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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Game & Interactive Media Design Schools

53 Colleges in the United States
$20,062 Avg Student Debt
$51,449 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Game & Interactive Media Design Badge [Game & Interactive Media Design](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/design-and-applied-arts/game-and-interactive-media-design/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong game & interactive media design education at a price that pays off.

College Factual analyzed 202 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value game & interactive media design schools.

What’s on this page:

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Finding the Best Value Game & Interactive Media Design School for You

The right game & interactive media design school can pay off for years to come. To help, we created our Best Value Game & Interactive Media Design Schools ranking. It weighs the cost of a degree against the outcomes graduates go on to achieve, so you can find the strongest return on your investment.

Read more about our methodology

Customize Your Rankings

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we offer several rankings, including this Best Value Game & Interactive Media Design Schools list, to help you choose. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

Associate's Degrees in Game & Interactive Media Design
Bachelor's Degrees in Game & Interactive Media Design
Master's Degrees in Game & Interactive Media Design
Doctorate Degrees in Game & Interactive Media Design

To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.

See how we build our rankings

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2026 Best Value Game & Interactive Media Design Schools in the United States

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the game & interactive media design degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value Game & Interactive Media Design Schools

1
Moorpark College crest
Moorpark College
Moorpark, CA

For return on investment in game & interactive media design, no school beat Moorpark College this year. Moorpark College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Moorpark. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,426, while out-of-state students pay about $9,615. Students borrow a median of $17,075 to complete the game & interactive media design program here. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates of Moorpark College earn a median of $105,599 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Irvine Valley College earned it the #2 place for game & interactive media design. Located in the city of Irvine, Irvine Valley College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,156, compared with $11,860 for out-of-state students. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates carry a median of $6,672 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,156. Set against $6,672 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3
College Of The Canyons crest
College Of The Canyons
Santa Clarita, CA

Students looking for strong value in game & interactive media design will find it at College Of The Canyons, which ranked #3. College Of The Canyons is a very large public school located in the suburb of Santa Clarita. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,166, compared with $10,958 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,776 to complete the game & interactive media design program here. Soon after graduation, game & interactive media design degree recipients from College Of The Canyons generally make around $51,913. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

A rank of #4 makes San Diego Mesa College one of the best values for game & interactive media design. Located in the city of San Diego, San Diego Mesa College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,146, compared with $10,002 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for game & interactive media design graduates is $6,999. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates of San Diego Mesa College earn a median of $29,852 early in their careers. Set against $6,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

5

A rank of #5 makes Hinds Community College one of the best values for game & interactive media design. Hinds Community College is a large public school located in the rural area of Raymond. In-state tuition and fees average $4,250, while out-of-state students pay about $7,300. Students borrow a median of $16,385 to complete the game & interactive media design program here. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates of Hinds Community College earn a median of $34,003 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

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6

Central Piedmont Community College placed #6 among the best values for game & interactive media design. Set in the city of Charlotte, Central Piedmont Community College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,792, with out-of-state students paying around $8,936. Typical student debt for game & interactive media design graduates is $11,861. Early-career game & interactive media design graduates make about $30,979. That is a strong return on a $11,861 median debt.

7

Santa Rosa Junior College earned the #7 position for value in game & interactive media design this year. Located in the city of Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa Junior College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,318, compared with $11,308 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,692 to complete the game & interactive media design program here. Soon after graduation, game & interactive media design degree recipients from Santa Rosa Junior College generally make around $80,047. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

8

Pasadena City College earned the #8 position for value in game & interactive media design this year. Set in the city of Pasadena, Pasadena City College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,180, while out-of-state students pay about $10,924. Typical student debt for game & interactive media design graduates is $9,191. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates of Pasadena City College earn a median of $38,841 early in their careers. Set against $9,191 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

9

Cuyahoga Community College District landed the #9 spot for game & interactive media design value this year. Set in the city of Cleveland, Cuyahoga Community College District is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,249, with out-of-state students paying around $7,249. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates carry a median of $11,795 in student loans. Early-career game & interactive media design graduates make about $22,517. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

10

Fayetteville Technical Community College earned the #10 position for value in game & interactive media design this year. Fayetteville Technical Community College is a large public school located in the city of Fayetteville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,628, while out-of-state students pay about $8,772. Students borrow a median of $16,909 to complete the game & interactive media design program here. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates of Fayetteville Technical Community College earn a median of $40,584 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

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11

Pima Community College came in at #11 for value in game & interactive media design this year. Located in the city of Tucson, Pima Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,442, while out-of-state students pay about $7,758. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates carry a median of $10,655 in student loans. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates of Pima Community College earn a median of $40,977 early in their careers. Set against $10,655 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

12
Diablo Valley College crest
Diablo Valley College
Pleasant Hill, CA

Diablo Valley College earned the #12 position for value in game & interactive media design this year. Diablo Valley College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Pleasant Hill. In-state tuition and fees average $1,312, with out-of-state students paying around $10,320. Students borrow a median of $9,205 to complete the game & interactive media design program here. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates of Diablo Valley College earn a median of $27,813 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,205 median debt.

