New Orleans is widely known as the first city in the United States to host opera. What many people may not realize, however, is that it also hosts game design schools, supporting its developing scene in the field. Even if the selection of universities is not extensive, the available academic programs cover all key essentials for students preparing to build careers in game design and the broader interactive media industry.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in New Orleans, Louisiana, 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 New Orleans, Louisiana (2026)
Tulane University
Tulane University offers a Games & Interactive Media pathway under its Digital Media Practices program. Using an interdisciplinary and experimental approach, students need to complete courses such as VR and Narrative in Games, Experimental Game Design, Personal Data Visualization, Educational Game Design, and Intro to Game Studies. With training in the Unity game engine and JavaScript library p5.js, learners will also get to hone their skills in game creation and coding. Moreover, their senior capstone project requires them to produce interactive games. Finishing this pathway provides graduates with a foundation for careers in game design.
General Information:
- Current ranking in the world: 249 of 14,131
- Current ranking in the United States: 100 of 2,496
- Current ranking in New Orleans: 1 of 9
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 15%
- Graduation rate: 89%
Tuition and fees at Tulane University range from about $61,000 to over $63,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
University of New Orleans
The University of New Orleans’ Bachelor of Science in Computer Science allows students to select a Game Development concentration. In detail, the highlights of this program are the multiple areas of study, namely: agile software engineering, artificial intelligence, audio, game design, graphics, and physics. Enrolled students can expect to master design patterns, algorithms, industry-standard tools and software, and team-based methods. There will also be a capstone game project for portfolio purposes. Meanwhile, those who prefer online courses will thank the university, as it hosts an online course focusing on game design, game development, and programming. Overall, these options open pathways into various careers in the gaming industry.
General Information:
- Current ranking in the world: 1011 of 14,131
- Current ranking in the United States: 267 of 2,496
- Current ranking in New Orleans: 2 of 9
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 67%
- Graduation rate: 43%
Tuition and fees at the University of New Orleans range from about $6,000 per year for in-state students to over $10,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Loyola University New Orleans
Loyola University New Orleans presents two structured programs relevant to game design, as it lacks a standalone option. First, students can apply for a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with Game Programming. Specifically, the curriculum features core courses like Computer Graphics, Data Structures & Algorithms, Introduction to Programming, and Programming Languages. For broader education, they can also choose from electives, such as Game as Art, Making Games, and more. Second, a bachelor’s degree with an Interactive Design concentration is also available. It explores the role of user experience and user interface design in making noteworthy experiences. The main career paths of graduates of each program are game programmer and UI/UX designer, respectively.
General Information:
- Current ranking in the world: 1916 of 14,131
- Current ranking in the United States: 470 of 2,496
- Current ranking in New Orleans: 4 of 9
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 88%
- Graduation rate: 67%
Tuition and fees at Loyola University New Orleans range from about $20,000 to over $45,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Honorable Mentions: Delgado Community College and Dillard University.
Why Study Game Design in New Orleans, Louisiana?
Aside from New Orleans being a great city, for its operatic and cultural firsts, the universities in the area ensure that learners have access to multiple game design pathways. All of which prepares them by giving them a broad perspective on game creation. In addition, the city and the state of Louisiana, in general, are home to game studios like inXile Entertainment, which provide career options for every graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I study game design in New Orleans?
A: Yes, it is definitely possible to learn game design in this area, thanks to universities with relevant programs.
Q: What is the best game design program in the city?
A: The closest choice to a standalone game design program is the Game Development concentration offered at the University of New Orleans.
Q: Are there online game design training options in the area?
A: Institutions such as the University of New Orleans and Dillard University provide online video game design training courses.
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.
