Cost of Living.
The average yearly cost of living in california is $64,835
School Options
University of Southern California (USC): Consistently ranked #1, its USC Games program is a collaboration between the School of Cinematic Arts and the Viterbi School of Engineering.
New York University (NYU): The NYU Game Center at the Tisch School of the Arts focuses on game design as a cultural phenomenon and offers a highly collaborative environment.
University of Utah: Known for its Entertainment Arts and Engineering (EAE) program, it offers paths for both artists and engineers with deep research opportunities.
DigiPen Institute of Technology: A pioneer in the field, this Redmond-based school is famous for its rigorous, project-based curriculum and strong ties to nearby Nintendo and Microsoft.
Requirements for education
The University of Southern California (USC) requires a high-level academic performance for admission, with most admitted students ranking in the top 10% of their high school class and boasting a high GPA, often above 3.8. Key requirements include submitting the Common Application, rigorous coursework, test scores (back for 2025–26), and a compelling personal statement, with a 10–12% admission rate.