Best Game Design Schools in Minnesota: Online Programs (2026)

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Minnesota Game Design At a Glance

Metric Detail
Median Game Design Salary $99,961
Salary Outlook Minnesota offers competitive wages for game design professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing Body Minnesota Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation Required Institutional + Regional

Earning an online game design degree in Minnesota offers a flexible path into game design careers. Minnesota offers competitive wages for game design professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a nationally available program, Minnesota students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Game Design Schools in Minnesota

The following schools offer accredited online game design programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Minnesota.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

Ranked by BOC Score — U.S. Dept. of Education outcome data. Advertising never affects rankings.

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#1

Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, MN
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
60.6 BOC Score
Graduation rate 57%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $64,705
Avg net price $16,863/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 70%
  • Programs offered: 62

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Riverland Community College

Austin, MN
  • 2 year
  • Offers a fully online program
59.3 BOC Score
Graduation rate 42%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $45,247
Avg net price $7,427/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 47

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

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#3

North Hennepin Community College

Brooklyn Park, MN
  • 2 year
  • Offers a fully online program
49.7 BOC Score
Graduation rate 26%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $51,142
Avg net price $12,186/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 44

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Minnesota

Game Design professionals in Minnesota experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Minnesota.

Occupation Median Annual Salary (Minnesota)
Software Developers $130,050
Special Effects Artists and Animators $64,990
Graphic Designers $63,860
Web and Digital Interface Designers $82,650
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $101,700
Writers and Authors $72,810
Computer Programmers $107,250
Computer and Information Systems Managers $176,380

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Game Design Degree in Minnesota?

Choosing a program in Minnesota can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Minnesota offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Regional Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the Minnesota economy and job market.


Frequently Asked Questions

Are online game design programs in Minnesota accredited?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Game Design pay in Minnesota compare to other states?

Minnesota offers competitive wages for game design professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Minnesota a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for game design in Minnesota?

The Minnesota Professional Licensing Board oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Minnesota. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


Online Game Design Programs by City in Minnesota

Explore city-level guides with local salary data and school options:

Alexandria · Andover · Apple Valley · Austin · Blaine · Bloomington · Brooklyn Center · Brooklyn Park · Burnsville · Champlin · Chanhassen · Chaska · Coon Rapids · Cottage Grove · Crystal · Duluth · Eagan · Eden Prairie · Edina · Elk River · Faribault · Farmington · Forest Lake · Fridley · Golden Valley · Hastings · Inver Grove Heights · Lakeville · Lino Lakes · Mankato · Maple Grove · Maplewood · Minneapolis · Minnetonka · Monticello · Moorhead · New Brighton · New Hope · Northfield · Oakdale · Owatonna · Plymouth · Prior Lake · Ramsey · Richfield · Rochester · Rosemount · Roseville · Savage · Shakopee · Shoreview · South Saint Paul · Saint Cloud · Saint Louis Park · Saint Paul · White Bear Lake · Willmar · Winona · Woodbury


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