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

38 Colleges in the United States
$25,685 Avg Student Debt
$59,230 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Game & Interactive Media Design Bachelor's Degree Badge [Game & Interactive Media Design](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/design-and-applied-arts/game-and-interactive-media-design/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 202 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for game & interactive media design students.

What’s on this page:

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

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in game & interactive media design, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Game & Interactive Media Design Schools

1

Our analysis ranked Utah Valley University the best value for a degree in game & interactive media design in the United States. Utah Valley University is a very large public school located in the city of Orem. Students from in state pay about $6,507 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,489. Typical student debt for game & interactive media design graduates is $14,057. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates of Utah Valley University earn a median of $31,888 early in their careers. Set against $14,057 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

West Virginia University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value game & interactive media design schools. West Virginia University is a very large public school located in the city of Morgantown. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $28,608. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, game & interactive media design degree recipients from West Virginia University generally make around $39,847. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%.

3
University Of Utah crest
University Of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT

Students looking for strong value in game & interactive media design will find it at University Of Utah, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates carry a median of $16,344 in student loans. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates of University Of Utah earn a median of $60,527 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,344 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.

4

Indiana University Bloomington is a great value for students pursuing a degree in game & interactive media design, landing the #4 spot this year. Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public school located in the city of Bloomington. Students from in state pay about $12,144 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Students borrow a median of $21,064 to complete the game & interactive media design program here. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates of Indiana University Bloomington earn a median of $26,421 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.

5

A rank of #5 makes University Of Wisconsin Madison one of the best values for game & interactive media design. Set in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Students borrow a median of $20,875 to complete the game & interactive media design program here. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates of University Of Wisconsin Madison earn a median of $49,780 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted.

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Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Bayamon landed the #6 spot for game & interactive media design value this year. Located in the city of Bayamon, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Bayamon is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,780. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates carry a median of $10,051 in student loans. Soon after graduation, game & interactive media design degree recipients from Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Bayamon generally make around $22,810. Set against $10,051 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 40%.

7

Louisiana Tech University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value game & interactive media design schools. Set in the town of Ruston, Louisiana Tech University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,125 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,866. Students borrow a median of $21,513 to complete the game & interactive media design program here. Early-career game & interactive media design graduates make about $29,146. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.

8

California State University Chico came in at #8 for value in game & interactive media design this year. California State University Chico is a large public school located in the city of Chico. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,472, compared with $21,072 for out-of-state students. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates carry a median of $19,047 in student loans. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates of California State University Chico earn a median of $27,573 early in their careers. Set against $19,047 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%.

9

University Of Arizona ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value game & interactive media design schools. Set in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates carry a median of $21,861 in student loans. Soon after graduation, game & interactive media design degree recipients from University Of Arizona generally make around $50,834. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arizona admits about 86% of applicants.

10

University Of Delaware came in at #10 for value in game & interactive media design this year. Located in the suburb of Newark, University Of Delaware is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the game & interactive media design program here. Soon after graduation, game & interactive media design degree recipients from University Of Delaware generally make around $42,585. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.

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University Of California Santa Cruz placed #11 among the best values for game & interactive media design. University Of California Santa Cruz is a very large public school located in the city of Santa Cruz. Students from in state pay about $15,035 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,923. Typical student debt for game & interactive media design graduates is $18,559. Soon after graduation, game & interactive media design degree recipients from University Of California Santa Cruz generally make around $40,920. Set against $18,559 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Santa Cruz admits about 66% of applicants.

12
Arkansas Tech University crest
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR

Arkansas Tech University placed #12 among the best values for game & interactive media design. Located in the town of Russellville, Arkansas Tech University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,674, with out-of-state students paying around $14,668. Typical student debt for game & interactive media design graduates is $28,950. Early-career game & interactive media design graduates make about $20,285. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arkansas Tech University admits about 96% of applicants.

13

Fitchburg State University earned the #13 position for value in game & interactive media design this year. Set in the suburb of Fitchburg, Fitchburg State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,346 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for game & interactive media design graduates is $27,000. Early-career game & interactive media design graduates make about $29,191. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Fitchburg State University admits about 87% of applicants.

14

Harrisburg University Of Science And Technology ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value game & interactive media design schools. Harrisburg University Of Science And Technology is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Harrisburg. In-state tuition and fees average $24,400. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates carry a median of $28,375 in student loans. Early-career game & interactive media design graduates make about $35,098. Set against $28,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%.

