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North Carolina Game Design At a Glance
| Metric |
Detail |
| Median Game Design Salary |
$99,685 |
| Salary Outlook |
North Carolina offers competitive wages for game design professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. |
| Primary Licensing Body |
North Carolina Professional Licensing Board |
| Accreditation Required |
Institutional + Regional |
Earning an online game design degree in North Carolina offers a flexible path into game design careers. North Carolina 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, North Carolina students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.
Online Game Design Schools in North Carolina
The following schools offer accredited online game design programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in North Carolina.
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:
BOCSCORE
- 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.
Graduation rate
66%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$55,146
Avg net price
$15,739/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Key stats
- Retention rate: 82%
- Programs offered: 165
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
Acceptance rate
75%
Graduation rate
72%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$61,389
Avg net price
$38,707/yr
TuitionIn‑state$45,312
Out‑of‑state$45,312
Key stats
- Retention rate: 85%
- Programs offered: 69
Source:Accreditor: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges · IPEDS · College Scorecard
Graduation rate
37%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$34,195
Avg net price
$6,448/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
Career Outlook and Salaries in North Carolina
Game Design professionals in North Carolina 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 North Carolina.
| Occupation |
Median Annual Salary (North Carolina) |
| Software Developers |
$134,710 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators |
$88,350 |
| Graphic Designers |
$58,450 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designers |
$97,990 |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers |
$100,390 |
| Writers and Authors |
$63,660 |
| Computer Programmers |
$81,070 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers |
$172,860 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Why Pursue an Online Game Design Degree in North Carolina?
Choosing a program in North Carolina can provide several advantages:
- In-State Tuition: Many public universities in North Carolina 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 North Carolina economy and job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are online game design programs in North Carolina 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 North Carolina compare to other states?
North Carolina offers competitive wages for game design professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes North Carolina a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.
What is the primary licensing board for game design in North Carolina?
The North Carolina Professional Licensing Board oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in North Carolina. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.
Online Game Design Programs by City in North Carolina
Explore city-level guides with local salary data and school options:
Apex ·
Asheboro ·
Asheville ·
Boone ·
Burlington ·
Carrboro ·
Cary ·
Chapel Hill ·
Charlotte ·
Clayton ·
Clemmons ·
Concord ·
Cornelius ·
Durham ·
Elizabeth City ·
Fayetteville ·
Forest City ·
Fuquay-Varina ·
Garner ·
Gastonia ·
Goldsboro ·
Greensboro ·
Greenville ·
Havelock ·
Henderson ·
Hickory ·
High Point ·
Holly Springs ·
Huntersville ·
Indian Trail ·
Jacksonville ·
Kannapolis ·
Kernersville ·
Kill Devil Hills ·
Kinston ·
Laurinburg ·
Lincolnton ·
Lumberton ·
Matthews ·
Mint Hill ·
Monroe ·
Mooresville ·
Morehead City ·
Morrisville ·
New Bern ·
Pinehurst ·
Raleigh ·
Roanoke Rapids ·
Rockingham ·
Rocky Mount ·
Salisbury ·
Sanford ·
Shelby ·
Smithfield ·
Statesville ·
Thomasville ·
Wake Forest ·
Wilmington ·
Wilson ·
Winston-Salem
Browse Other States
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