey Institute of Technology’s game design track is one of the top choices in terms of education in the field.
Q: Does New Jersey support distance learning programs?
A: Yes, some universities offer online alternatives. You can check their respective 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.
