Best college that won't cost an arm and a leg?

So as some of you saw in my thread yesterday, I want to get into game design. Does anyone know any colleges that are good for this that isn't some $40k tuition a year place? lol It can be anywhere in North America.

Yeah, that's what I'm seeing. You think a major in computer science would be better if I want to get in the industry?

Go to some state college go for computer programming and thats about the same your get with game design

Go to some state college go for computer programming and thats about the same your get with game design

James161324

The only colleges that teach "game design" are crap for-profit colleges that cost way more than they're worth.cd_rom

Solution: Move to Sweden. In Sweden, university pays you. You get like 300~~ usd per month and it don't cost a thing to attend.

Solution: Move to Sweden. In Sweden, university pays you. You get like 300~~ usd per month and it don't cost a thing to attend.

xWoW_Rougex

The University of Advancing Technology has a game design program I've been looking into. It's not too expensive.

But I would suggest going to a community college for your associates and then transferring over. Community colleges are great in my area. Small classes, good teachers, and they aren't expensive. For instance, I'm taking a macroeconomics class at night with only 12 other people and it's only about 150 dollars a credit. This is a three credit class. The teacher is awesome as well and not only throws the book at us, but tells us everything we need to know.

The University of Advancing Technology has a game design program I've been looking into. It's not too expensive.

But I would suggest going to a community college for your associates and then transferring over. Community colleges are great in my area. Small classes, good teachers, and they aren't expensive. For instance, I'm taking a macroeconomics class at night with only 12 other people and it's only about 150 dollars a credit. This is a three credit class. The teacher is awesome as well and not only throws the book at us, but tells us everything we need to know.

airshocker

This. Only problem is a lot of community colleges like mine dont offer computer programming or even engineering majors, but you can just finish all of your general ed. and then transfer. Im taking 2 classes one is 5 credits the other 3 and in total I payed like 500 bucks for everything including books.

[QUOTE="cd_rom"]The only colleges that teach "game design" are crap for-profit colleges that cost way more than they're worth.Diablo-B

Now there are many skills needed in a game development team. You can study programming, graphics, game engines, literature, theater, acting, marketing, business, finance, art design, management, and more. Game development teams require people with many skills. The more of them you can learn, the better for your career. I myself love programming and AI and thats where my focus is. So I got my bachelors in Computer Science and Im currently doing a master's Computer Science with a concentration AI for gaming and game engines. This is one path to go down but not the only one.

Which colleges offer a concentration in gaming?

"I want to get into game design."

Hold up right there. You don't want to get into game design. You want to get into software and teach yourself the basics of video game engines. You'll never get a job with any of those "game degrees" straight into game design. That stuff is for the very veteran game developers. You have to work your way up the ladder.

You would be much better off with a Computer Science degree, some business management stuff, and probably some background in 3D graphical design than a "game design" degree. This way you are giving yourself a real education, not a focused technical degree, and you aren't limiting your jobs.

You have to remember, game designers are often managers. You cannot lead until you have been led. The software degree will give you the best possible concept of what it takes to make software, the business background will help you understand your choices on a business level, and the artistic background will just help you get into the field. Software + art is awesome for any sort of 3D rendering job.

Let's say it all falls out, you decide that software and video games are not exactly what you want, you'll have a 4 year degree with a business background, you could easily get into IT, not direct programming, and have a comfortable life.

Don't limit yourself to those pathetic game design degrees.

A CS degree at a state school would be your best option.

This. Only problem is a lot of community colleges like mine dont offer computer programming or even engineering majors, but you can just finish all of your general ed. and then transfer. Im taking 2 classes one is 5 credits the other 3 and in total I payed like 500 bucks for everything including books.

Jolt_counter119

Exactly, why spend 20k when you can get your general out of the way for like 4-5k? You don't need to specialize in anything until you finish your associate's anyway.

Austin Community College

They have a good program to help you get started. It's only a 2 year degree, but you can transfer and complete a 4 year degree after you finish. Austin has a lot of game companies in the area, and they look at and hire grauduates from this program. Once you get residency in Austin, tuition at ACC is really cheap. I think at most it's $3000 to $4000 a year.

Here's a link to their site.

The only colleges that teach "game design" are crap for-profit colleges that cost way more than they're worth.cd_rom

[QUOTE="cd_rom"]The only colleges that teach "game design" are crap for-profit colleges that cost way more than they're worth.Diablo-B

Now there are many skills needed in a game development team. You can study programming, graphics, game engines, literature, theater, acting, marketing, business, finance, art design, management, and more. Game development teams require people with many skills. The more of them you can learn, the better for your career. I myself love programming and AI and thats where my focus is. So I got my bachelors in Computer Science and Im currently doing a master's Computer Science with a concentration AI for gaming and game engines. This is one path to go down but not the only one.

Yeah, that's what I'm seeing. You think a major in computer science would be better if I want to get in the industry?

razor990