15

University Of Wisconsin Stout placed #15 among the best values for game & interactive media design. University Of Wisconsin Stout is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Menomonie. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,701, compared with $19,265 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for game & interactive media design graduates is $27,000. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates of University Of Wisconsin Stout earn a median of $40,615 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.

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Eastern Michigan University earned the #16 position for value in game & interactive media design this year. Set in the suburb of Ypsilanti, Eastern Michigan University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,990. Students borrow a median of $28,781 to complete the game & interactive media design program here. Early-career game & interactive media design graduates make about $38,443. Set against $28,781 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.

17

Villa Maria College earned the #17 position for value in game & interactive media design this year. Villa Maria College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Buffalo. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $28,670. Typical student debt for game & interactive media design graduates is $15,395. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates of Villa Maria College earn a median of $31,909 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,395 median debt. Villa Maria College admits about 87% of applicants.

18
Lindenwood University crest
Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, MO

Lindenwood University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value game & interactive media design schools. Lindenwood University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Saint Charles. In-state tuition and fees average $21,600. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates carry a median of $28,663 in student loans. Soon after graduation, game & interactive media design degree recipients from Lindenwood University generally make around $48,197. Set against $28,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted.

19

Azusa Pacific University came in at #19 for value in game & interactive media design this year. Azusa Pacific University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Azusa. In-state tuition and fees average $44,458. Students borrow a median of $23,709 to complete the game & interactive media design program here. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates of Azusa Pacific University earn a median of $58,302 early in their careers. Set against $23,709 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Azusa Pacific University admits about 88% of applicants.

20

Houston Baptist University earned the #20 position for value in game & interactive media design this year. Houston Baptist University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Houston. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,430. Typical student debt for game & interactive media design graduates is $25,601. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates of Houston Baptist University earn a median of $57,088 early in their careers. Set against $25,601 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Houston Baptist University admits about 84% of applicants.

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Michigan State University crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University came in at #21 for value in game & interactive media design this year. Located in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates carry a median of $28,175 in student loans. Soon after graduation, game & interactive media design degree recipients from Michigan State University generally make around $36,784. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Michigan State University admits about 85% of applicants.

22

Ohio University Main Campus came in at #22 for value in game & interactive media design this year. Ohio University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the town of Athens. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates carry a median of $26,791 in student loans. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates of Ohio University Main Campus earn a median of $24,716 early in their careers. Set against $26,791 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

23

Boise State University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value game & interactive media design schools. Located in the city of Boise, Boise State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,048, compared with $27,788 for out-of-state students. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates carry a median of $28,599 in student loans. Early-career game & interactive media design graduates make about $31,083. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Boise State University admits about 87% of applicants.

24

University Of The Incarnate Word ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value game & interactive media design schools. University Of The Incarnate Word is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of San Antonio. In-state tuition and fees average $37,090. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Game & Interactive Media Design graduates of University Of The Incarnate Word earn a median of $27,986 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.

25
Drury University crest
Drury University
Springfield, MO

Drury University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value game & interactive media design schools. Located in the city of Springfield, Drury University is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $36,745 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,641 to complete the game & interactive media design program here. Soon after graduation, game & interactive media design degree recipients from Drury University generally make around $37,267. That is a strong return on a $26,641 median debt. The acceptance rate is 58%.

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

Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in game & interactive media design:

26
27
Albright College crest
Albright College
Reading, PA
28
29
Peace College crest
Peace College
Raleigh, NC
30
31
32
33
34
35
Webster University crest
Webster University
Saint Louis, MO
36
Depaul University crest
Depaul University
Chicago, IL
37
Biola University crest
Biola University
La Mirada, CA
38
Bellevue University crest
Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE
39
Samford University crest
Samford University
Birmingham, AL
40
41
42
43
44
45
New England College crest
New England College
Henniker, NH
46
47
48
49
50
Champlain College crest
Champlain College
Burlington, VT

Other Game & Interactive Media Design Degree Levels

Explore the best-value game & interactive media design schools at other degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Game & Interactive Media Design
Associate's Degrees in Game & Interactive Media Design
Master's Degrees in Game & Interactive Media Design
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View All Game & Interactive Media Design Rankings >

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Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, 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 38 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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