Kansas might actually be more popular for its plains than its gaming scene. However, despite this situation, the state does have notable contributions to the industry. For instance, it features several independent gaming studios, including Adamant Entertainment and Bad Rhino Studios. At the same time, it is home to the Kansas City Game Designers, which is a community consisting of game designers, game enthusiasts, and play testers, who regularly meet to discuss game design topics. Most importantly, it provides aspiring game designers with multiple options of game design schools that offer hands-on learning, industry collaboration, and practical skills enhancement.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in Kansas, 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 Kansas (2026)
University of Kansas
The University of Kansas runs a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Design with a concentration in animation. Specifically, the curriculum highlights coursework that builds foundations in the fundamentals of animation and design thinking. Students also learn techniques of 2D and 3D animation and gain practical experience that underlines character animation, narrative, and world building. Upon graduation, the possible professional roles are animator, game artist, game developer, and more in the field of animation or special effects.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 146 of 14,131
- US ranking: 74 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 88%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $10,000 per year for in-state students to over $28,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Kansas State University
Kansas State University structures a curriculum around an Interactive 3D Application Design undergraduate certificate. In this program, there is a specialized curriculum concentrating on making 3D applications. Moreover, the courses that students will encounter include 3D Animation and Asset Production, Interactive Game and Audio Design, Foundations of Game Engine Design and Development, and more that deliver experiential learning in 3D modeling, animation, and game design. At the end of the program, students will gain essential knowledge and skills for game development, interactive media, and simulation design careers.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 278 of 14,131
- US ranking: 110 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $9,000 per year for in-state students to over $26,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Wichita State University
The Wichita State University lists two pathways to study game design. The first option is a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Media Arts with a concentration in Game Design. With this one, learners explore software such as Maya, Substance 3D Painter, Unreal Engine, and ZBrush in studying character and environment art. Some of the courses are Introduction to Game Design and Level Design. On the other hand, students can choose to take Wichita State’s undergraduate certificate in game design. This alternative helps them acquire computer modeling and coding knowledge. Completing the course positions students to join the job market with assurance.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 884 of 14,131
- US ranking: 237 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $7,000 per year for in-state students to over $17,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Washburn University
Washburn University offers an academic minor in game design that fits well with several major programs. Among the many courses in the curriculum in this interdisciplinary minor are Video Game Design, 2D and 3D Digital Animation, Digital Painting and Drawing, Game Theory and Applications. Furthermore, taking this minor enables students to hone their game design expertise and be equipped with the skills necessary for game industry roles.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 2496 of 14,131
- US ranking: 627 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $9,000 per year for in-state students to over $20,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Newman University – Kansas
The Newman University in Kansas delivers a Game Development program. Also, this offering champions a holistic approach and career-focused learning that allows students to acquire creativity and technical expertise to be pioneers in game design. Likewise, students will learn how to come up with gaming experiences after training in programming, project management, and user experience. Plus, the program provides online courses to cater to students needing scheduling flexibility. Graduates of this program can pursue roles as an animator, game content developer, game producer, and game programmer.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 5764 of 14,13
- US ranking: 1513 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 48%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $9,000 to over $35,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Honorable Mentions: Bethany College – Kansas, Johnson County Community College, and Southwestern College – Kansas.
Why Study Game Design in Kansas?
Game design students in Kansas have the chance to benefit from various advantages, making the state a compelling destination to study game design and build a career. In detail, Kansas champions quality education with several programs focusing on creative, practical, and technological skills. Additionally, the universities in the area boast cost-effectiveness, which makes learning affordable and accessible for more students. On top of these, the tech scene is somehow growing with expansions encouraging innovation and practical training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is studying game design feasible in Kansas?
A: Indeed! There is a decent selection of educational institutions for learning game design in the area.
Q: Which program in the available schools is the most ideal to apply for?
A: One of the strongest dedicated programs in Kansas is the Bachelor of Applied Arts in Media Arts with a concentration in Game Design at Wichita State University.
Q: Are there affordable universities in Kansas?
A: Yes. The state houses schools that have tuition fees as low as $7,000 a year for in-state students, depending on the program selected.
