Seattle is one of the best game design cities in the state of Washington. Several game design schools here offer industry-aligned programs and coursework, making it a prime destination for aspiring game designers. At the same time, the city has a deep industry presence due to several gaming companies in the area.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in Seattle, Washington, 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 Seattle, Washington (2026)
University of Washington
The University of Washington offers a certificate program in game design, which mainly helps students transform their passion for gaming into a professional career. It is divided into three quarters, with one course each: Fundamentals of Game Design (Q1), Game Mechanics & Systems Design (Q2), and Game Studio Roles & Development (Q3). To give a glimpse of what students can expect, they will explore game systems, game genres, and more, while benefiting from hands-on experience by producing a game design document and a game prototype. This pathway is ideal for students interested in having careers in game design and game development.
General Information:
- Current ranking in the world: 10 of 14,131
- Current ranking in the United States: 8 of 2,496
- Current ranking in Seattle: 1 of 11
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 43%
- Graduation rate: 84%
Tuition and fees at the University of Washington range from about $11,000 per year for in-state students to over $40,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Seattle University
Seattle University administers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Art at its South Lake Union campus. In this four-year program, the curriculum features critiques, guest lectures, portfolio development, and workshops to enhance the skills of students in game design, programming, storytelling, interactive media, and 2D/3D art. The university facilities, such as the VR/AR studios, digital workstations, game development labs, and a motion capture studio, also enable extensive learning. Likewise, this program ensures that students become proficient in industry software and game creation. The possible career roles for graduates upon completion include technical artist, level designer, game producer, game designer, game artist, character artist, and animator.
General Information:
- Current ranking in the world: 544 of 14,131
- Current ranking in the United States: 166 of 2,496
- Current ranking in Seattle: 2 of 11
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 76%
- Graduation rate: 73%
Tuition and fees at Seattle University range from about $15,000 to over $53,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
North Seattle College
North Seattle College supports game design education through an online course. This syllabus focuses on practical skills, covering C# Programming, Game Development Mathematics, Game Modeling and Texturing, Unity Game Engine Foundation, and Advanced Unity Game Development. Two of the primary learning outcomes are proficiency in programming languages and the ability to design and create PC games. Once the online course is completed, students have the chance to start their careers in game design and development.
General Information:
- Current ranking in the world: 4750 of 14,131
- Current ranking in the United States: 1237 of 2,496
- Current ranking in Seattle: 5 of 11
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Bachelor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Graduation rate: 32%
Tuition and fees at North Seattle College are over $4,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Honorable Mentions: Academy of Interactive Entertainment – Seattle, Seattle Film Institute, and South Seattle College.
Why Study Game Design in Seattle, Washington?
Seattle’s game design universities emphasize project-based learning and portfolio-ready work that aligns with actual career expectations. More than this, it is a creative innovation center with strong ties to game studios, such as 8 Circuit Studios, Aggro Crab Games LLC, Double Down Interactive LLC, and many more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Seattle offer game design education for aspirants?
A: Yes. In fact, it has many universities that cater to students interested in being experts in the field.
Q: What game design program is considered the best in the city?
A: One of the top choices for game design is the certificate program at the University of Washington.
Q: Are there universities in the city that provide online alternatives?
A: Yes. Online game design programs are available at the University of Washington and North Seattle College.
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.