13
Palomar College crest
Palomar College
San Marcos, CA

Palomar College landed the #13 spot for game & interactive media design value this year. Palomar College is a very large public school located in the suburb of San Marcos. Students from in state pay about $1,354 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,650 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $42,300 ten years out.

14

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College came in at #14 for value in game & interactive media design this year. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Valdosta. In-state tuition and fees average $3,480, with out-of-state students paying around $6,048. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates carry a median of $10,864 in student loans. Early-career game & interactive media design graduates make about $40,452. That is a strong return on a $10,864 median debt.

15

West Georgia Technical College placed #15 among the best values for game & interactive media design. Set in the rural area of Waco, West Georgia Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,410, compared with $5,978 for out-of-state students. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates carry a median of $12,651 in student loans. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates of West Georgia Technical College earn a median of $39,922 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

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16

Wayne Community College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value game & interactive media design schools. Set in the city of Goldsboro, Wayne Community College is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,566, compared with $8,710 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for game & interactive media design graduates is $5,500. Soon after graduation, game & interactive media design degree recipients from Wayne Community College generally make around $33,116. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt.

17

Miami Dade College came in at #17 for value in game & interactive media design this year. Set in the city of Miami, Miami Dade College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,838, while out-of-state students pay about $9,661. Typical student debt for game & interactive media design graduates is $11,967. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates of Miami Dade College earn a median of $30,466 early in their careers. Set against $11,967 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

18

Mercer County Community College placed #18 among the best values for game & interactive media design. Located in the rural area of West Windsor, Mercer County Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $5,310 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,174. Students borrow a median of $12,250 to complete the game & interactive media design program here. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates of Mercer County Community College earn a median of $45,389 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

19
Long Beach City College crest
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CA

Long Beach City College earned the #19 position for value in game & interactive media design this year. Set in the city of Long Beach, Long Beach City College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,556, while out-of-state students pay about $12,544. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates carry a median of $6,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $38,870 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

20

Wake Technical Community College earned the #20 position for value in game & interactive media design this year. Located in the suburb of Raleigh, Wake Technical Community College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,254, with out-of-state students paying around $6,862. Typical student debt for game & interactive media design graduates is $13,414. Early-career game & interactive media design graduates make about $32,153. That is a strong return on a $13,414 median debt.

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21

Muskegon Community College earned the #21 position for value in game & interactive media design this year. Set in the city of Muskegon, Muskegon Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,250, compared with $16,010 for out-of-state students. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates carry a median of $14,928 in student loans. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates of Muskegon Community College earn a median of $48,267 early in their careers. Set against $14,928 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

22

Cuny Hostos Community College placed #22 among the best values for game & interactive media design. Set in the city of Bronx, Cuny Hostos Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,254, compared with $8,134 for out-of-state students. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates carry a median of $9,007 in student loans. Soon after graduation, game & interactive media design degree recipients from Cuny Hostos Community College generally make around $12,863. Set against $9,007 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

23

Raritan Valley Community College came in at #23 for value in game & interactive media design this year. Located in the rural area of Branchburg, Raritan Valley Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,664, while out-of-state students pay about $7,584. Typical student debt for game & interactive media design graduates is $9,668. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates of Raritan Valley Community College earn a median of $47,248 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,668 median debt.

24
Montgomery College crest
Montgomery College
Rockville, MD

Montgomery College placed #24 among the best values for game & interactive media design. Located in the city of Rockville, Montgomery College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,394, while out-of-state students pay about $14,250. Typical student debt for game & interactive media design graduates is $11,230. Early-career game & interactive media design graduates make about $24,833. That is a strong return on a $11,230 median debt.

25
Foothill College crest
Foothill College
Los Altos Hills, CA

Foothill College earned the #25 position for value in game & interactive media design this year. Located in the suburb of Los Altos Hills, Foothill College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,565, while out-of-state students pay about $12,590. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates carry a median of $11,595 in student loans. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates of Foothill College earn a median of $94,152 early in their careers. Set against $11,595 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Game & Interactive Media Design Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s game & interactive media design value ranking:

26
Salt Lake Community College crest
Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake City, UT
27
Lanier Technical College crest
Lanier Technical College
Gainesville, GA
28
29
Yavapai College crest
Yavapai College
Prescott, AZ
30
31
32
33
34
Stark State College crest
Stark State College
North Canton, OH
35
36
37
Pitt Community College crest
Pitt Community College
Winterville, NC
38
39
40
Los Angeles City College crest
Los Angeles City College
Los Angeles, CA
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
University Of Utah crest
University Of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT
48
Western Kentucky University crest
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY
49
50
Gwinnett Technical College crest
Gwinnett Technical College
Lawrenceville, GA

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View All Rankings >

Explore other best-value rankings in majors related to Game & Interactive Media Design. Browse the parent area of study.

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 202 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 53 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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