Despite not having the massive AAA studio presence of other states, Ohio still positions itself as an appealing location for breaking into game design. Currently, it only has a few independent companies, such as Blackfoot Studios and Flipline Studios. However, that is not where its strength lies. The Buckeye State’s main contribution to the field is its array of game design schools with dedicated game design programs and courses.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in Ohio, 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 Ohio (2026)
Ohio State University
Ohio State University, within its College of Arts and Sciences, offers a Game Studies minor, which offers Introduction to Game Design and Intermediate Game Design courses. With these, students will be able to understand games from different perspectives. The introductory course teaches them about game design principles, while the intermediate course allows learners to explore computer games and experiential media design concepts. The courses will also give students the chance to create games and develop working prototypes, respectively. At the end of the program, graduates will be qualified for roles in game design.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 23 of 14,131
- US ranking: 18 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 51%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $11,000 per year for in-state students to over $40,000 per year for out-of-state students.
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati administers a bachelor’s degree program in Games & Animation. The curriculum will be taught by award-winning multimedia artists and industry veterans who focus on a hands-on approach in studying the art of animation and the world of game design. Specifically, courses will include Game Tools, Introduction to 3D Animation, Introduction to Game Design, Intermediate Animation, Intermediate Game Design, and much more. Moreover, the school aims to provide students with a competitive program that produces visionary artists prepared to contribute as animators, game artists, game designers, game producers, game testers, gameplay programmers, narrative designers, and many more.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 171 of 14,131
- US ranking: 78 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 88%
- Graduation Rate: 72%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $11,000 per year for in-state students to over $28,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Kent State University
Kent State University delivers a Bachelor of Science degree in Animation Game Design. In this program, learners can expect to acquire conceptual understanding, problem-solving skills, and technical competency in animation, game design, and modeling. The coursework also ensures that students will learn how to animate assets and elements, and the role of 2D/3D model creation and the design process of game environments. Completion of the program guarantees students a professional-quality portfolio to land roles, including animator, character technical artist, drafting technician, game designer, level designer, quest gameplay designer, and more.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 439 of 14,131
- US ranking: 139 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 87%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $12,000 per year for in-state students to over $23,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Miami University – Oxford
Miami University in Oxford houses a Bachelor of Science in Games + Simulation, which helps students create and interpret games. Additionally, game art, game design, and game development will be the areas of focus. The curriculum will also include courses like Introduction to Game Studies, Introduction to Game Design, Intermediate Interaction Design and Development, Game Prototyping, Pipeline and Production, and more. Furthermore, the program will open up career opportunities in 3D modeling, creative development, game design, and game development.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 566 of 14,131
- US ranking: 174 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 82%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $13,000 per year for in-state students to over $36,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Ohio University
Ohio University is known for its Bachelor of Science in Virtual Reality and Game Development offering. This program includes courses like Foundations of VR and Game Design, Digital Game Design: Concepts, and Game Development courses in its comprehensive curriculum. Upon graduation, students can pursue roles in the gaming field at major companies, including Activision/Blizzard, Bungie, EA, Ubisoft, Unity, and Walt Disney Company & Imagineering.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 2230 of 14,131
- US ranking: 551 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $13,000 per year for in-state students to over $24,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Honorable Mentions: Bowling Green State University, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland State University, Columbus College of Art & Design, Franklin University, Heidelberg University, Shawnee State University, and Stark State College.
Why Study Game Design in Ohio?
Ohio is a great place to study, thanks to its numerous renowned schools that offer game design programs. The Buckeye State is also known for academic excellence and independent game development. At the same time, you will be somewhat close to East Coast states that do have a good number of notable game development companies, publishers, etc. The lower cost of living can also make a difference if you are looking for a first-rate education but do not want to pay several thousand dollars just for room and board alone. To give you an idea, living in Ohio is less expensive than in Massachusetts and California.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I study game design in Ohio?
A: Yes. In fact, it is home to several of the best universities for video game design in the entire country.
Q: What is the best game design program in the state?
A: One of the top choices for a game design program is the Animation and Game Design bachelor’s degree program at Kent State University.
Q: Is it possible to learn game design through an online format in Ohio?
A: Among many others, Franklin University offers an online video game design course.
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.
