Best College for Aspiring Video Game Designers?

Dreaming of designing video games for a living, so I'm on the lookout for the best colleges for video game design. Which programs are known for preparing students well for the industry and offer great career paths?

From the perspective of a college admissions counselor, I can say there are a handful of schools that have especially strong video game design programs. Some of the best colleges for video game design in the United States include the University of Southern California, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), and Carnegie Mellon University.

The University of Southern California is well-known for possessing one of the top video game design programs. It has a great placement rate within the industry, and the program offers several specializations, including coding, animation, storyline development, character design, and more.

RPI is another school that is extensively recognized for its programs in video game design. It has a Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences (GSAS) major which is a comprehensive, rigorous program that blends the breadth of the liberal arts with the depth of technical understanding and creative artistry.

Carnegie Mellon University ranks high with its Bachelor of Computer Science and Arts (BCSA) program that highlights an interdisciplinary approach, combining studies in arts and computing.

While college reputation plays a significant role, remember that a school that provides comprehensive coursework, hands-on experience, and good career placement services could be the right fit, even if it's not traditionally seen as one of the "top-tier" for game design. It's equally important to consider factors such as class size, faculty ratios, the availability of internships or research opportunities, and state-of-the-art facilities when weighing your options.

So, while these schools are revered for their programs, don't forget to consider other factors important to your individual needs and aspirations when choosing a college.